Bookcase enclosure plans

[mom22wins]

Well my dh has agreed to take into consideration my idea for converting the first two shelves of the bookcase my father built me a few years ago. It's an odd size so it will work better than one I could buy at the store. Plus, it should save me money!

Here is the bookcase now and a VERY rough draft drawing (don't be cruel) of my idea. Please tell me what you think and feel free to throw any ideas my way. It is approximately 48" in length and 12" from front to back.




There is a divider in the center of the two sides that supports the bookcase top but my dad says we should be able to cut an entrance way to the other side without compromising the support.

So, do you think it's do-able? We will probably have to custom build the sliders and the screened top portion. I just want to ensure good ventilation since the top won't be open.

So excited to be getting hubby involved! So far, he hasn't been very interested in our new pet. Except to point out that if I let her on my shoulder, she is taking a position of dominance above me. I could be wrong but I told him that doesn't necessarily apply to BTS. lol

[MartinsPerson]

I think its a great idea. 12 inches in depth might be a little small for an adult northern, but could be manageable. Be sure that you screen off your lights or make sure that the blueys can't reach them if they are inside the cage!

[mewzic-7123]

cant wait to see the pictures when its done!

[mom22wins]

I know, I'm eager to see what it looks like when it's finished.

I was a little worried about the 12" depth thing. I figure if I don't clutter it up with too much foilage it should be alright since she'll have a 48" long tank. The height should be good for the lights but I will be sure to check out those light cages if need be.

I wonder if there is a way he could extend the front out without making it look like crap...

[mom22wins]

C'Mon Kyle! I know you have 2 cents to add!

[KyleWeiss]

But of course!

My only changes:

1.) Keep light on just one side; that way the basking and UV use will be in tandem.

2.) Omit the glass on the sides, mostly due to cleaning and breakage concerns if moved. If there's already material there, work with it, not against it.

3.) Omit the screen on one side, glass on the other for sliding doors, just use all glass. Keeping out drafts is a good idea, and if you're able to keep the air flow contained, a missed poo or two won't stink up the house so easily. Believe me, I know. The screen allowance on the top is perfect as-is.

Over all it's an ideal "starting structure," for a project. I say go for it. Joining the two cases with a hole split in between is a great idea! I also love the dual-usage with the books still being displayed at the bottom. I'm a huge book nerd and always like creative ways to fold books and other hobbies together.

KW

[mom22wins]

There you are! Couldn't do this without your input!

Omit the glass on the sides, mostly due to cleaning and breakage concerns if moved. If there's already material there, work with it, not against it.

I mislead you with my "drawing". The "glass" and "screen" on the sides of the bookcase was referring to the front sliders. I thought about the light just on one side but I figured then it would get way to hot inside. Do you mean 2 lights on one side or one uvb basking bulb on one side? I'm thinking it will be kinda dim on the side without the light then. And maybe too cool?

You really think that 2" screen running across the front will be enough to keep it from overheating? What about the 12" depth? I was kinda worried about that. Do you know of anyone who uses a long tank that is slender like that?

Sorry for all the questions but you ARE the wiz!

[evil pixie]

Good luck with your enclosure! May the force be with you

[mom22wins]

Thanks! It's gonna have to be!

[mom22wins]

Zach? Any words??

[KyleWeiss]

There you are! Couldn't do this without your input!

Omit the glass on the sides, mostly due to cleaning and breakage concerns if moved. If there's already material there, work with it, not against it.

I mislead you with my "drawing". The "glass" and "screen" on the sides of the bookcase was referring to the front sliders. I thought about the light just on one side but I figured then it would get way to hot inside. Do you mean 2 lights on one side or one uvb basking bulb on one side? I'm thinking it will be kinda dim on the side without the light then. And maybe too cool?

You really think that 2" screen running across the front will be enough to keep it from overheating? What about the 12" depth? I was kinda worried about that. Do you know of anyone who uses a long tank that is slender like that?

Sorry for all the questions but you ARE the wiz!

