DIY Enclosure Test

www.ebmorelia....
www.behaviored...
Adhesive Hooks Kitchen Wall Hooks- 24 Packs Heavy Duty 13.2lb(Max) Nail Free Sticky Hangers with Stainless Hooks Reusable Utility Towel Bath Ceiling Hooks (Adhesive Hooks) www.amazon.com...
2.5" Round Open Screen Vent - tab Style - Mill - Pkg of 4 www.amazon.com...
www.arcadiarep...
MagNaturals Rock Ledge www.amazon.com...
www.reptilebas...

[@MrDamonster94]

Nice looking enclosure, the elevated hide is an awesome idea. An instructional video would make for a great video and help a lot of keepers maneuver through the build . Thank for the video

[@LoriTorrini]

Darren Watson I’ll add that to my video list! Thanks.

[@ThePurpleRants]

@@LoriTorrini did you ever do an instruction vid

[@LoriTorrini]

@@ThePurpleRants I did one about how I install the perching and one about how I install the sky hides.

[@shootingin4k198]

@@LoriTorrinihey where you get the blue thing holding the glass

[@MM-jf1me]

​@@shootingin4k198 Draco portals from specialty designs according to the vid.

[@joshsmith7170]

I reeeally like that hide attached to the lid.

[@LinkBeats15]

i like how you turned that black humid hide into a elevated ceiling hide, very creative

[@rademenes80]

That's a stunning DIY enclosure. Absolutely love it!

[@fireinateacup89]

Love the alternative enclosure! Not everyone can afford a $500+ glass terrarium to give their snake room to explore. Seems like the pvc perches would be pretty slippery for scales though... maybe consider wrapping some short carpet around it? Would be appropriate for a Carpet Python! Lol

[@Eastonitis]

That's such a sick name honestly.

[@LetsTalkHerps]

This is a really awesome setup, Lori. You make such excellent use of the space, and I'm a major fan of providing a humidity gradient, as well as a humid hide, and a photogradient as well!

[@LoriTorrini]

Thank you!

[@yourfavouritehydra]

I have the same tub and a python portal from Specialty Enclosure Designs and I'm loving them so far. The enclosure is for a neonate Boa constrictor longicauda and is bioactive and planted. The combo of the two is an awesome, inexpensive combination. I'm going to look into the vents you have because the tub is a little too good at keeping humidity in when planted. Thanks for the ideas!

[@jstadreme]

That a nice looking enclosure I'm interested in how you have the hide on top how did you secure it ?? Looks like you have it set up to slide in and out for cleaning how did you do that. Please share .also of you have the link for that material and that hide please do share I need something like that Asap...

[@jstadreme]

Nvm I found the link in the description THANK YOU:))

[@LoriTorrini]

@@jstadreme ✅ Good. I mentioned the hides in this video and I know I’ve included it in others as well. kzbin.info/www/bejne/faDbpIRufZqkq6s

[@johnschlesinger2009]

That enclosure looks great. For a two year old carpet he looks very slim. I almost certainly overfed my jungle carpet. He was maybe a year and a half old when I took over his care two and a half years ago. He was having three to four large mice every week for two years, and developed some scale spread. After about six months on 2 large mice or 2 day old chicks per week, he has slimmed down, and now looks a healthy adult weight. My albino Darwin carpet has been on a more restrictive diet. She has been in my care since February 2019. She only had three sheddings in the first year (was about 1 year old when she came to me), so I have upped her intake to one large weaner rat per week to twelve days, or equivalent in day old chicks. Any observations from you would be more than welcome.

[@LoriTorrini]

john schlesinger The different subspecies and localities can have different builds. My 3 year old Jungle is pretty thick even through I tend to feed on the lean side. Papuans and Darwins tends to be long and lean.

[@ryankerwin9115]

I just need to know how to install the doors and I’d love this

[@LoriTorrini]

Unfortunately the company that made these doors no longer manufactures them. I bought 6 more of these jumbo tubs to convert and THEN discovered I could no longer purchase door kits!

[@ryankerwin9115]

Oh they came with the doors? Damn now I have to learn how to do things 😂

[@FitHomeFam]

Try the reptile perch. They have tub converter kits. I don't know dimensions, so you would need to look into that

[@trevorbraden5448]

Cant find the sliding doors.... not in the description and I googled what you said they were

[@LoriTorrini]

Yes. The company no longer makes them so you can’t get them anymore. I was really disappointed to learn that the last time I wanted to order more. 😞

[@trevorbraden5448]

@Lori Torrini oh no.... do you of any other company?

