How to Build a Snake Tank Out of Plexiglas

You can build a snake tank out of Plexiglas and save money from not purchasing a reptile setup from the pet store. Building your own tank will allow you to customize the size and access panels to accommodate the breed, size and temperament of your snake. Using Plexiglas instead of a screen can help prevent injuries and escapes. Using hinges might permit you to add onto your snake tank later if your snake grows larger or you decide to add another snake. These plans produce a 1-foot-wide tank that is 2 feet tall.

Things You'll Need

  • Two sheets of Plexiglas that are 23.5 inches by 23.5 inches Three sheets of Plexiglas that are 11.5 inches by 23.5-inches One piece of 1/4-inch plywood that is 12 inches by 2 feet Six 1-inch hinges 14 1-inch corner brackets 100 1/2-inch screws 24 boards that are 1 inch by 1 inch by 2 feet Eight boards that are 1 inch by 1 inch by 12 inches Four latches such as eye-and-hook Caulk gun and liquid nails
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Instructions

    • 1

      Frame four of the 1-inch-by-1-inch-by-2-feet boards into a square. Use liquid nails to hold them together at the corners. Make three more square frames using the same procedure. Create six more frames that will be rectangles. Place two of the 1-inch-by-1-inch-by-2-feet boards horizontal to each other. Use the 1-inch-by-1-inch-by-12-inch boards at both ends again, fitting the corners together with liquid nails to create 90-degree angles.

    • 2

      Squeeze a line of liquid nails all the way around one of the square frames, keeping the liquid nails near the center of each board. Lay one sheet of 23.5-inch-by-23.5-inch Plexiglas over the liquid nails on the frame. Squeeze another line of liquid nails around a second square frame, and lay the frame over the Plexiglas so the Plexiglas is encased between the two frames. Repeat this process with the second sheet of 23.5-inch-by-23.5-inch Plexiglas. Squeeze a line of liquid nails all of the way around one of the rectangular frames, again keeping the liquid nails near the center of each board. Place one 11.5-inch-by-23.5-inch Plexiglas over the liquid nails on the rectangular frame, encasing the Plexiglas. Finish the second and third rectangular sections the same way: Two are sides, and one is the lid.

    • 3

      Use three corner brackets and screws to connect each of the 2-foot sides.

    • 4

      Attach the plywood onto the bottom of the tank. Use screws every 2 to 3 inches to attach the bottom of the tank securely.

    • 5

      Use three hinges to attach the final Plexiglas section onto the top of the tank. Use two latches on the front to secure it closed.