New enclosure

[Ff_emt2008]

Hey everyone
I am new here and working on building a custom enclosure for my wife and i chameleon. We decided to remove a closet in our house to make the enclosure. When done there will be a 36 inch tall cabinet then a 36x27x22 inch enclosure with glass back and bottom and screen front sides and top, then a 22 in tall cabinet on top to house the lamps. Both cabinets will have thier own outlet so nothing needs to be fished behind the enclosure for power. The top cabinet will have vents on both sides so it doesnt get to hot up there. The big question is do you all think 12 inchs is tall enough for the heat and day lights? Please any and all input is helpful

 

[Ff_emt2008]

Got most of the electrical done tonight

 

[RcManChild]

The 12 inches will ultimately depend on what temps you get at the basking spot.

If you are asking if 12 inches is enough room for the heat to escape then, I would say yes. I would add some hole to the top as well as heat normally rises.

 

[Ff_emt2008]

We cant add vents to the top because of the roof but on the sides up high there will be vents to help vent heat out. Did finished removing the inside panels and finished the new outlets today. Just have to move a light switch and cut the side holes

 

[ChamLB]

Nice project. Add as much ventilation as you can near the top to create a chimney effect that will also vent your cage. You don't have to go straight up. Out thru 2 or 3 of the top sides will work.
You can adjust the amount of heat by increasing or decreasing the wattage of your heating bulb.

 

[WAMBO]

Do you have drainage planned? I'm wondering how it would be done with a glass bottom. BTW, my lights are less than 8 inches tall.

 

[Ff_emt2008]

Im havent thought about drainage. Do i really need it

 

[WAMBO]

Im haven't thought about drainage. Do i really need it

Yes. We have been told by a breeder that a common cause of death or at least decrease life span, is dehydration. Your cham needs water. The water needs a place to go/collect. Read through the 'Help me' threads and you'll see that most have dehydrated chams, and do not use a misting device. So I don't think the hand mistings, drippers, 'fountains', etc.. really cut it. I suppose supplementing with feeders that have high water content can help [like hornworms], but optimal equipment is a misting device, which will make your life easier if you have drainage set up too.

 

[Ff_emt2008]

Ok then maybe i will redesign the bottom. The terrarium we have now we hand mist and have a fogger that we use. He seems to get plenty of water but the plan is with the new one will be to have a mister. What do you guys recommend for substance?

 

[WAMBO]

For a mister, Mistking or Climist. For a drain pan, home depot sells washing machine drain pans for around $20, and includes a bulkhead, so it can be diverted into a bucket or pan. I did the reverse. I drilled holes in the bottom of the cage, elevated it on legs and put an aluminum pan underneath, with the entire setup sitting in the washing machine drain pan to prevent leakage.

 

[WAMBO]

There is an entire thread on drainage by members, but if I were going through the work of building a cage, I definitely would ensure it was the most optimal habitat for my cham.

 

[Stinger]

It's going to look pretty good. Just a word of Caution Humidity,water are no good near electrical .All electrical is completely outside of enclosure . Also just like electrical in Bathrooms and Kitchens are to be GFI outlets .
The top you can drop down12"to 18" box it in and screen the top for your lights and create vents at the top for Ventilation. Raise the base to hold your drainage and Misting system reservoir and pump.
Here is a example of a Cabinet I did .
The space below is my space for water and Drainage .
Above I have Space Sunken in about 8" with screen, but my top is open .

 

[WAMBO]

It's going to look pretty good. Just a word of Caution Humidity,water are no good near electrical .All electrical is completely outside of enclosure . Also just like electrical in Bathrooms and Kitchens are to be GFI outlets .
The top you can drop down12"to 18" box it in and screen the top for your lights and create vents at the top for Ventilation. Raise the base to hold your drainage and Misting system reservoir and pump.
Here is a example of a Cabinet I did .
The space below is my space for water and Drainage .
Above I have Space Sunken in about 8" with screen, but my top is open .

Well done!

 

[Stinger]

Thanks Wambo.
Just an example of my first converted cabinet. You can use this Idea for that closet Idea you have . I have all electrical on a Surge protected Power Bar and the main Outlet is on a GFI . It has sides and front screened and top. Hope this helps you .
More examples

 

[Ff_emt2008]

Hey everybody sorry i havent been on its been busy with work and kids. So as of tonight the sides have been cut out the electrical is done with a gfci both top and bottom. Its been a fun project so far. Also picked up a mist king system and i love it have it running in his small enclosure. Also i may have found a drain pan got to try it out first. The plan is to have egg crate above the drain pan and the egg crate wrapped in screen. Also got to talk to a guy that makes enclosurers for a living sound like all glass is going to be best with a screen top and a vent about 12 inch up from the bottom in the front and the sliding glass doors. This as been a fun project and will keep you guys updated

 

[JaguarShark]

This is going to be good

 

[Ff_emt2008]

Yea i cant wait still a few more things to figure out like a drain pan and the screen for the top and a vent. Maybe going to a reptile expo in new Hampshire so that might help to give me ideas.

 

[WAMBO]

Home Depot washing mashing drain pans include the bulkhead:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Camco-30...ne-Drain-Pan-with-PVC-Fitting-20752/204220159
Camco
30 in. x 32 in. Washing Machine Drain Pan with PVC Fitting
Model # 20752
Internet #204220159

Washing Machine Pan - 28 inch
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Washing-Machine-Pan-34067/100080446
Model # 34067
Internet #100080446
Store SKU #432086

(64)

Questions & Answers (20)

• Protects floor from leaks
• Pans have holes for 1 in. PVC fitting
• Durable high impact polystyrene

$21.87 /each

 

[Ff_emt2008]

I have looked at those and they dont have the size i need. I think im going to make one

 

[Big Gulp]

I am new here and working on building a custom enclosure for my wife

Seriously tho, looking forward to seeing this. You gonna have live plants? Also, did you say the enclosure was gonna be 36" tall? Ideally, 48" is the minimum.