That's awesome man. I wish you built an sold these cus I'd most deff buy one! Definitely one of the best enclosure build videos I've come across on here so far.
Any way you could give a complete parts list for these? With all the heating stuff including. I have 2 8’ red tails and I just got my first retic so I’m looking to build something like this in the near future and I really like your design. Anyway you could email me a supplies list and dimensions? Maybe a set of instructions as well I would even pay pal you money for a set of prints/instructions/supplies list. I think a lot of people would
Plywood is much better than melamine (pressed particle wood). Plywood is stronger, and believe it or not actually a little bit lighter than melamine. Plywood also doesn't deteriorate like melamine does on the side cuts if liquid or moisture gets in it. Melamine is quite a bit heavier than plywood, as I stated earlier and not nearly as strong. If plywood is properly sealed with 2-3 coats of water-based marine varnish. It is far superior to melamine. Not trying to be bossy, but I'm in the construction industry, and I know this is fact.
James Apple it will be 2 sheets 4x8 melamine,box of 1 1\4 screws, 1 tube liquid nail, 1 tube od silicone or caulking, 3 2x2 that are 8ft, and white paint and a 2x6 for the center brace.
Dylan Trenhaile hi buddy another way to do it without a dato would be a router and a bit to make the channel would be good that is my next tool to get a router table to cut my channels I did it once and it turned out good so I hope that helps.
If you can get most of the cuts done at Lowe's or home Depot it will make it alot easier then just half to drill and screw together. And don't doubt yourself
@@snakeguy86 thanks! U make it look easy. Hopefully I can find someone to help me out. My retic is quickly outgrowing her enclosure and I think something like this would be perfect!
what screws are best for melamine? i hear certain ones will split it easily.. also would i need to add more supports if i plan on putting a heavy 4 foot glass tank on top of it ya think? i plan on attempting to make 8ft like your video.
Redboa23 I use normal wood screws at 1 in a half in long but any screw will break melimine pre drill all your holes. And yes they support alot of weight I have 3 stacked and big heavy snakes in them buddy.
Is there any particular reason that on the bottom track you dado two tracks..1 for each peice of glass and on the top track you dado just one large track instead of 1 track for each peice of glass? Wouldn't that cause the glass to either rub together at the top or just not remain stable and just wobble when sliding it?
7goldie77 the reasoning for it was the bottom track is shallow to dado so there is alot of material still there with the top track having to be deeper that thin strip in the middle usually breaks really easy.
7goldie77 yes they do wobble at the very top and rub but it doesn't hurt anything makes it easy to slide the doors on one of my cages it is dado the same on the top with a center in it and it is a pain to open and close at times.
Yes brother it can bow if it gets wet for long and if to much weight is put in the center I haven't had that problem with any of my cages but center support is very critical and not to have a span no more then 4 feet without one.
This guy is so good at making reptile cages, it all crazy when shops sell it at £200 and he basically built it under £100. Do you keep these or sell it after.
No Face as u can see I build them for me and I still got 3 more 8 ft cages to build to update my old retic cages and I built a rack but got to build a adult rack for the big ball pythons.
Luie Martinez there is a lot of small boas only the bcc locality are the big boas but do lots of ur research on the different ones and see which one will best suit u buddy. all our boas are happy in 4 ft cages but don't have any bcc boas.
Cheaper and way my efficient for the reptile community to buy a low income company cage that breeders sell on the sides. But I’m not hating this is creative asf, maybe U should sell em
I thought about selling but the cost of shipping is alot and I was happy to show how simple of a build it is for people to do and thanks for enjoying the video.
Pexi glass scratches over time really bad. It also flexes unless you use at least 3/8 thick. And it is WAY MORE EXPENSIVE than glass; which is easier to clean.
Yes it does scratch and I'm using 1/4 it is doing fine and where I am at it was close to price as glass and I'm not a glass fan I've broke doors when cleaning.
Just wanted comment and say that you seem like a cool dude.
Thank you I think I am.
4sho that kind of money can make more then 1
That's awesome man. I wish you built an sold these cus I'd most deff buy one! Definitely one of the best enclosure build videos I've come across on here so far.
David Wright right on I am happy that the build came out good and u like it buddy
Thank you so much for this video it's loads of help
koffingliveson u are welcome I am happy I can help give a good cost effective way to build a cage.
Awesome video, thank you :)
Ambrea Jackson you are welcome buddy glad u liked the video.
