New cage

[lysinlight87]

Neelix is growing faster than anticipated so we thought about getting him a big boy cage at the weekend (he's now 4.5 months, give or take a week.)

I've decided to get him an extra tall glass exo-terra (90 x 45 x 90 cm/36” x 18” x 36” (WxDxH)). I've decided on glass so that it's easier to maintain humidity and temperature, as UK is cold most of the time. I'm open to replacing the front panels with a screen if necesary.

I would like to get some sort of drainage system in place so the bottom doesn't get flooded but as the bottom is glass I'm stuck for ideas. Does anyone have any suggestions?

I was also wandering what diameter branches I should get him?

 

[camimom]

personally, evenw ith being in the UK, i would do screen and get a 2x2x4 foot cage as that is a male veiled.

 

[lysinlight87]

I'll keep it in mind, I know that some people cover up a couple of sides with plastic sheets to keep in the heat & humidity, so I could do that. I just worry that'll I'll have a hard time keeping the conditions right for him.

We plan to put it next to the radiator (but not touching-there's 15/20 cm gap), with the thinking that it'll help keep his cage the right temperature on winter nights.

 

[Wykd]

You should be fine with a screen 2x2x4 if you have a little do it yourself ability.

Go buy some thin acrylic sheets from a hardware store. This is basically thin plexiglass/lexan but cheaper than actual lexan and more durable than plastic sheets. Buy some ge II mold resistant silicone also.

Most hardware stores in us sell the sheets in actual 2x4 size and thats very convenient. You only need 2 of these 2x4 sheets.

After you assemble the screen enclosure silicone 1 sheet to the length of the back wall on the outside. Make sure to get it all around and really good at the bottom. That way you have no leaks from misting water running down the acrylic.

Now cut the 2nd sheet in 1/2 so you have 2 2x2 sheets. And silicone them on the lower part of the sides. Seal up the sides and bottom really good. The top does not matter as its across the screen itself.

You now have a hybrid enclosure and when you mist no water will get out the back or sides and will run down to the tray and go into your drain setup. This will help your humidity management big time. I have one done this way in a fairly cool room that has ac run all the time. Room stays 72 degrees basically and is very dry because of the AC. Well my humidity stays on avg 60% and peaks to the 80% range after i mist.

Hope the idea helps some, its just a more permanent solution over the plastic sheets/shower curtains and if you paint the back it hides the cords for lights ettc and looks nicer imo.

 

[lysinlight87]

Thanks, it sounds really good. I'm just concerned because the ambient room temperature in the winter can fall as low 60 during the day, unless the we keep the heating running, which could prove costly. Might have to think about the ceramic heater mentioned by someone a while ago to make it work.
Definitely getting some good ideas though

 

[lysinlight87]

lol my boyfriend is now thinking about getting him 2 cages- one for winter & ones for summer! This is getting pricey lol

 

[Wykd]

Have him goto hardware store and by the screen framing and aluminum screen, hinges/screws, etc.. and build the cages. Could build 3 2x2x4 for cost of 1 retail I am told. I plan to make some myself, once the one out in the garage is in use.