Looking for someone that builds enclosures

[dwright27]

Hey guys, long time no post!

As my little guy gets bigger, I'm needing to start the hunt for a larger enclosure. I am not handy AT ALL. He's about 18-19 months old, so he'll be fine for a bit longer in his current 40 gallon tank.. Anyway, I'm in Ontario and the best thing I've come across so far is a pond insert. This is all well and good, but I'm concerned about humidity (I'm still struggling with it.. it always seems either too high or too low..)

Sooo I'm wondering if anyone happens to know of someone that makes custom tort enclosures, namely a closed chamber? This is both for efficiency (energy), and for cat-proofing. (Also, I won't lie, I'd like it to look nice too)

Any thoughts?

 

[lismar79]

I often wonder how expensive a cabinet maker would be to do this....hope you find someone.

 

[dwright27]

Yeah.. probably a TON lol..
I'm fussy too though.... I want the heat to stay IN the tank and not heat up the whole room lol

 

[Pokeymeg]

You may not be handy, but it really does not take much coordination to make a basic enclosure! Or maybe a handy friend can help??

We had the same concerns when we made our enclosure, cat proofing and humidity. The basic wood box is super easy! The plexiglass we used as a top is a bit trickier, but seriously not too difficult! Or even better, you could find an appropriately sized bookcase that can sit on its side and boom! All set minus the top!

 

[lismar79]

Here are mine, not pretty but there's a basic pic guide if it helps any. I'm not handy at all but my husband is.
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/old-bed-enclosed-chamber.88366/

 

[dwright27]

@Pokeymeg I know about the bookcase, but that leaves me wondering how to suspend the lights high enough.. and figuring out what to use as a top.. I know, I'm difficult lol

 

[dwright27]

Here are mine, not pretty but there's a basic pic guide if it helps any. I'm not handy at all but my husband is.
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/old-bed-enclosed-chamber.88366/

That's a pretty awesome enclosure too! Wish plexiglass wasn't so expensive..

 

[lismar79]

That's a pretty awesome enclosure too! Wish plexiglass wasn't so expensive..

I used windows i got from a from a re-sell store. Think I paid $30.00 for each one.

 

[dwright27]

I used windows i got from a from a re-sell store. Think I paid $30.00 for each one.

WELL THEN! I could probably find windows on Kijiji.. Still need someone to put it all together though lol
(I don't know very many people.. and the ones I do know are also not handy)

 

[chaseswife]

I was a little lost at first when I was building the top for Shrimp's new home. So I went with what I was good at- duct tape and hot glue! Added some wooden dowels and clear plastic shower curtains. The whole thing sits under the edge of the counter in our main room, so we screwed hooks into the counter edge to hold the light and heater. (Very gross/cheap counters that we will replace someday anyways.) This picture was taken before we added the second hook and the heater.

 

[Pokeymeg]

WELL THEN! I could probably find windows on Kijiji.. Still need someone to put it all together though lol
(I don't know very many people.. and the ones I do know are also not handy)

J
Be careful when buying old windows!! Some could have lead paint if they are really old! Be sure to ask the seller if you decide to buy old windows (which is a great idea!)

 

[dwright27]

I was a little lost at first when I was building the top for Shrimp's new home. So I went with what I was good at- duct tape and hot glue! Added some wooden dowels and clear plastic shower curtains. The whole thing sits under the edge of the counter in our main room, so we screwed hooks into the counter edge to hold the light and heater. (Very gross/cheap counters that we will replace someday anyways.) This picture was taken before we added the second hook and the heater.

I suppose I could do something similar with PVC piping..

 

[dwright27]

J
Be careful when buying old windows!! Some could have lead paint if they are really old! Be sure to ask the seller if you decide to buy old windows (which is a great idea!)

Thanks! I hadn't thought of that.