Modification of existing structure

[evilkarot]

I was thinking about picking this up and modifying it into 2 leopard gecko cages. What do you all think?

 

[Riverside Reptiles]

Looks like an easy conversion. Do the doors slide on a track? If so, just get your local glass shop to cut you some pieces of glass to replace the wood doors with. Slap some slate and flexwatt heat tape down on the floors and paint the walls (or greatstuff or whatever if you want to get fancy).

 

[evilkarot]

I was thinking of wiring some light sockets and either using my red heat bulbs or getting a couple CHE's and use them instead of heat tape. But it does appear to have doors on tracks. Changing them out for glass doors is exactly what I was thinking. But how do I make sure the glass isn't scraping every time I slide it open or closed?

 

[nater]

I was thinking of wiring some light sockets and either using my red heat bulbs or getting a couple CHE's and use them instead of heat tape. But it does appear to have doors on tracks. Changing them out for glass doors is exactly what I was thinking. But how do I make sure the glass isn't scraping every time I slide it open or closed?

Completely personal preference, but I'd try to inset the glass into the existing doors.

 

[evilkarot]

Honestly, that's what I was thinking too. Just cut a window out and screw on some plexi glass.

 

[Riverside Reptiles]

Honestly, that's what I was thinking too. Just cut a window out and screw on some plexi glass.

Well if you're going to do that, I'd use lexan instead of plexi. It's stronger, more scratch resistant, won't fade or cloud over time, easier to work with, etc.
It all depends on the look that you're going for.

 

[evilkarot]

Lexan? I'm not familiar with that. Can you get that at lowes or menards? What does it cost generally? How easy is it to work with?

 

[Riverside Reptiles]

Lexan can usually be found at Home Depot or Lowes. It's more expensive than plexi, but it's a much better material and will prove itself much more durable over time. And if you're just using it for a small thing like the doors/front, you don't need much of it. It's far easier to work with than plexi as it doesn't crack and split like plexi does. You can cut it with a regular circular saw, table saw, chop saw, etc. Price and strength will vary depending on thickness. And the thickness needed will depend on the application.

 

[jpstodwftexas]

Myself I would use it as a Base and Build Tank on top..

For Personal reasons I prefer that I am Able to look into a Tank without having to bend over or lay on the Floor

 

[evilkarot]

I was actually was thinking of building a base for it or legs. I agree with you about laying on the floor to see my critters.

 

[nater]

Both Lexan (polycarbonate plastic) and Plexiglass (poly... something... its basically acrylic) are prone to scratches. Both are fairly easy to work with if all you're doing is cutting a flat panel.

DO NOT CLEAN THEM WITH ALCOHOL. Do not clean Plexi glass or Acrylic with alcohol. - YouTube

 

[evilkarot]

And of course, the cabinet was on Craigslist and I jumped on it way too late! :-( It was already gone. Oh well, on to the next idea.