Will heat bulbs be alright for melamine? Thinking of building it like this
My old set up had heat bulb in it works but got to make a cage around it so the snake cant get to it
those are some good looking cuts. lol
Lawrence Davis that they are buddy
Are you able to share the materials list and how you did all this?
Any way you could give a complete parts list for these? With all the heating stuff including. I have 2 8’ red tails and I just got my first retic so I’m looking to build something like this in the near future and I really like your design. Anyway you could email me a supplies list and dimensions? Maybe a set of instructions as well I would even pay pal you money for a set of prints/instructions/supplies list. I think a lot of people would
Awesome work man. Looks like super good quality
I can make a video of a parts list for my cage builds and rack builds and I will get on working on it soon for u.
Redstrom Reptiles awesome man thank you! Keep up the good work. Really enjoy your video
Thank you very much and u are welcome.
Do the encloser hold humidity
Yeah if u use a substrate like coco block or any of the coconut products
I would really like a list of all your measurements and what screws you used. I've been making mine from plywood and that gets much more expensive.
Plywood is much better than melamine (pressed particle wood).
Plywood is stronger, and believe it or not actually a little bit lighter than melamine.
Plywood also doesn't deteriorate like melamine does on the side cuts if liquid or moisture gets in it.
Melamine is quite a bit heavier than plywood, as I stated earlier and not nearly as strong.
If plywood is properly sealed with 2-3 coats of water-based marine varnish. It is far superior to melamine.
Not trying to be bossy, but I'm in the construction industry, and I know this is fact.
how long do these enclosures last you?
Can home depot dado the track? How deep is each track?
No they can't dado but u can get already made track
Would love a parts list if you have it. this is great!
James Apple it will be 2 sheets 4x8 melamine,box of 1 1\4 screws, 1 tube liquid nail, 1 tube od silicone or caulking, 3 2x2 that are 8ft, and white paint and a 2x6 for the center brace.
Hi james,
what would you suggest the easiest ways to get the groves into the wood for the plexiglass without that beast you have? Thanks
Dylan Trenhaile hi buddy another way to do it without a dato would be a router and a bit to make the channel would be good that is my next tool to get a router table to cut my channels I did it once and it turned out good so I hope that helps.
Ugh, I'm going to have to build one of these and I can barely hang a picture frame on the wall..
If you can get most of the cuts done at Lowe's or home Depot it will make it alot easier then just half to drill and screw together. And don't doubt yourself
@@snakeguy86 thanks! U make it look easy. Hopefully I can find someone to help me out. My retic is quickly outgrowing her enclosure and I think something like this would be perfect!
Yeah some help would help and it is easy just don't look at it as being complicated.
Whats the overall price on materials?
It was about 160 to build not including the heat tape and thermostat
Much appreciated thank you
You are welcome brother
what kind of wood did u use
romeo200776 melamine
wow thank you for the video. Needed help looking for cage materials
Jay's Reptiles u are welcome and I get most of my supplies at Lowe's the acrylic at Port plastics and heat tape on line.
Is it best to use melamine or plywood for big enclosures? I need to build two 6ft cages very soon.
Yeah the melamine is good for cost effective but if u can get pvc sheets where you live the cage will lats longer.
@@snakeguy86 what's your opinion on plywood?
Plywood is good but to seal it is what is best for it that way moisture don't rot it.
@@snakeguy86 That's what I will do. I sealed a current cage made from plywood cabinets. Your build videos, can I apply that technique to plywood?
Yes u can apply the same thing with plywood
is just one brace in middle in front and one in back enough support to prevent melamine from bowing?
I just have the 2x6 brace in the front the hole back is the is a brace but if u wanted can also but a brace in the back as extra support.
what screws are best for melamine? i hear certain ones will split it easily.. also would i need to add more supports if i plan on putting a heavy 4 foot glass tank on top of it ya think? i plan on attempting to make 8ft like your video.
Redboa23 I use normal wood screws at 1 in a half in long but any screw will break melimine pre drill all your holes. And yes they support alot of weight I have 3 stacked and big heavy snakes in them buddy.
would this work for a savannah monitor or will the humidity warp the wood because its partical beard
kelsie taylor I will work the melimine has a laminate on it just half to caulk the seems to water proof it.
What type of paint should I get for this cage u made in the video. I'm going to build one for my 11 foot red tail and my 14 foot retic.
Taylor Hagen I used Glidden indoor high gloss white it was a grab and go can at Walmart
Is it safe?
