bmartin0352
Member
Has anyone taken 2 XLs, kept the middle panels out and joined the enclosures to create a 48” enclosure before? I would think this is possible with some gusseting and bracing with some aluminum. Thoughts?
Joining 2 Reptibreeze XLs to Make 1 Enclosure
- Thread starter bmartin0352
- Start date
ElliotG
Chameleon Enthusiast
FramsChams has done this for their mellers chameleon. So it is definitely possible. Depends on what species of Cham you want.
bmartin0352
Member
I have a male veiled cham.
Keep your frame intact... Just pull the middle screen where they connect. Get some metal joining plates with the screw holes. And 1/4 inch self tapping screws... Use these to hook them frame to frame.
Dragon strand sells the drip pans for their large atriums this would work for you for joining two 2x2x4 cages as well.
Dragon strand sells the drip pans for their large atriums this would work for you for joining two 2x2x4 cages as well.
Sonny13
Chameleon Enthusiast
@MissSkittles has done it recently, see her thread about it https://www.chameleonforums.com/threads/hammlet’s-double-wide.183563/
bmartin0352
Member
Ok, I think I can improve on that. Thank you.
MissSkittles
Chameleon Enthusiast
You can probably do much better than I did. I’m limited by being a small older woman, no help and small space to work.
I used my old crappy ReptiBreezes for the centers where I tore the screen out and used the smallest hinges I could find to attach the two together. Joining plates were just a bit too big and I wasn’t up for crafting something on my own. I considered using Gorilla glue to attach them, but may in the future want to separate them again. I had made and attached faux backgrounds, so they are heavy. Lacking help to lift the enclosures, I had to work on them while elevated on their shelves. I wasn’t able to attach a hinge to the tops, so just wired them together. My shelves fit them perfectly, will also helps keep them together. As I had already fallen off my step stool and banged myself up pretty good, I wasn’t in the mood for getting out the tall ladder to attach the top hinges and tempting the fates. While far from perfect, I’m pleased enough with my results as are my male chams.
I used my old crappy ReptiBreezes for the centers where I tore the screen out and used the smallest hinges I could find to attach the two together. Joining plates were just a bit too big and I wasn’t up for crafting something on my own. I considered using Gorilla glue to attach them, but may in the future want to separate them again. I had made and attached faux backgrounds, so they are heavy. Lacking help to lift the enclosures, I had to work on them while elevated on their shelves. I wasn’t able to attach a hinge to the tops, so just wired them together. My shelves fit them perfectly, will also helps keep them together. As I had already fallen off my step stool and banged myself up pretty good, I wasn’t in the mood for getting out the tall ladder to attach the top hinges and tempting the fates. While far from perfect, I’m pleased enough with my results as are my male chams.
bmartin0352
Member
Please don’t take the comment about improving on your design negative. In fact, it’s a great job and just what I needed to start with detailing the plans. From a structural stand point I’m thinking I can brace everything to really make the framing which is already flimsy a bit more rigid. Your faux sides are awesome and I definitely want to incorporate them. Did you just do the expanding foam deal there?
MissSkittles
Chameleon Enthusiast
Unless you were to come right out and say my enclosures totally suck, I take no offense at all. Lol
The ReptiBreeze are super flimsy and I had many moments where I was just tempted to throw in the towel and go into debt for a couple of Dragon Strands.
I made the faux sides with egg crate light diffuser panels, expanding foam, Plasti Dip and coco coir. So the foam wouldn’t puff out too much though the back, I also put some light landscaping fabric on the back. I only took a few pics of the process, but if they can be of help, here you go.
bmartin0352
Member
Well just bought two XLs off of FB Marketplace so stay tuned 