[@justinbates4210]

Hi love the video what if you connect two of these tubs together? Like cut ✂️ out one side on each tub screw them together then use substrate to raise the level so that is much bigger?

[@LoriTorrini]

You can do that. I have done that several times. I use a hole saw to cut identical openings in each tub and match them up and then I connect them with a large diameter PVC pipe. It works well and you can do multiple levels or connect them end on end.

[@reptiletailz108]

Hey ok I have to know where u got those window inserts please!! This is absolutely epic

[@LoriTorrini]

I know. I loved those. The company was called Specialty Enclosure Designs and they no longer make them. I was so disappointed ☹️

[@fitguy6288]

Pretty amazing job Lori, thank you so much for sharing!

[@roseredr1058]

Doing a similar build for a young BP whenever I get one. I've been looking at the speciality enclosure design site and can't seem to find the same portals used in this video?

[@LoriTorrini]

They do not make these portāls anymore. The company also changed their name to something else. It has “perch” in the name but I’d have to look it up.

[@Gottalovecarpetpythons]

Works really well Lori and much better then those rack tubs you could say. Perfect for young snakes to grow up in. So limited here in Australia for anything different or anything at all when it comes to reptiles and l get so annoyed with it all, why l go hardward shopping or make my own enclosures, especially for my big snakes. The biggest enclosure l can buy is LIly's size, which is 1600x600x600 which will do her for life, but Amaya is the one l need to do one with around the 4ft by 3 foot high, thats a homemade one for me.

[@LoriTorrini]

Gotta love carpet pythons I have stacked these before and cut a pass through between too and bottom so the snake can climb between both levels.

[@missfit4943]

I'm really interested in the doors. Where did you find these? You didn't have them listed in the description.

[@LoriTorrini]

Specialty Enclosure Designs makes those. www.specialtyenclosuredesigns.com/

[@nourhanateout7187]

How did you make the sliding doors? What materials did you use to make them? Awesome enclosure by the way and wonderful job!

[@LoriTorrini]

Thanks. I bought those from a company called Specialty Enclosure Designs and the doors were called Draco Portāls but the don’t exist anymore. It’s sad!

[@nourhanateout7187]

Thanks! I almost thought the blue outlining of doors was those plastic prongs that hold kids book reports together lol. I'm gonna try to attempt a sliding door or worst comes to worst I can settle for a normal door with brackets. I'm looking to upgrade my versicolor and this video came at the perfect time

[@sharicew1988]

This is just what I'm looking for. May I ask what product was used for the doors I'm having some trouble with that part. 🙏🏾

[@LoriTorrini]

@@sharicew1988 I know, those doors were great, unfortunately that company no longer makes those!

[@sharicew1988]

@@LoriTorrini thank you for responding, I found an alternative solution in the meantime 😊

[@avaogara]

wow .did you construct that tub yourself ? .if so how n how did you do the doors ? it looks great this be a affordable idea .

[@LoriTorrini]

I did do this myself and the company I got the doors from no longer makes them. I have been made aware of another company that makes something similar but I have not tried them yet.

[@kaylahall1219]

Wow! I'm a total noob to snake keeping. This channel is a whole other level for me. The info is like trying to drink from a fire hose! But I love the information so much! Thank you for sharing! I am going to do a lot of rewatching for sure! You are in CS? I am not far in SLC. I have family in C S.

[@LoriTorrini]

Kayla Hall Thank you and welcome to snake parenting and to the channel! Don’t hesitate to ask questions. Yes, we’re just outside of Colorado Springs.

[@kaylahall1219]

Ha ha! Thanks so much! I have been slowly dissecting the video; playing at 0.75 speed and pausing as often as necessary. 😆 That upside down, high hide is so genius! I like how it is like a drawer, really.ibwas wondering, could you get a plexiglass U channel, and silicone it at the top of the walls, then slide the hide into place? 🤔 Learning so much!

[@LoriTorrini]

Kayla Hall Reptile Basics and Specialty Enclosures both sell the elevated hide hangers. www.reptilebasics.com/hide-boxes/hide-box-hanger-large/ www.specialtyenclosuredesigns.com/shop?category=Hide+Hangers

[@fireinateacup89]

The elevated hide makes so much sense for an arboreal species! Do you have a way to get him out if you need to feed him/etc.?

[@aloiis]

It slides in and out of rails, look at the product, the link is in the video description.

[@fireinateacup89]

Could you please do a tutorial and list the cost of the items you needed?

[@Travagast]

Hi, where might I find these oversized tubs? I see them often used for hamster enclosures in the UK, as well, but I cannot find storage tubs this big in Ontario, Canada. Best i can find are the Christmas tree bins but I don't love the proportions.

