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What makes a GREAT DIY reptile building?

jack2682

jack2682

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Hey ya'll

I am in the VERY early planning stages for a DIY reptile building. My general idea is to build something in the neighborhood of 12' x 16'. I have some pretty capable friends that can help me with a foundation and building the structure.

What I want from the herp community are ideas for the little extra things that should be part of a reptile friendly building. I know there are some very clever people that already have DIY buildings and I know there are some great ideas floating around out there....

If you have any insight into insulation, heating, ventilation, windows, electric, plumbing etc. etc.... I would love to hear it.
 
Radiant floor heat ... We use a gas fired water heater as a boiler. If the power goes out, all I have to do is hook the generator to the floor pump.

Lots of outlets in the ceiling for rack heat.

Separate circuit for the incubator.

Insulate with spray foam.

Water temperature mixer on one facet.

Built in speakers for music while you are working.

We have one can light on a timer ( no windows ).

Double sink or maybe a triple. Can never have too much sink space. Add extensions to the legs to make it higher. Great not having to bend over as much.

Fly Web Fly Lights bug lights .... www.flywebusa.com. Around $25 each. Be sure to get extra glue pads.

Storage!!!!!!! Even if it is at ceiling level.

Clock that also displays the date. Ours also does indoor and outdoor temps. Outdoor unit is in the incubator.

Other than wishing it was bigger, I think ours is almost perfect.
 
Thanks for the reply Douglas... Some great ideas there...

I have a couple questions...

Why no windows? Simply easier to regulate temp without them?

Spray foam. What makes this the best choice for insulation?
 
Spray form gets into every nook to really seal the room. More expensive to have installed but better savings on heating. Also makes things more 'escape proof' and eliminates places to hide. One time cost that will payoff forever.

I retrofitted an existing space that did not have existing windows. I can see the benefits of having windows but it does create another point of entry which may be a security concern. Most likely windows would be blocked by your future wall-2-wall racks. :thumbsup:

Don't compromise during the building phase and think "I can add that later". Doing it up front will be cheaper and easier than once you have animals occupying the space.

Good luck!
 
Not only is foam tighter, but it works better for the 3 types of heat transfer. Better for conduction, radiant, and convection heat transfer.

Build it as big as you can fit and afford.

Light cycle doesn't need to be done at all, so the timer on a light is just preference. A tiny little window would allow natural light, if you are concerned with it. If you choose a window, though, make sure it's always shielded from direct sunlight.
 
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