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04-05-2008, 04:19 PM
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#1 (permalink) |
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Subadult snake
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Scotland
Posts: 396
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Pending project ... advice please!
Well I'm seriously thinking about building a viv unit comprising of four vivs. I'm looking for advice on the best places to source components from in the UK. I'll be visiting B&Q I guess.
Where's the best place for glass runners? Sliding door handles? I'll be using MDF is this a good option? I'm thinking about using heat cable for the whole set-up ... what's the best way to incorporate this?  |
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04-05-2008, 04:32 PM
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#2 (permalink) |
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Moderator
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Cheshire. (Near Manchester).
Posts: 6,690
Country:
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Re: Pending project ... advice please!
It looks like your project is fairly similar to the way I construct my vivs, Greg. Have you read this?
New vivaria. If you're using sliding glass doors, it's best to have the handles 'ground-in' at the glass merchant, so the doors can cross over for cleaning etc.
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James. |
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04-05-2008, 04:41 PM
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#3 (permalink) |
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Subadult snake
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Scotland
Posts: 396
Country:
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Re: Pending project ... advice please!
What is the material for the backboard? ... I'd considered 0.6cm MDF so far ... also should I insulate the MDF in between the heat-cable and false floor? .... I am considering using ceramic tiles like your slate ... where would I stat the cable? ....
I'm all questions tonight  cheers for any advice mate. |
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04-05-2008, 04:55 PM
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#4 (permalink) |
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Moderator
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Cheshire. (Near Manchester).
Posts: 6,690
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Re: Pending project ... advice please!
The back is 'white-faced' hardboard (HDF). For the main structure, I never use MDF because it turns to 'Weetabix' as soon as moisture hits it. I always use Melamine (Conti-Plas) which is plastic faced. You still need to seal all joints well, but once done it practically holds water.
I use Kingspan insulation below my heat cable.... to reflect the heat upwards. Tin-foil works just as well. Just a word on ceramic tiles.... slippy!! The snakes get no grip on the surface, so they can't move around too well! My stat is on the outside of the viv, with the sensor located inside and out of sight.
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James. |
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04-06-2008, 04:34 AM
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#7 (permalink) |
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"Preparing For Fourth shed"
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 718
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Re: Pending project ... advice please!
For the glass runners, we found that B&Q only sell 1 size, (5 or 6 mm I think) and this leaves a gap between the glass that the garters can squeeze between. We bought some from a smaller diy merchant, (4mm) and then some for a different tank from a glaziers. Just a thought!
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 Inge our house is like a zoo, too many to list here! |
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... I had been thinking more about the 'rougher' type of tile 
... and melamine it is then.
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