[@LoriTorrini]

I ordered several of these from Amazon.com by just searching for large or giant storage bins and scrolling through until I found the ones I liked.

[@Shades1535]

Fantastic Lori, what brand of cypress do you use? It looks much more fine than what I have which I like

[@LoriTorrini]

Usually Forest Floor by Zoo Med. www.chewy.com/zoo-med-forest-floor-natural-cypress/dp/123780?Zoo%20Med&gclid=Cj0KCQiAoNWOBhCwARIsAAiHnEhrOze16W3QJqUTXWa9nWjATuo2o1yMtfEb0tAvWg49BfEh9lTTwEgaAtf9EALw_wcB

[@nicolej5924]

How in the world did you find such a large tub? I'm looking online everywhere. The largest I can find is a 116 qt and its a little smaller than the diminsions you specified for yours. I live in the Colorado Springs area too. Did you buy it from a local store? If so, where did you get it?

[@LoriTorrini]

Nicole J They are 200 quart tubs and I got 3 of them in a set with some smaller ones online. smile.amazon.com/dp/B07T81632G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_btf_t1_UrFqFbFC18K7N

[@ThunderStruck15]

You could also just zip tie two of those tubs facing each other like a sandwich.

[@Tarasaurus13]

What size is this sterilite tub? This is a great diy enclosure!

[@LoriTorrini]

It’s about 38” long by 18” wide and 18” deep but it tapers so is slightly bigger at the top than the bottom.

[@Tarasaurus13]

@@LoriTorrini awesome, thanks!

[@JoshR324]

This looks like a fantastic idea for a baby through sub adult size boa. Is that Arcadia the heat source or were you using another heat source? I’m wondering if a RHP would work well in a tub setup like this as I’d prefer that over a heat mat.

[@LoriTorrini]

The room is kept at 78-82 F during the day, sometimes it’s naturally hotter than that in summer. The UVB bar does produce some heat but it’s not meant as a heat source. At night the room drops down to about 74-76F most of the year but if it gets colder on winter I use a heat mat at night and a halogen lamp over a screen on top during the day. RHP and CHE really dry things out and RHP doesn’t mimic any type of natural heat source that I know of. CHE does produce IR-C which would be the heat available at night in nature but it really sucks moisture out of the air.

[@JoshR324]

@@LoriTorrini thanks for the ultra fast reply. Interesting you say it doesn’t mimic any natural heat source because I always hear that’s the point of them (heat radiating from above down onto the animal). My house is kept 72-74 year round. For a tub setup like this for a BI do you have a recommendation for a heat source? I would imagine the lid is a limiting factor in terms of the weight it’ll support for lights and such.

[@LoriTorrini]

@@JoshR324 I use the Arcadia fixture with the built-in cover/protector and cut a hole in the lid to fit. I can message you or email you photos but I’m sure I’ve shown the set up in some of my videos because I often use that for quarantine. I am in the Reptile Lighting group on Facebook and listen to the Animals at Home podcast for much of my lighting and heating information. Since my area is behavior and training and seek advice from experts in the field. JTB Reptiles does a lot of research into heat and lighting as well. The type of radiation and wavelengths are what is important to look at and as far as I understand IR-C radiates off the ground and it’s IR-A and B that comes from the sun above which the RHP doesn’t produce.

[@JoshR324]

@@LoriTorrini thank you! I will join that group on FB and look those people up to continue learning as much as I can.

[@newforestmorphs1377]

Nice design ! Well though out!

[@davido2698]

If he uses the bathroom in that elevated hide, how do you clean it?

[@LoriTorrini]

It is in a sliding track and slides right out.

[@Dani-tp4wn]

i was thinking about making something like this for my BCI but with a strong tree storage tote probably from really useful boxes... I would love a tutorial on adding doors like this?? Do you happen to have links to anything like that?

[@LoriTorrini]

The portals come with detailed instructions about how to install them. www.specialtyenclosuredesigns.com/shop/draco-portal-9x11?category=Tub%20Conversion%20Kits

[@williamjames6495]

I love this enclosure

[@LoriTorrini]

Thanks. It was an experiment and I was just winging it!

[@williamjames6495]

@@LoriTorrini I love your work. U should patent this. ☺️

[@ThePurpleRants]

i want this! can i get a shopping list of what to get?

[@ThePurpleRants]

maybe a tutorial

[@LoriTorrini]

@@ThePurpleRants Your comment only just showed up so sorry I didn’t get it sooner. I did a tutorial on my Patreon using a similar tub. The sliding door is from Specialty Enclosure Designs, the tub was from Wal-Mart I think, the sky hide and hanger was from Reptile Basics, the ledges are by Magnaturals, the lights are from Arcadia, and I made the perches out of PVC.

