Molded drip tray
- Thread starter Vegas Chad
- Start date
dodolah
Retired Moderator
I happen to have an extra one here so ill try to take a nap in it today... Im kind of a big guy (6'-220lb) so I might need an XXXL cage to give me enough room for a proper temp gradient... Im also a desert type of person so I need care close to that of a Veild... Hmmmm I guess I am just an oversized veild!
HAHAHA!
Don't worry, Chad. I have a space next to my veiled chameleon.
I will put a dark curtain in between you and him, just in case you guys are not getting along.
Also, I think Jason's big enchilada system is good enough to mist 2 cages. That will take care the humidity.
Vegas Chad
Avid Member
Nowwwww just to I am on the same page. Are you saying that you want the cage to be lifted up, like a riser in the tray iself. Orrrr lift the tray and cage up...
LaserGecko
New Member
What ya'll can't see in that picture is the molded recess in the middle for a drainage bulkhead. If it was elevated or better yet, on a wire rack, drainage is simple.
This was only a quickly made "check to see how it fits on the cages" prototype. It's actually made out of scrap styrene that he had on the shelf. If it works, we may get an even better deal on that material until it runs out.
The cool part about vacuum forming is that the depth of the part is pretty much irrelevant to the material that's used. Eventually you will get to a "stretch it too thin" point, but not at the depths we're doing.
scott313, what do you mean by "spacers"?
This was only a quickly made "check to see how it fits on the cages" prototype. It's actually made out of scrap styrene that he had on the shelf. If it works, we may get an even better deal on that material until it runs out.
The cool part about vacuum forming is that the depth of the part is pretty much irrelevant to the material that's used. Eventually you will get to a "stretch it too thin" point, but not at the depths we're doing.
scott313, what do you mean by "spacers"?
pay no mind to the 'spacers' part............ I wasnt understanding the concept correctly until after i looked at the pics again and read the explanation just given above. one thing i will suggest is to make the tray black instead of white. white stains fast and looks dirty after some time.
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LaserGecko
New Member
The final product will be clear; I forget the type of plastic right now, but it's tough and cheap! We could have them made out of black ABS, but the cost of the final product will go up about $10 for the 16s and $20 for the 24s. That's a difference in the price, not the price. It's because of the costs and sizes of the raw material.
The beta versions may be white or whatever is easily and cheaply available, for example, the styrene shown.
The beta versions may be white or whatever is easily and cheaply available, for example, the styrene shown.
JimNPHX
New Member
I am not sure what is meant by raising the cage. If we use the tray then the cage bottom would be removed and the tray would then be the bottom. With the drainage bulkhead (plus a drain) there should not be a need to raise the cage since it will drain immediately.
* The tray will have a slope correct?
Also long as the cage fits flush & tight to the tray so no feeders get out, it seems to me that it will work fine.
Just my thoughts . . .
Jim
* The tray will have a slope correct?
Also long as the cage fits flush & tight to the tray so no feeders get out, it seems to me that it will work fine.
Just my thoughts . . .
Jim
AncientCritters
Established Member
ooooo thats a good idea
LaserGecko
New Member
That's kind of what I was thinking with the "plant riser". It may be easier in the end to just make two molds, one with and one without the riser.
dodolah
Retired Moderator
actually, it would be nice if the "plant riser" can be detached for easy cleaning.
Is the riser will be strong enough to hold the weigh of the cage since it is an outside drip tray?
Dave Legacy
New Member
Hey,
Put me down for one 18x18 and one 24x24; when these are done I'll buy them. Why not make them smaller and sit them inside the cages? It's way cleaner that way... hmm I guess that would require an open centered stand.
Keep me posted,
Dave Legacy
Put me down for one 18x18 and one 24x24; when these are done I'll buy them. Why not make them smaller and sit them inside the cages? It's way cleaner that way... hmm I guess that would require an open centered stand.
Keep me posted,
Dave Legacy
LaserGecko
New Member
The biggest problem with an internal tray is that not all of the cage manufacturers use the same rulers! My 24x24x48 cage isn't the same size as Chad's. His fit that "size demo tray" perfectly and mine has a bit of room...even though they're "the same size".
The only cages for which we will feel comfortable making internal trays will be the ones we make since we will control everything about them.
The only cages for which we will feel comfortable making internal trays will be the ones we make since we will control everything about them.
dodolah
Retired Moderator
are you gonna make cages, man?
dude that'll be sweet!!
A cage with a complete drainage system.
Man.. Laser Gecko... you are milking my wallet!!!
I do plan to have another chameleon soon. lol
Scotty
New Member
Coming along well guys....
Just a tip that i'm sure your experiencing now through this prototype phase, is keep it novel..ie simple!!!!
My 2 cents...DON'T put plant risers in, only limits the end users own design and more importantly will escalate costs.
DO, try and make a slight "fall" to the centre or slightly towards the front and centre to help water run off to the drain. My personal recommendation would be to set the drain more towards the front centre of the tray as "most" people place there pots towards the back of the enclosure. If the drain is dead centre, with the smaller enclosures you'll find the drain may be covered a bit by the pot plant and having it towards the front makes it easier to clean.
Just my opinion, I have actually invented 3 products myself, although nothing like this, but I get the obvious jist on what you are wanting to achieve and I know the pitfalls with manufacture & production!
It's not until you actually trial run the product that you can iron out the bugs.
Awesome idea, keep it up guys...GOOD LUCK, get that "Provisional or Petty Patent" happening, quick...(not sure what they call it in your Country)
Cheers
Scott.
Just a tip that i'm sure your experiencing now through this prototype phase, is keep it novel..ie simple!!!!
My 2 cents...DON'T put plant risers in, only limits the end users own design and more importantly will escalate costs.
DO, try and make a slight "fall" to the centre or slightly towards the front and centre to help water run off to the drain. My personal recommendation would be to set the drain more towards the front centre of the tray as "most" people place there pots towards the back of the enclosure. If the drain is dead centre, with the smaller enclosures you'll find the drain may be covered a bit by the pot plant and having it towards the front makes it easier to clean.
Just my opinion, I have actually invented 3 products myself, although nothing like this, but I get the obvious jist on what you are wanting to achieve and I know the pitfalls with manufacture & production!
It's not until you actually trial run the product that you can iron out the bugs.
Awesome idea, keep it up guys...GOOD LUCK, get that "Provisional or Petty Patent" happening, quick...(not sure what they call it in your Country)
Cheers
Scott.
Silverdusk
New Member
Any Update on these?
Vegas Chad
Avid Member
Still working on it... To get a run made would cost about 5k or so, once we are moved into our new home I plan on makeing them myself... Maybe by the end of the year we will have some.
