glass tank

by **alexander** » Tue Jan 15, 2008 11:19 am

cool, i've got the tracks, i've been away, so i will resume building the tank

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Can i attach the runners to the glass using silicone?

by **Bushviper** » Tue Jan 15, 2008 11:24 am

If you do then make sure you clean the glass with alcohol before putting the railings down. Even just a finger mark could cause it to lift at a later stage. The people who cut the glass often use an oil based lubricant and that makes that the joins never hold. The glass must be squeaky clean.

by **alexander** » Sun Jan 20, 2008 6:13 pm

ok, i'm done. I'll wait a week before putting the snake in.
It was a bit costy (the glass and silicone, but i got what i wanted), if you ever build a tank, make sure the glass cutters cut the glass at 90*! Or else suffer the consequences.

finished:

i post more pics once the plants have 'adapted'.

by **jka** » Sun Jan 20, 2008 10:11 pm

I dont remember if you answered allready but what are you going to keep in this cage. Your egg eater?

by **alexander** » Mon Jan 21, 2008 7:29 am

by **SarkkaS** » Sun Jan 27, 2008 9:05 am

Why wasn't the silicone wiped down (=not off, but smoothed with for example a fingertip) before it dried?

-Sale

by **alexander** » Sun Jan 27, 2008 11:22 am

It was actually a very messy job, especially the back. i tried to wipe, but it is hard when you aren't doing it along a corner. The back was the worst, as it was 5 peices of glass, not very clever but not as costy, the problem was that i couldn't smooth the inside asthe tank back was facing me and i would have to risk the glass moving out of place if i turned it around, and that really sucks. Any way, its done, not a perfect job, but its fine for me. next time i would rather use wood for the body(although glass is better for a moister cage).

by **Undertaker** » Sun Mar 16, 2008 11:13 am

Hi silvano here

I work for a glass company and I have build a lovely snake tank including sliders.Can give u some advise.Emial yr email address and I wil email u my photo of the snake tank.

by **alexander** » Sun Mar 16, 2008 11:30 am

Well i have only built this 1 tank and i am not very experienced, i'm sure there are people here who could help you out.

by **Loslappie** » Mon Mar 17, 2008 7:46 am

Alexander, I have buoght a few glass tanks and modified them to be used for snakes, and believe it or not it is easier to buy them and then modify them than to make one. example a 600*350 *300 glass tank cost R95, then the canopy, as you would use for the fish is another R40, then you cut holes in the canopy (made of plastic) and paste your vents over there. I have also used strips of perspex along that comes out through a hole I cut in the canop, to secure the lid with a lock actually 2, and to test it Ive put in my male corn, and the a tai rat, they couldnt get out.
:lol:

by **bradmiller** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 1:42 pm

alexander - a tip for the next project.

When you silicone first put a layer of masking tape to protect the area you do not want silicone. Apply the silicone and to smooth out lick your finger before you smooth the application - this stops the silicone sticking to your finger to much. once you have smooth out the silicone remove the tape and you have a nice clean line and no mess.

by **Buck Rogers** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 1:49 pm

just curious, why is it that you chose to go with the glass tank??

by **Loslappie** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 1:54 pm

Buck Rogers wrote:just curious, why is it that you chose to go with the glass tank??

For certain snakes a glass tank is great, especially if they are nice display snakes.

by **Mouse** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 2:20 pm

great job, i built a glass tank about two months ago, and i learnt one thing from it..... silicone is hell to work with :evil:

but the feeling you get from making your own tank rock!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by **Buck Rogers** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 2:25 pm

[/quote]For certain snakes a glass tank is great, especially if they are nice display snakes.[/quote]

I absolutely do agree with you, there is nothing more stunning than an all glass tank, i think it is awesome cause you can view it from any angle and all round looks great, but glass is harder to retain heat and the more heat (specially this cold snap)* you have in there the higher the moisture build up is, and moisture isn't always good specially in glass cause its easier for fungus and bacteria to build up. This is based on experience that I have had previously with glass tanks, if anyone knows how to control this moisture build up in a glass tank share with me please.

Also most snakes (and reptiles in general) are shy and tend to stress out if they are exposed from all sides, its one thing to have an impressive display tank but also bear in mind the needs of your reptile.

* Read my post under general reptile keeping on load shedding

glass tank

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