[@FellsApprentice]

Could you heat this entire enclosure with a uth panel or is that unrealistic? I keep my bedroom around 68F and that's where i have to keep my snakes, and I'd like to still be able to stack these enclosures.

[@LoriTorrini]

I would recommend setting one up empty and testing use of a heat mat. Keep in mind that heya mats are designed to function properly with airflow on one side of it so. It’s sides cannot be against solid surfaces. The ambient temperature required will depend on the species you’re keeping and you would have to test if the mat would be sufficient alone and provide a thermal gradient. Also keep in mind the mat produces infrared C only and your animal will not have opportunities to access infrared A/B or UVB.

[@JTBReptiles]

Very inventive!

[@corald3638]

That's really amazing!

[@ThePurpleRants]

i'm building mine off your design so I hope i'm not bombarding your with too many questions... What did you use to stick the hide to the floor and to the roof? I find that a light plastic hide like those never stick to where you put it because of the Bp movement.

[@LoriTorrini]

The one on the floor is just resting on the floor, it’s not attached to anything. The one on the roof is attached with screws; however, I’ve since installed them by drilling holes in the hide and the roof and using zip ties or something else to just tie them on.

[@gerald4055]

Nice tub/enclosure! How do you secure the top?

[@LoriTorrini]

Thanks. It has handles that clip down onto the lid. It came that way. Snap down handles.

[@pubsway7087]

Where do I get the slide glass from ❤️

[@LoriTorrini]

I got those door kits from Specialty Enclosure Designs but last time I checked they were no longer making them.

[@cryptosporidium01]

I had the same question and am *now looking for a way to do the same thing without this product.

[@venomanonymous916]

THE DOORS??? How you make the doors?? Video???

[@LoriTorrini]

Those doors were called Draco Portals and used to be made by Specialty Enclosure Designs but they stopped manufacturing them.

[@ravequeen1217]

Wow this was a great idea !!

[@ChasingSunRaee]

This is really dope

[@saradownard4884]

Thankyou !

[@joshuaardoin9918]

Can't find those portals

[@LoriTorrini]

They no longer make them. It’s a bummer because I wanted to make more enclosures using them.

[@joshuaardoin9918]

Ok ty 😁

[@schizox]

Love the elevated hide, would be perfect for baby boas.Should be nice for spot cleaning when the snake is up there. I would personally use a radiant heat panel instead of the bulb if it's viable, but that would really just be for aesthetic purposes. Thank you for the ideas! You should really consider setting up an Instagram account and post your animals and these diy builds.

[@LoriTorrini]

schizox I have an Instagram. I try to post photos daily and occasional videos. It’s just: loritorrini

[@schizox]

@@LoriTorrini Oh didn't know, just followed!

[@Daryl-1]

Hi where did you get the blue frames from for the front opening thank you

[@LoriTorrini]

Those are from Specialty Enclosure Designs www.specialtyenclosuredesigns.com/shop/draco-portal-9x11

[@greyecologyst4694]

Old video but i wanted to warn that UVB will degrade clear plastic. It will make it extremely brittle over time. Slight pressure can cause it to spider web and break apart almost like tempered glass but less dramatic.

[@LoriTorrini]

Really? We haven’t had any issues so far with degradation of the tubs or any other plastic we use inside some of the enclosures. Many times I put the snakes’ humid hides under their lighting and some of them have had them for more than 4 years with no issues to the plastic. I’ll keep an eye on that. Thank you.

[@greyecologyst4694]

You not having this issue got me thinking so i did some quick googling. UV degradation of plastic is a thing and clear plastic is the most susceptible. A quick look only found references to outdoor exposure and didn't elaborate on what type of UV causes the issue. My experience with this issue has been in outdoor situations as well as uvb bulbs but due to cage height/screens i have never used anything below 10% uvb. In the video you are using a lower strength uvb. Perhaps the strength of the uvb is why ive had issues and you haven't. 🤷‍♂️

[@FitHomeFam]

Is the tub lid strong enough to keep the snake in? Im currently looking for a tub that I can convert!

[@LoriTorrini]

It is for the snakes that I have out in these but it will of course depend on what type of snake you want to use it for.

[@FitHomeFam]

@@LoriTorrini I would be using it for my yearling papuan carpet and my yearling jungle carpet

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Very cool!! I like 👍🏼

[@ThePurpleRants]

what are the window sizes?

