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 #2066611


Piper83
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 Cage design program?

Does anyone know if there is a good program out there to help design cages? It oesnt have to be great I am just terrable at drawing and would like to get an Idea on "paper" before I start building my newest cage system. Im thinking stackable melomine boxes? Free programs are prefered lol

Also if anyone has ideas how to heat melomine boxes that would be great too. I use heat bulbs now but Im looking to see if there are alternatives.

Thanks!
09/02/09  10:05am

 #2069827


Cphill58
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   Message To: Piper83   In reference to Message Id: 2066611


 Cage design program?

Piper,

I have melamine boxes for snakes and blue tongue skinks...what critter are you keeping?? And how hot do you want to get??

Cp
09/09/09  12:57pm

 #2069858


Piper83
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   Message To: Cphill58   In reference to Message Id: 2069827


 Cage design program?

Im keeping boas and ball pythons in them. I got a deign that I did build I just had to modify it by cutting a hole in the floor and covering it with plexi so i could use flex watt. Im picking up the thermostat today so they should be moving tonight or tomorrow. Does it sound like Im doing it right?
09/09/09  01:58pm

 #2069874


Cphill58
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   Message To: Piper83   In reference to Message Id: 2069858


 Cage design program?

I can’t tell from the text (description) a picture would be very helpful ... but I am sure you asked and got instructions somewhere... it’s a basic thing.

To run flex watt inside or outside is the question. I prefer outside... Just make sure the snake can not get under an edge of the flex watt and get behind it ...or directly in contact with it. Cover it securely even if you have to caulk it / silicone it down on the edges... and apply a thin covering of (lots 0f options) something ...melamine...plexi....door skin...(a thin wood)

Can you post a pic.
09/09/09  02:34pm

 #2069920


Piper83
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   Message To: Cphill58   In reference to Message Id: 2069874


 Cage design program?

Its not the greatest shot of it because its on its side but the hole in the bottom is where the plexi is going to go with the flex watt. The glass doors were also removed while it was airing out

Just have to clean out the saw dust and get the heat done and its the new home for my boa



09/09/09  04:08pm

 #2072619


Bgj1010
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   Message To: Piper83   In reference to Message Id: 2069920


 Cage design program?

Isnt it ideal to use both types of heat for almost all species of snake? Referring to an under tank type (flexwatt or UTH pad) as well as a basking lamp? I know they dont NEED light, but I heard the under tank heating only brings the enclosure about 5 degrees above room temp. The lamps add ambient (air) warmth.
Just wondering, cuz I’m planning on building a similar enclosure and getting a Corn Snake. I was gonna have a metal screen on top over the warm zone, just about the same size as a dome fixture, and the bottom would have the UTH mounted to a sheet of plexi the same size as the floor, placed on top of the existing floor. I wonder if a sheet of actual glass would be better, as it would handle and exchange the heat better. I still have concerns...
09/16/09  06:41pm

 #2072762


Cphill58
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   Message To: Bgj1010   In reference to Message Id: 2072619


 Cage design program?

Nice pic Piper...that’s great , yes I see it clearly now....thanks

BGj... I like both types and try to give both ... sometimes the overhead lighting is all you need and emulates the sun better than the actuall heat pad...the arguments are quite convincing, I agree with lamps over all snakes , if possible ....in addition to UTH/ heat tape.

But I can get UTH temps 15-20 over ambient ...easily..
09/17/09  01:28am


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