Glass ExoTerra Drainage FIX...pic warning

[Pure]

Pic Warning: New Bottom build

I don't know if any one has done this yet or not. But I had to do SOMETHING about the drain situation in my Veild's enclosure. I was going through paper towels like I had some weird addiction. So yesterday I made a trip to the hardware store for 2 10' 2/4s and 1 8' 1/2.

After giving it some thought I decided that glass bottom could go. So I used one of mans most advanced glass removal tool available.

A light tap and..

This was the tricky part. I managed to not get cut. (kids don't try this at home)

The glass peeled right out from the silicone. I didn't need to cut it as long as the piece I was removing wasn't too big. For the bigger ones I just hit them again with the hammer. Safety Glasses are a good idea.

I wanted to be able to remove the new bottom from the doors and not have to take everything off of the top. So I cut 4 pieces of 1/2s 17 1/2"s by 15(ish)" Into lengths with 45 degree angles at the end. I placed them together and the stapled the seam on both sides. Then repeated this for all 4 sides until I came out with this. Note: I'm not going to finish this with paint or any other finish. It won't matter. He won't be in this home but for maybe 2-3 months any longer and it would need to be protected from moisture.

I have plenty of left over 1/2" sq PVC hardware cloth, so I used that for my new bottom. Cut to fit then stapled in place.

But I really would like to "try" and keep crickets in here, so I took another piece of hardware cloth and put it in place making sure it was 1/4" offset.

Fine mesh screen would be easier, but hey this was free.

I used the 2 2/4s to build a stand to get the enclosure off of the dog box and to have give me a place to put the drain bin.

Later as budget permits I will panel out the sides and make it look much better. But for now this works and works well. Chaca seems to like it now that he is up to or over eye level. (I'm tall )

I forgot to mention. The space left by making this small enough to fit through the doors was completely filled by cutting a piece of scrap 1/2 and dropping it into place. The Cham could definitely get out if I didn't do this.

Overall I'm happy with it. It does the job and allows things to dry out better. It's still no comparison to a screened enclosure, but it's better.

 

[jannb]

Is that a glass cage? It's going to be hot soon in Jax and you are going to need a screen cage so you don't burn him up or a tree for free range. Jann

 

[Pure]

Yep, all glass. well it "was" all glass.

Heat problems? 8 ton AC unit begs to differ lol. And if power goes out..back up genny. Yeah I wouldn't dream of putting him outside in a glass cage. But thanks for the heads up.

Seriously we keep it a cool 74 during the day and 67-68 at night. Since getting the mellers I've been slowly trying to cut it back more and more at night. I'm waiting to see how low it can go before getting yelled at. >: )

I made this post because it's a simple solution to a very big problem with glass terrariums. I thought some of the members with the same issues could make use or at least get some ideas.

 

[Champhibians]

Have you ever used a glass drilll bit before? I just drill holes in all my glass tanks for my frogs, and run tubing out. Might be a little eaiser.

 

[kinyonga]

Champhibians...any advice on drilling the holes? How big of a bit do you use?

 

[ChamNovice]

Have you ever used a glass drilll bit before? I just drill holes in all my glass tanks for my frogs, and run tubing out. Might be a little eaiser.

I also do the same thing, then just hot glue aluminum screen to the underside. You can then glue a small funnel to it also if you neeed more precise drainage control. I just did this to my Exoterra yesterday. To get the hot glue to stick better to the glass use a dremel or similar too with one of the stone bits that comes in the kit and lightly rough up the area where you will apply the hot glue. You can also use aquarium sealent to attach the screen, it sticks to the glass very well also.
Here's a couple pics:

Champhibians...any advice on drilling the holes? How big of a bit do you use?

You can get them in a lot of sizes, the bits I use are 45mm, not sure what that is in inches, but that hole size fits my 1 1/2" bulkheads I use for aqaurium drainage perfectly. Do a search on Youtube for "Drilling glass" you will have plenty of results. I was going to make a "How-to" video, and post it there, but there are already enough of them. Also you cannot drill tempered glass, it will shatter.

A tip... patience, it takes a little time to drill through glass, and not a lot of pressure, just let the bit slowly do its work. Also, start drilling from the inside of the cage/aquarium, you will have just a small amount of "chip out" on the exit side of the hole, makes for a cleaner look if you start from the side than can be seen. You need to have cool water flowing over the hole as you cut it as well.

You can find the bits cheaply on EBAY just search for "Diamond hole saw bit" or "glass hole saw bit" if you don't plan on doing it very often, I spent about $45/bit for the 2 that I have, but that's not necessary.

 

[Pure]

I didn't want to drill it because this way all but takes care of any "stale air" issues from lack of ventilation. I wanted this to be better for the Cham and me alike.

I found a bin large enough that drainage control isn't an issue. Wallyworld 18"/30" low tub with lid. $8.00

 

[SliK JiM]

Looks like a good idea, although, it definitely wont keep crickets in! They'll be through those gaps in no time! You'll need a finer mesh if you want to keep them in.

 

[Pure]

Indeed they can. If he didn't cup feed I wouldn't have used that mesh. Eh..I figure If some do escape at least they will meet a watery grave instead of running all over my house.

 

[Champhibians]

Champhibians...any advice on drilling the holes? How big of a bit do you use?

I use up to an inch bit depending on what I need it for. I put a peice of scrap glass underneath for support. Put a ring of silly putty around where the hole will be. Then fill the ring with water, and then I start with a 1/8in bit and work my way up. And just keep what your drilling wet or it will crack. If you want I can do a dyi on it with pics.

 

[Dean Pulcini]

What a wast you could of sold the tank and bought a nice screen enclosure and have money left over for shipping.

