Question about the Dragon Strand Enclosures

[ScalesbyKyn]

Hello all, I am still pretty new to the forums and was unable to find if this has been discussed yet or not, but I am wondering if (and how easy) the Dragon Strand Hybrid enclosures could be combined to create a 4'x2'x4' enclosure. Yes I know they offer this size already, but I have the opportunity to purchase 2 of the 2'x2'x4' Hybrid Enclosures brand new for $350. The goal in purchasing the two would be to combine them to create a larger space for my male Panther chameleon. Does anyone have any insight into this or have done it before? Is it pretty difficult or easy enough for a fairly DIY-person to figure out? Thanks in advance! (Also do we think the 2 enclosures brand new, never used for $350 is still a good deal? Or should I still try and push seller for closer to $300?)

 

[MissSkittles]

https://chameleonacademy.com/double-wide-chameleon-cage-project/ Buy the enclosures and one way or another, we’ll help you figure. Bill Strand is on here and we could even get his help if needed. I don’t have DragonStrand, but have been combining my XL screened enclosures for my chameleons. I started doing it before the tutorial and am stuck doing it my way. Honestly, it isn’t that hard to do.

 

[ScalesbyKyn]

Awesome! I think I will do it then. Will probably be coming back soon with questions...

 

[IrohtheVeiled]

I’d imagine it’s a little more complicated than combining screen enclosures

The assembly is a bit more involved than like a standard reptibreeze when I put mine together

 

[The Chameleon Collective]

Hello all, I am still pretty new to the forums and was unable to find if this has been discussed yet or not, but I am wondering if (and how easy) the Dragon Strand Hybrid enclosures could be combined to create a 4'x2'x4' enclosure. Yes I know they offer this size already, but I have the opportunity to purchase 2 of the 2'x2'x4' Hybrid Enclosures brand new for $350. The goal in purchasing the two would be to combine them to create a larger space for my male Panther chameleon. Does anyone have any insight into this or have done it before? Is it pretty difficult or easy enough for a fairly DIY-person to figure out? Thanks in advance! (Also do we think the 2 enclosures brand new, never used for $350 is still a good deal? Or should I still try and push seller for closer to $300?)

I'm sure it is possible. Bill and James Cross ran a DIY Chameleon Guys Youtube page. They may have already done something like this. If you could get James Cross' info he would be the guy to talk to. He is a magician with this stuff.

 

[Motherlode Chameleon]

There is the GREAT idea of custom making your own screen enclosures. This idea seems to be a lost art now days. However when building a DIY custom enclosure you can pick out all the attributes such as screen mesh size, height, width and length all to the specific of the space you have got. I have got a couple of DIY enclosures (in my reptile lab and greenhouse) and they are the best enclosures I have got and am planning to build more.

Best Regards
Jeremy A. Rich

 

[ScalesbyKyn]

The current enclosure I have was a build on the ReptiBreeze...PVC panels on the sides and 3D printed "Dragon Ledges" that the previous owner did with his 3D printer at home and I've really loved it, just want something a little higher quality but the same if that makes sense. I religiously listen to Bill Strand's podcast and hopefully can find some info on the world wide web. I will keep y'all posted!

 

[elizaann2]

I'm sure you can combine them, you would just have to be creative in how you do it. The 3D printed pieces on the chameleon academy website are designed specifically for the reptibreeze enclosures so those won't work for the DS combo you are hoping for. I feel like if you have a longer PVC sheet for the back panel then there could be other ways to secure the rest of the enclosures together? I'm not very DIY though so that may not be terribly helpful....

 

[IrohtheVeiled]

I feel like you’d have an easier time making a double wide with a different cage but I love my dragon strand and like others have said bill is on these forums and could probably give input regarding this

 

[MissSkittles]

@crosscutts @DeremensisBlue Are either (or both) of you able to offer OP some guidance?

 

[DeremensisBlue]

Hello all, I am still pretty new to the forums and was unable to find if this has been discussed yet or not, but I am wondering if (and how easy) the Dragon Strand Hybrid enclosures could be combined to create a 4'x2'x4' enclosure. Yes I know they offer this size already, but I have the opportunity to purchase 2 of the 2'x2'x4' Hybrid Enclosures brand new for $350. The goal in purchasing the two would be to combine them to create a larger space for my male Panther chameleon. Does anyone have any insight into this or have done it before? Is it pretty difficult or easy enough for a fairly DIY-person to figure out? Thanks in advance! (Also do we think the 2 enclosures brand new, never used for $350 is still a good deal? Or should I still try and push seller for closer to $300?)

Combining the Tall Hybrids would be a bit difficult due to the latching mechanisms. The Tall hybrid uses a latch/leeper system where the keeper (the thing that holds the latch) is on the side of the cage. Therefore, you can't just push the sides together in any simple manner. Of course, there certainly are ways of doing it and I have learned never to tell people they can't do something! Of course, now i am thinking about it , I think would cut the middle out, but leave enough of the PVC to allow me to PVC cement in 1/2" PVC piping. Although it might need to be 3/4" to allow the drainage trays to fit. This would seal the seam and provide space for the latches...but now we are getting into a level of work where an innocent bystander might wonder if it was really worth it! I would suggest using them separately or just get a larger cage. It would be a fun project. You just have to determine if that is your definition of fun.
But....Let's ask the master builder. @crosscutts are you poking around here? If you were to put two Tall Hybrids together, how would you do it considering the two drainage trays need to fit and the latching mechanisms have to be functional. Let's see what James' mind comes up with!

 

[ScalesbyKyn]

Thank you so much! Feel as though I'm speaking to a celebrity. I was just listening to your podcast on my way to work this morning. It would definitely be worth the work to me if it can be done as buying the two from the seller is at a steal of a deal. If I can find a way to save money, but do it correctly, I am game.

 

[MissSkittles]

It would definitely be worth the work to me if it can be done as buying the two from the seller is at a steal of a deal. If I can find a way to save money, but do it correctly, I am game.

Ya know, even if you aren’t able to connect them together, you would have two high quality enclosures, and chameleons can be like potato chips…hard to have just one.

 

[ScalesbyKyn]

Ya know, even if you aren’t able to connect them together, you would have two high quality enclosures, and chameleons can be like potato chips…hard to have just one.

Yes my plan is to purchase either 2 enclosures to put together or one larger enclosure for my boy. Then, silicone the PVC in his old enclosure (the leaks are killing me lol) and then add in the plants and things and prep it so I'm able to take in a chameleon re-home. Find someone that cannot provide the adequate care and take them in. We will see what the cards hold for the future, but hopefully the Dragon Strands are able to be joined because that would be ideal. I've been dreaming of being able to get one for a while now.