And where is the best place to buy the sheets of melamine
Taylor Hagen yes it is just let it dry and since it not paint all of it just the end spots it drys quick I let them sit for 24 hours before using them
Im not getting it from the video. what were the measurements of the top and bottom, back and sides?
Lani Wade the top and bottom are 97 inches x 30 inches. The back is 97 inches x 19 inches. The sides are 29 1/4 inches x 19 inches.
James Redstrom 'preciated
Lani Wade welcome
Is there any particular reason that on the bottom track you dado two tracks..1 for each peice of glass and on the top track you dado just one large track instead of 1 track for each peice of glass? Wouldn't that cause the glass to either rub together at the top or just not remain stable and just wobble when sliding it?
7goldie77 the reasoning for it was the bottom track is shallow to dado so there is alot of material still there with the top track having to be deeper that thin strip in the middle usually breaks really easy.
Redstrom Reptiles does it cause your acrylic to rub together at the top and does it cause the acrylic to wobble in the top track with it being so big
7goldie77 yes they do wobble at the very top and rub but it doesn't hurt anything makes it easy to slide the doors on one of my cages it is dado the same on the top with a center in it and it is a pain to open and close at times.
Redstrom Reptiles got it...thanks
7goldie77 u are welcome buddy
Do i need to water proof it if im going to use it for a black and white tegu?
How do i water proof it?
I've got a 8 by 3 by 3 foot enclosure and my blck nd White tegu does fine without waterproofing it
Dragon Den did you use melamine?
does this cage sag when stacked with 2 16 to 18ft retics ?
retic lol I haven't had a problem with them sagging and right now I have 3 oh them stacked up and still work good.
if i make a 6 foot tank do i still put a middle beam in the middle im not stockiing anything on it
romeo200776 it would be good to but a middle support in even if not stacking the melimine will sag over time.
How do you waterproof a melamine cage?
I just use silicone and seal up all the seems.
@@snakeguy86 Does melamine bow? I'm looking to buy one but heard that it warps.
Yes brother it can bow if it gets wet for long and if to much weight is put in the center I haven't had that problem with any of my cages but center support is very critical and not to have a span no more then 4 feet without one.
@@snakeguy86 I appreciate the info. The seller didn't waterproof it so I'm a little skeptical... they used it for bearded dragons.
This guy is so good at making reptile cages, it all crazy when shops sell it at £200 and he basically built it under £100. Do you keep these or sell it after.
No Face as u can see I build them for me and I still got 3 more 8 ft cages to build to update my old retic cages and I built a rack but got to build a adult rack for the big ball pythons.
james redstrom damn, that is crazy, i just need to find the right size cage for my iguana
would this work for tegus too?
Cesar Torres yes it can work but a little more floor space would be good for them instead of 3ft 4 would be good.
james redstrom alright thanks
Cesar Torres u are welcome buddy.
How think is the melimin
Luie Martinez it is built out of 3/4
James Redstrom hey so what are all the dimensions
Luie Martinez 8ft x30x15
how much did this cost in all
Luie Martinez all in total without heat tape and our thermostat was $120.00
Okay thank u very much I getting a red tail and when it gets big I going to build one
Luie Martinez yea that's cool they are awesome
Yeah I only 13 and I getting one
Luie Martinez there is a lot of small boas only the bcc locality are the big boas but do lots of ur research on the different ones and see which one will best suit u buddy. all our boas are happy in 4 ft cages but don't have any bcc boas.
Cheaper and way my efficient for the reptile community to buy a low income company cage that breeders sell on the sides. But I’m not hating this is creative asf, maybe U should sell em
I thought about selling but the cost of shipping is alot and I was happy to show how simple of a build it is for people to do and thanks for enjoying the video.
How much does it cost you tor buy the materials for it
Lightingsnake it's within the 150 to 160 range but then the heating and thermostat is not included in the cost.
James Redstrom alright thank you for telling me because I'm got a job so I will be building my snakes cages
Lightingsnake right on glad it helped and have fun building ur cage and send a pic when done.
Pexi glass scratches over time really bad. It also flexes unless you use at least 3/8 thick. And it is WAY MORE EXPENSIVE than glass; which is easier to clean.
Yes it does scratch and I'm using 1/4 it is doing fine and where I am at it was close to price as glass and I'm not a glass fan I've broke doors when cleaning.
The lighting here is amazing. Also, love how you make every sentence sound like a question. 🙄
Thank you