 

[Chris Anderson]

What a wast you could of sold the tank and bought a nice screen enclosure and have money left over for shipping.

Not to mention that it isn't going to be large enough for an adult male veiled anyway. I love those tanks and am always watching craigslist for them...shame...

Chris

 

[Pure]

No not a waist. The future plans are to house something else and unless I'm mistaken. Bout the only herp that is "supposed" to live in those type of settings are amphibians. And I don't plan on ever keeping any of those.

So now tell me how this is ruined? Hell I'm wondering why doesn't it come like this to begin with.

 

[Pure]

Not to mention that it isn't going to be large enough for an adult male veiled anyway. I love those tanks and am always watching craigslist for them...shame...

Chris

Reading is fundamental. Or did your negative thoughts cloud your ability to do so?

Thanks all for the comments but really, why must people chime in on this to let me know they don't like it. I really don't recall asking. If you can use this, great. If not move along.

Ya know I'm a little perturbed by the negative comments made. There are a LOT of new members on here dealing with the exact issues as I was with this. I would be willing to bet they bought theses things for their chams to live in only to find out now it isn't the best. Those are the people who this was for. So if you can't offer ways to improve this or why it doesn't work, stop being post whores.

 

[jannb]

Not trying to be negative only trying to help you or rather your little guy. Chameleons need air and ventilation. I live in FL. In fact I use to live in Jacksonville. I have veileds and I would never put my guys in a glass enclosure.

 

[Chris Anderson]

No not a waist. The future plans are to house something else and unless I'm mistaken. Bout the only herp that is "supposed" to live in those type of settings are amphibians. And I don't plan on ever keeping any of those.

So now tell me how this is ruined? Hell I'm wondering why doesn't it come like this to begin with.

Unfortunately your assumption stems from the rampant misunderstanding of why glass is typically not recommended for housing chameleons. Before these enclosures came out a year or so ago, the only glass enclosures available in the US were fish tanks. Fish tanks are not good enclosures for reptiles because they do not promote airflow throughout the entire enclosure. The only source of airflow is the top which does little to allow airflow in the bottom of the enclosure. This encourages the buildup of stagnant air, bacteria and fungus.

These enclosures, however, have vents in the front below the door in addition to the screen tops which creates airflow much like a chimney in a house. The stagnant air rises out the top and sucks fresh air in through the lower vents. This creates complete airflow through the rest of the enclosure and makes it an excellent habitat for a lot of reptiles. I keep Rhampholeon in these enclosures very successfully and they are great for geckos and a number of other herps.

Unfortunately now it is not longer able to hold feeders or substrate which is important for most other reptiles and amphibians. It was totally your decision to make, I just think its a shame is all.

Chris

 

[Chris Anderson]

Reading is fundamental. Or did your negative thoughts cloud your ability to do so?

What did I fundamentally misunderstand from your post? You attempted to modify your veiled cage to make it drain better which I said was a shame because in doing so I feel you damaged an amazing cage and ultimately didn't change the fact that the cage will be too small for you veiled once it gets larger.

Thanks all for the comments but really, why must people chime in on this to let me know they don't like it. I really don't recall asking. If you can use this, great. If not move along.

Ya know I'm a little perturbed by the negative comments made. There are a LOT of new members on here dealing with the exact issues as I was with this. I would be willing to bet they bought theses things for their chams to live in only to find out now it isn't the best. Those are the people who this was for.

If people are going to consider using this, they should also consider the down sides of doing so. As such, when other members don't like something, saying so and explaining it helps those other individuals who may be looking for ideas decide what is best for them.

So if you can't offer ways to improve this or why it doesn't work, stop being post whores.

Coming from someone with 5.64 posts per day, thats a little ironic but anyway...My improvement recommendation for other considering this: These are great cages for certain things. They are too small for adult veiled chameleons. Before you destroy a great cage, sell it on craigslist and make more money off doing so then it will cost you to buy an appropriate screen cage that won't need modifications.

This was your call to make but if you post it on a forum, people are going to give their thoughts. If you don't like it, you probably should not interact with people in a public place.

Chris

 

[Pure]

There are literally only a handful of herps that need substrate. Most of them are not suited to life in something this small.

If you would stop freaking out because I took a hammer to something that has monetary value, you might go read my original post. I mention a smaller screen would make this build easier. So again I fail to see how this is ruined? For my situation it works fine if you are worried about feeders then just use a smaller screen. Jeez

Bottom line, your post was not needed. So thanks.

Jann..PM sent. I wasn't directing that at you. Sorry if you thought I was.

 

[Chris Anderson]

There are literally only a handful of herps that need substrate. Most of them are not suited to life in something this small.

Actually, I disagree. While there may be a lot of species that do not need substrate to survive in captivity, there are many that do or do better with it, regardless of what form it may be in (dry/wet papertowel, moss, soil, sand). Further, there are a large number of species that would do very well in an enclosure this small. Ultimately, its all depends on the species.

If you would stop freaking out because I took a hammer to something that has monetary value, you might go read my original post. I mention a smaller screen would make this build easier. So again I fail to see how this is ruined? For my situation it works fine if you are worried about feeders then just use a smaller screen. Jeez

Out of curiosity, since we've clearly established that this enclosure is too small for an adult veiled chameleon, I'm curious what other animal you plan on keeping in this enclosure when you have to get a larger cage for the cham?

Chris

 

[jojackson]

Exo-terra enclosures are great for small geckos, small skinks, fossorial species such as legless lizards aswell. Akin to using an oxy torch to cut the roof off your car because its sunny today, you dont need it. Just my thoughts.
I thought of doing the same, but built a timbre and screen enclosure instead, much cheaper, result I wanted, size I wanted, and my geckos enjoy the exo-terra instead.