double decker viv?

[quigleysmom]

Does anyone have plans they would be willing to share for a bouble decker or stacked viv. I now have a second baby and I need to rethink the enclosure situation. Thanks

 

[Vacren]

You should be able to stack crossfires.

 

[TASTIGER]

let me see if i can find my topic for when i was building mine i basically built a big box and divided it

 

[TASTIGER]

here you go
http://www.beardeddragon.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=75&t=128595&hilit=tank+build+log

 

[quigleysmom]

Thanks!

 

[TASTIGER]

if you have any questions just ask :mrgreen:

 

[TWrecks]

I include my design for your perusal. Let me know if you want a step by step. It'll take me some time but I'm in the process of collecting the pics and putting the literature together. This enclosure started out as a shelving system that you can buy from places like home depot. 

I wanted to build a light enclosure that was stack-able both vertically and horizontally, kept temps well, was relatively inexpensive, looked good, and unlike most bearded dragon cages, could be knocked down for transport! I went for a form follows function design, and Ikea-like looks.

Though 5/8 or 3/4 melamine is a great insulator and keeps good temps with relatively low wattage, it tends to sag over time (depending on humidity) and is very heavy. 

For this build I decided to go for cheap and light weight ¼ MDF, kept together by the steel frame of the shelving system I used. Materials cost me around $200 (including the shelves) for this 2 cage setup which is about the same for 2 all melamine cages using plexiglass doors (plexiglass is more expensive than glassbut keeps the heat in way better). 

And as you can see, I have ample space to spare for my tarantulas, a Boa or two, or for more storage. You can actually build 3 cages from this shelving system if one were so inclined. 

This is with the MDF panels, inset plexiglass doors, lights, and fake rocks installed. Note that the perforated steel frame serves as ventilation for each enclosure. This allows the units to be stacked on top, or beside each other. I use a single 50 watt bulb in the middle of each cage to achieve from 107 – 112 F basking, and 75 – 85 F cool side. If I placed the basking area more to one side I’ll get a much lower cool side around 70 F, so I opted to put it in the center. 

Note that the Top enclosure will be slightly warmer than the bottom (hot air rises) so a lower wattage bulb or a dimmer may be used. 

All MDF panels (Sides and Back) are held together with nuts and bolts. 

T8 UVB tubes are still awaiting reflectors from Arcadia but are installed here using Euro style End cap connectors and clips. Both Tubes are powered by a single ballast that is screwed on to the top shelf the structure. 

All joints have been caulked with white silicon and the fake rocks are made by yours truly as well. The ceiling is covered with an aluminized Mylar tape for better insulation and heat reflection. All exposed steel within the cage is treated with a carboard/ Aluminized Mylar covering to prevent heat from dissipating to the frame. Flooring is linoleum (fake bathroom tile) , and the rosewood finish is contact paper. 

If you guys are interested I can post the entire build step by step. Let me know. 

Mr. T

 

[TASTIGER]

thats awsome i thought about using shelving but i could never find any that were long enough or high enough

 

[Vacren]

I picked up some from home depot, it's not exactly the same, but I'm definitely gonna do that instead of the double decker build I was looking to do this summer. As a bonus, I can do it this weekend now

AWESOME conversion.

 

[TASTIGER]

well now i know what to look for for my next 2 bearded dragons :lol: as soon as i have my own house my colony could support 2 more :twisted:

 

[TWrecks]

thats awsome i thought about using shelving but i could never find any that were long enough or high enough

This one is 72 inches high and I have 2 48 x 24 x21 enclosures in it. I could probably fit 3 of them in one unit. You can also buy ones that have smaller shelves 36 x 18, and still make several 55 gallon enclosures with it.

Mr. T

 

[TWrecks]

I picked up some from home depot, it's not exactly the same, but I'm definitely gonna do that instead of the double decker build I was looking to do this summer. As a bonus, I can do it this weekend now

AWESOME conversion.

Thanks! Let me know how your project goes, and do put up some pics. Let me know when you're near completion, there are a few tricks to vent the upper enclosures without punching holes in the sides so they don't get too warm compared to the lower enclosure (from rising heated air). Without the added ventilation you can get a difference of 7 to 10 F on the top, not a good thing. I now have it manageable at between 2 - 3 F.

Of course you may put vents on the sides but my whole idea was to create a design where you can stack these things one beside each other having to worry about vents being obstructed.

Mr. T

 

[Vacren]

This is what I'm working with, so I have "built in" ventilation all around.

http://www.homedepot.com/Storage-Or...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

If you look closely, there is a lip below each shelf, about 1". Most of it will need to be sealed on the lowers, but the third level I'd imagine I could keep mostly open. If snowpocalypse ever ends, I'm going to the hardware store today to pick up supplies. I'll be able to get 48x17.5 usable (.5" lost to track doors).

 

[TWrecks]

This is what I'm working with, so I have "built in" ventilation all around.

http://www.homedepot.com/Storage-Or...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

If you look closely, there is a lip below each shelf, about 1". Most of it will need to be sealed on the lowers, but the third level I'd imagine I could keep mostly open. If snowpocalypse ever ends, I'm going to the hardware store today to pick up supplies. I'll be able to get 48x17.5 usable (.5" lost to track doors).

Have you considered using inset doors with magnetic catches? They're easier to find than 1/4 plastic tracks and look better in my opinion. There's about a 1/8 inch gap all around the doors which helps ventilation too. Just a thought...

Good luck with the build, can't wait to see the results

Mr. T

 

[jodyberry]

@quigsleysmom:

Here's my dual. The main pic is actually 3, but look at the bottom dual unit. THAT'S what all the build photos are from.

Also, notice the ramp I have going from top to bottom. That can be easily closed off if need be.

http://jodyberry.smugmug.com/Vivarium/Vivarium/15140299_RNgEn#1137740208_dWTgh

Good luck