The 12" depth isn't bad, but there's worse scenarios. Because the two bookshelves will be together, it may make up for a lack of depth. I'd feel comfortable with it. If your skink gets too big though, you may want to reconsider!

I do think the 2" gap on top is plenty of ventilation. I also worry about the screen door on the cooler side because, well, you're going to have a very large lizard with sharp little claws that are undoubtedly going to meet that screen, and I'd hate to see the result, even after a period of time. Plus, too much ventilation will not do your nose any good as I mentioned earlier, and drafts should be avoided.

I thought you were putting glass on the right and left sides of the case, 90' degrees from where the front of the setup would be. That's what I was suggesting against...

...as far as light, yep, keep the light all on one side, well, at least the useful light. The UV and the heat lamp should be on the same side. If you want a decorative light on the other side, the cool side, that's entirely up to you. There's really not going to be such a thing as "too cold," in your vivarium, since it will only get as cold as your house. Most people don't like their homes any cooler than about 60'F, which is cold by a lot of people's standards (how I like my home, for example...) so no worries about that.

KW

[mom22wins]

Yeah, I think I'll drop the screen door idea. You make a good point about her little claws possibly getting stuck! ouch!

Maybe if she gets too big, I'll utilize that bottom shelf and make some sort of staircase down to it for another room. It will be like a little condo! lol

Anyone know of a place or website that may already fabricate some of the materials I'll need? I wonder if I could find long pieces of screen already mounted between two pieces of small molding to attach to the top front. Maybe A.C. Moore or some other craft store might have something I can use. I'll have to check it out. Those craft stores are a great place to find all sorts of treasures.

[Jenn]

I hate to be a party pooper but I really don't think that 12 inches is wide enough for an adult northern. These guys can easily top 22 inches. I have my guys in cages that are 4 ft but they are wider and even then I sometimes I had more space. I had Baylee is a cage that was only 12 inches wide when he was about six months old. I really felt that it was too skinny and he was only about 16inches with a good part of that being tail.

[aggiegirl]

I have a bookshelf that I thought about converting. The depth was really a limiting factor. If you only have 12 inches and some of that will be taken away for doors, you may have a problem. You have a Northern who is going to be long and solid. It may be difficult for her turn around in that narrow area. PM Zach and get his opinion. It would look great but I'd hate for you to convert it and need something else by the end of the year. Keep us posted.
Hey, if you are building something, I have a list of bluey enclosures bookmarked! Let me know if you want any of the sites! Neither the hubby nor I are very crafty so I would be excited if someone used them!

[aggiegirl]

I guess Jenn must have been writing at the same time. Oh well, guess I'm not the only party pooper.

[mom22wins]

Don't think of yourself as a party pooper! Think of yourself as a good source of vital info for my making the best choice possible! (That was alot in one breath... )

Anyway, thanks for your opinion. I am wondering myself about the depth factor. I am looking all over the house for spaces that will fit a larger enclosure or something to convert into a larger enclosure and it looks like this book case is the best bet. I have some time to replan. I'll let you all know before I decide what to do.

Decisions, decisions...

[Hijinks]

If you are still in search of furniture to convert, check out what I saw at my local Target today:

http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/re ... B000CSYZL0

The price tag is a little silly, but it would save labor because it already has cool sliding glass doors. A drawback with this is that I don't think there's enough height to safely mount a light inside so you'd be cutting some holes in the top. I also think it wouldn't even be worth it if you had to pay for shipping, but I wonder if a Target would special order it for a customer if they don't already have it stocked.

[mom22wins]

Very cool idea. I saw some vivariums and tanks online for around the same price or more but the only problem is, the space. I don't really have space for another tank... If I could only find something affordable that would fit in the space that I have my tank in now. It would need to be approx. 43" wide x 20" deep x 18" high.

I think I might kick some of the kid's toy shelves out of the back part of my living room and use that space. lol Then I'd have a problem with what to do with their stuff! Can ya tell I have a small house?

[russman]

I know someone that's selling a custom built enclosure for a new low price of $285 if you're interested!

[Jenn]

The kids don't need that many toys so I vote just get rid of them so you have plenty of bluey room!