Hi all,
I'm "expecting" to get a new Bredli sometime in the next two months - most likely something between a hatchling and juvenile depending on what pops up on offer online or at the upcoming Reptile Expo here in Brisbane (my 10yo is dyyying to get one). Last snake i had was ~ 30 years ago in the US (ball python), so have been out of touch with all things snake setup. However I do like a bit of DIY, so after some reading I've come up with a design that I think ticks all the boxes; HOWEVER, I would love to get some feedback on the overall design and layout in case I have overlooked something, or if there is a better way of doing it. Attached are some schematics.
The short of it is:
1) Build a timber two-tier table frame with spare wood.
2) Snake enclosure will be in bottom tier, with PVC foam board (~10-18mm thick, closed cell) as the walls. Fixing together will be with screws and PVC glue (the stuff you use on PVC pipes - does wonders for this sort of material when I used it to make some halloween costume armour!). Then fill in the corners with silicone to seal the gaps.
3) Front door will hinge down, and will be a single long sheet of acrylic (~4.5mm thick) that is recessed in a PVC board frame, with integrated aluminium frame around the inside of the PVC edging.
4) I'll either have the PCV sheets supported by the table frame, or incorporate aluminium bars in the corners and across the spans.
5) I put in an additional height on the cool side for it to stretch out vertically - but I suppose I could do without it too. It is nice though and fits well in the overall design that leaves space for the heating light on the "low" side.
So some questions that I was wondering about:
1) Ventilation - is the design of having a big vent area at the top of the high side sufficient, or do I also need some on the sides (like around the hot side). I expect the PVC foam to be very good at keeping the heat in if that is a factor.
2) Is the PVC glue and silicon gap sealer ok to use once it is fully cured and aired out?
3) LED lights - just standard white light, or is there a better option?
4) Heating setup - ok to just have the heat pad/cable connected to the thermostat? (I already have one like that). I would monitor the ambient air and basking rock temps manually.
5) Heat lamp: better to have a seperate heat and UV-B lamp, or an all-in-one like a mercury vapour one?
6) Would it be ok to have the heating cable inside the enclosure as long as it is under a rock or some substrate? I was entertaining the thought of using fine sand given it is easy to clean and works well with the natural environment look I am going for.
7) my plan for the back and sides was to use that builder's expanding foam to sculpt and paint rock "faces" and ledges (with some internal supports) while keeping the weight light. Same question as #2 - will it be safe for my future snake in terms of off-gassing?
8) Will a large tank such as this one be an issue if I get a very young snake?
Thank you for taking the time to look this over and any comments!
I'm "expecting" to get a new Bredli sometime in the next two months - most likely something between a hatchling and juvenile depending on what pops up on offer online or at the upcoming Reptile Expo here in Brisbane (my 10yo is dyyying to get one). Last snake i had was ~ 30 years ago in the US (ball python), so have been out of touch with all things snake setup. However I do like a bit of DIY, so after some reading I've come up with a design that I think ticks all the boxes; HOWEVER, I would love to get some feedback on the overall design and layout in case I have overlooked something, or if there is a better way of doing it. Attached are some schematics.
The short of it is:
1) Build a timber two-tier table frame with spare wood.
2) Snake enclosure will be in bottom tier, with PVC foam board (~10-18mm thick, closed cell) as the walls. Fixing together will be with screws and PVC glue (the stuff you use on PVC pipes - does wonders for this sort of material when I used it to make some halloween costume armour!). Then fill in the corners with silicone to seal the gaps.
3) Front door will hinge down, and will be a single long sheet of acrylic (~4.5mm thick) that is recessed in a PVC board frame, with integrated aluminium frame around the inside of the PVC edging.
4) I'll either have the PCV sheets supported by the table frame, or incorporate aluminium bars in the corners and across the spans.
5) I put in an additional height on the cool side for it to stretch out vertically - but I suppose I could do without it too. It is nice though and fits well in the overall design that leaves space for the heating light on the "low" side.
So some questions that I was wondering about:
1) Ventilation - is the design of having a big vent area at the top of the high side sufficient, or do I also need some on the sides (like around the hot side). I expect the PVC foam to be very good at keeping the heat in if that is a factor.
2) Is the PVC glue and silicon gap sealer ok to use once it is fully cured and aired out?
3) LED lights - just standard white light, or is there a better option?
4) Heating setup - ok to just have the heat pad/cable connected to the thermostat? (I already have one like that). I would monitor the ambient air and basking rock temps manually.
5) Heat lamp: better to have a seperate heat and UV-B lamp, or an all-in-one like a mercury vapour one?
6) Would it be ok to have the heating cable inside the enclosure as long as it is under a rock or some substrate? I was entertaining the thought of using fine sand given it is easy to clean and works well with the natural environment look I am going for.
7) my plan for the back and sides was to use that builder's expanding foam to sculpt and paint rock "faces" and ledges (with some internal supports) while keeping the weight light. Same question as #2 - will it be safe for my future snake in terms of off-gassing?
8) Will a large tank such as this one be an issue if I get a very young snake?
Thank you for taking the time to look this over and any comments!
