Showcase cage....want to modify?

[jerichosmom]

We have the 48x24x18 showcase cage for Jericho. As you can see in the pictures below, there is a raised area for a heating pad (for snakes) and the raised area is kind of sunken in the middle. Obviously we don't use a heat pad. We have tiles down as his substrate, but because of the bump, they are uneven and it drives me crazy! I have used cotton batting for quilts to try to level it out. I'm wondering about using some kind of silicone or putty, like what they use to do tile flooring. Something I can smooth over the bottom of the cage to make it more level. There are two levels of tile now, and I don't mind that. One level all the way across would be cool, but either way it would just be nice to have a smoother surface to put the tile on. Any suggestions? Anyone have a showcase cage that they've modified?

 

[Claudiusx]

There are so many things you could do, its really just a matter of what you feel like doing.

You could place plywood there to make the surface even, and silicone it in.
You could lay down some thick coats of grout until its level with the raised area. (will be heavy)
You could cut styrofoam and grout it to give the styrofoam more strength.

Endless ways to do it.
But they all lead to there basically being a filler, and something to make it more permanent.

-Brandon

 

[jerichosmom]

Thanks Brandon! Do you think any of those grout materials would be toxic? Like giving off fumes constantly? This area is under the basking light so it's typically pretty warm.

 

[Claudiusx]

No, grout should not.
Certain sealers could though so be careful in what you choose and let it thoroughly air out first.

-Brandon

 

[Remy1187]

The only modification I've done so far is installing the UV light inside the cage since it was too far away/obstructed by the mesh. With the air conditioner on this summer I've had a hard time keeping the ambient temperature up. The basking spots are ok, but everywhere else is kinda cool. Any suggestions for raising the temp overall?