Reptibreeze XL Drainage Base

[RiftPoint]

I've decided to create a better base for my cage. It should only add an inch or two to the total height. Essentially my idea is that I'll remove the bottom portion of the reptibreeze (the part that holds the white panel in), and the cage should sit down into the grooves. The front portion will be left open so that the lower door can still open. The other benefit to this is that it should be strong enough that you can just pick the cage up by the base and move the whole thing should that be necessary. I just need figure out the best way to guide the water down into a central point...

I'll do my best to remember to take somewhat step-by-step pictures and post them here as I finish it, in case anyone else thinks it might be a useful design. So far these are just my basic mock-up pics to get an idea of how to measure it for cuts.

 

[RiftPoint]

Can anyone think of any reason why it would be a bad idea to use something like TiteSeal flashing to waterproof the inside? Or have any better recommendations?

 

[kimbodini1]

I consider using aluminum flashing before. Does that rubberized flashing have the granular pieces on it like some of the water and ice shield? If it does I am not sure its a good idea. If it's the smooth rubbery stuff it should be OK as long as it doesn't get too hot and get sticky lol.

 

[RiftPoint]

I consider using aluminum flashing before. Does that rubberized flashing have the granular pieces on it like some of the water and ice shield? If it does I am not sure its a good idea. If it's the smooth rubbery stuff it should be OK as long as it doesn't get too hot and get sticky lol.

If this is exactly what I'm thinking of, then it should be a smooth white surface on one side and a black adhesive on the other. A neighbor helped me install a window a couple years ago and he had some that he put on the window frame before we installed the window.

What made you change your mind, did you find something better? I'm just trying to find an option that will hold up and won't require me to re seal it frequently.

 

[RiftPoint]

Some more progress on the base. Almost all the frame pieces are glued together, and most of the cuts are done.

 

[reptoman]

I use PVC shower pan liner from home depot or lowes.

 

[kimbodini1]

If this is exactly what I'm thinking of, then it should be a smooth white surface on one side and a black adhesive on the other. A neighbor helped me install a window a couple years ago and he had some that he put on the window frame before we installed the window.

What made you change your mind, did you find something better? I'm just trying to find an option that will hold up and won't require me to re seal it frequently.

I didn't change my mind I am currently using a washing machine pan that I cut down to size. It tend to puddle water and I would like to use something that directs flow better. At some point I plan on making something better. I also thought about using 1/4" luan to shape the bottom and cover it with foam and grout to make it look like rocks with a drain in the bottom.

 

[RiftPoint]

I didn't change my mind I am currently using a washing machine pan that I cut down to size. It tend to puddle water and I would like to use something that directs flow better. At some point I plan on making something better. I also thought about using 1/4" luan to shape the bottom and cover it with foam and grout to make it look like rocks with a drain in the bottom.

I think luan is probably what I'm going to use to make some sort of a gradient to direct water to a drain. I'll either cover it with something like the tite-seal flashing or I'll use something like marine varnish (unless that's a no-no around chams). I just want something smooth for the bottom so that cleaning up after the cham is a little easier; everything else I try to make as natural as possible.

 

[kimbodini1]

I think the marine varnish would be safe just allow ample time for it to dry. I know others have used lacquer in several coats and its safe. BTW your framework to hold the cage together was a great idea! Keep me posted, I would like to see what you come up with.

 

[RiftPoint]

I think the marine varnish would be safe just allow ample time for it to dry. I know others have used lacquer in several coats and its safe. BTW your framework to hold the cage together was a great idea! Keep me posted, I would like to see what you come up with.

Absolutely. Might be a couple of weeks before I get to finish, but I'll definitely show the progress and final product.

 

[RiftPoint]

It's been a while, but I got the drainage base pretty much all done. I didn't take as many "during" pictures as I meant to, but I'll post what I've got. I just need to drill a hole for the water to drain out of, and that should do it.