*sigh*

After some consideration I realised I made a few design flaws and also missed a seen edge on the back. I've made a list of what I need to fix, nothing too drastic and should be easy and quick. Hopefully I won't decide it needs any more changes between now and when I have time to construct it. The Original design was to have a door on the side but then I realised due to the length of the vivarium I would have some serious issues reaching the other end. The reason I went with a side door over sliding front doors was because of the idea of the vivarium being a backdrop for my computer desk would mean I'd wouldn't need to move monitors to gain access. It will also be up against something on the left side, so dual side doors where not an option either.

It also came to my attention that constructing the vivarium with the side door was going to be quite challenging and possibly a bad idea in the strength of the construction. So with all of this taken into account, I have opted to go for a dual sliding glass front doors, like most vivariums have. Moving my monitors over having a vivarium that may collapse is a small price to pay to guarantee the safety of my snake and the long life of the new vivarium.

On another note, I also realised I forgot about ventilation, so I ordered some vents off Ebay early this morning. AU$26.20 (inc. postage), not too bad I guess, can't complain too much as so far this has been the only cost of the build. Now I just got to hope they arrive before next weekend, although I'm still unsure if I am going to have any time to work on the build as it is the kids birthday party.

While sorting out some stuff in my shed I found out the heating equipment I bought years ago for the old tank, I had planned on upgrading it when I made the new lid but again I just never got around to it. This new vivarium will have thermostat controlled UV/Heat lighting and heat cord (cord is in old vivarium) under the floor on one side.

I'm not including the price of these items into my build, as honestly I bought them years ago and have no idea what they cost me, plus I am counting them as part of the old vivarium.

I choose to use an infrared globe as it can be used at night without the reptile thinking it is still daytime and causing it any undue stress while still providing warmth, UV rays and the ability to view the snake.

Oh and on a side note, it wasn't a hangover yesterday, I am coming down with the flu again... I think I've been lucky enough to have 2 days of not being sick in the last 4 weeks... *sigh*

I really need to keep off Ebay, damn place costs me money! Anyway, I just bought some more stuff for my build. In order to run my heating system the way I want, so both lamp and heat cord are run off the same thermostat I just bought some cords to make this possible.

One male IEC to twin female IEC connections

This will allow the single connection form the thermostat to run both the heat lamp and heat cord. Cost AU$15.53 (inc. postage), ordered from the UK so it may take a while to get here, luckily I don't need it just yet.

Male IEC to Three pin 240volt connection (Australian)

This was required to attached the heat cord to the thermostat. Cost AU$11.45 (free postage!), located in Australia so should be here in a week or less. So far this has brought the total build cost up to AU$53.18, not bad considering the cost to buy a new vivarium.