[@LoriTorrini]

They come in several sizes. These are the largest. www.specialtyenclosuredesigns.com/shop/draco-portal-9x11?category=Tub%20Conversion%20Kits

[@alainacoffee3977]

Do you have any recommendations of companies that do complete builds for adult ball python enclosures in the US? Do you have any recommendations for specifics--dimensions, lighting, etc?

[@LoriTorrini]

I have enclosures that I recommend; however, when you ask about complete builds do you mean the inside fully furnished and finished and heating and lighting installed? I don’t know of any company that does that. If you mean the enclosures come assembled upon arrival them Showcase Cages and Vision Cages arrive assembled. I have been happy with Blackbox Cages and Zen Habitats but they ship flat and you have to assemble them. There are no max dimensions so I would go as large as possible but minimum the length of your adult snake. I use UVB lighting along with infrared A/B for heat firing the day and then heat mat or ceramic heat emitter if heat is needed at night.

[@LouBalestriere]

@@LoriTorrini Do you attach the heat mat to the shelf that the enclosure sits on so as to be able to freely slide and remove the enclosure without the mat and accompanying wires getting in the way? Similar question for the wire probe: how do you deal with the probe/wire when moving the tub enclosures? Thanks for another amazing video!

[@LoriTorrini]

@@LouBalestriere Woth these tubs I adhere the heat mat to one side. The lights are attached to the inside of the lid and it can be removed. If I move the entire thing for some reason I just unplug everything and it all goes at once.

[@LouBalestriere]

@@LoriTorrini thanks very much for your reply and for the wealth of knowledge that you so generously share with all of us! Watched your lighting and heating video. Looks like you use such mild heating that you don't use a thermostat. Is that correct?

[@LoriTorrini]

@@LouBalestriere Yes. On most of the enclosures. I use thermostats for a few snakes but lost of the species I keep are adapted to our local climate so we don’t end up having to use much.

[@papyrusthegreat457]

What size tub is that and how much did it cost?

[@LoriTorrini]

It is about 38” long and 18-20 inches tall Ana deep. I think got them at Target or online from Amazon.

[@taraboi8983]

What size are the portals?

[@LoriTorrini]

There are different sizes available. They’re all listed here. The ones on this tub are the largest. www.specialtyenclosuredesigns.com/shop/draco-portal-9x11?category=Tub%20Conversion%20Kits

[@DanMaganoSnakes]

See this is where I’m at a pitfall. A monkey with a rock is better equipped than me with a house full of tools lol. Not that I have one but I’m just not crafty or handy AT ALL. That’s a really cool set up.

[@LoriTorrini]

DanMaganoSnakes I felt really good about this and then one of my friends from the UK posted his enclosure build; well, he used more power tools than me and measured stuff and went to a building supply store and bought stuff. He added real rocks and slate and things. Wow!

[@DanMaganoSnakes]

Lori Torrini I got two pieces of bamboo and hide in this cage for the spotted and I’m feeling pretty accomplished lol.

[@bobthemanlyman6005]

Can a Chamaeleon go in it?

[@LoriTorrini]

This wouldn’t be suitable for a Chameleon as they typically do best in mesh or screen enclosures that allow for ample ventilation. An adult chameleon would also need a larger size than this with appropriate lighting and heat. reptifiles.com/jacksons-chameleon-care/jacksons-chameleon-enclosure-size/

[@brianlamontagne4971]

Where did you get the doors?

[@LoriTorrini]

www.specialtyenclosuredesigns.com/shop?category=Tub+Conversion+Kits

[@brianlamontagne4971]

So cool thanks!!

[@samanthahinson8783]

How did u make the doors?

[@LoriTorrini]

I bought the doors from a company that used to make them but they are out of business now.

[@samanthahinson8783]

Well damn. Thank u for the response and the video.

[@steverobinson4995]

What size bin?

[@LoriTorrini]

It’s about 38” L x 20” D x 18” H

[@grizzlymike85]

Will this work for a bearded dragon

[@LoriTorrini]

Bearded Dragons need much more space than this. It may suffice to use as a temporary hatchling enclosure or quarantine enclosure for a juvenile; however, not permanently. Also, it would need additional ventilation so as to not get too humid. This is a temporary set up for a small snake or for an animal that needs high humidity. I wouldn’t use it for a bearded dragon.

[@brianlamontagne4971]

Love it

[@dragonmom2851]

Old video but nice!

[@olyar15]

Why not go bioactive?

[@LoriTorrini]

olyar15 This is not his permanent home. That is something we’re looking at down the road. I think this type of tub would work very well for bioactive, as well as for species requiring high humidity but own old eliminate some of the vents, and this is also a great option for quarantine of new snakes.

[@Asuraskeye]

!!!!!!