Pick My Next Project

[ChamNovice]

I am going to build the larger enclosure for my chameleon instead of buying, I just want the custom look. I have (2) options as far as base cabinets, and (1) option to turn a display case into an enclosure, but build the base cabinet. I want everyones opinions on what my next project should be. I will document the build with photos on another thread when I start this project within the next month or so.

Option 1:
Base cabinet size
19"D X 48"W X 30"H I would be building a 60"H enclosure on top of this, for a total height of 90". Enclosure size would be 19"D X 48"W X 60"H possibly made to split in half for a second enclosure(for the next chameleon, I am sure I have to have another already). Looking forward to your replies.

Option 2:
Base cabinet size
19"D X 54"W X 20"H I would be building a 72"H enclosure on top of this, for a total height of 92". Enclosure size would be 19"D X 54"W X 72"H also possibly made to split in half as the previous option.

Option 3:
Different than the first 2
Enclosure size
22"D X 34"W X 66"H I would be building a base cabinet of 24" for a total height of 90". No option to split this enclosure in half like the other 2.

Ok..... I have added a 4th option

Build a corner unit similar to the one in post #8
The 2 back sections of the triangle would be 33" I would build a base cabinet of at least 30" and a cage 52" tall on top of the base cabinet. No option to split in half like the first 2.

 

[summoner12]

They seems like goo projects. I would just say they are a bit tall for my taste. Just remember the bigger the enclosure that more to clean more bugs can be lost... just more to deal with. If you wanna give him height I would make the cabinet taller.

I also think what you'll find is that your cham will roam a lot... but will also spend a lot of time in only a few places. It really depends on the cham though. I have a panther who patrols the entire cage and I have two veileds that just sit up high and watch the room.

 

[ChamNovice]

He currently roams all over the place, but he does have a few favorite places he hangs out in. I do want them that tall for the extra height. It's not really feasible to increase the height of the base cabinets. I can always decrease the enclosure height. I'm only 5'8" so anything over 6' and he'll be above me anyway. I just like the idea of the large enclosures. Sort of like peoples larger outdoor setups. The bug loss isn't really a main concern of mine, he has caught on and taken to cup feeding very well.

 

[sandrachameleon]

I think bigger is better, in terms of cages

 

[ChamNovice]

I do too, just wondering which project everyone would like to see built. I can only do one currently, I may do the others later if this chameleon thing turns into an obsession.

 

[ChamNovice]

No other opinions huh??

 

[Chamero]

I like option two. Mostly because of the depth. This way youll be able to add more plants, creating a dense jungle...

Another thing you may want to consider though is instead of making the height 92" make the length 92" and just have the whole cage elevated to the 6ft level. Im thinking even though youll be providing him with all this cage, he will mostly only utilize the upper portion. If the length was 92" and the whole cage was just at the 6ft level, he will utilize the whole 92" of length and think hes up higher. Anyway, just a thought, dont know if thats possible due to space issues.

 

[Ice]

I want to builed something like this!!!

 

[ChamNovice]

I like option two. Mostly because of the depth. This way youll be able to add more plants, creating a dense jungle...

Another thing you may want to consider though is instead of making the height 92" make the length 92" and just have the whole cage elevated to the 6ft level. Im thinking even though youll be providing him with all this cage, he will mostly only utilize the upper portion. If the length was 92" and the whole cage was just at the 6ft level, he will utilize the whole 92" of length and think hes up higher. Anyway, just a thought, dont know if thats possible due to space issues.

I am bound on depth and width by the base cabinet size, I cannot change the sizes of the base cabinets, they are existing cabinets I am converting. The cage on option 2 is the stated width and depth and height would be
72". The very top of the entire setup would be 92" from the floor, not off the base cabinet.
So, the cage would start 20" off the floor, and extend to 92" off the floor.

 

[ChamNovice]

I want to builed something like this!!!

That is the basic idea I will be going for, just more rectangular in shape.

 

[laurie]

I want to builed something like this!!!

That cage is awsome, build 2 and drop one up here to Montana, just a short drive from your place, just Interstate 15 north, and north and north.......