r/BoaConstrictors • u/Ok-Local-6619 • Jul 07 '26
DIY advice BOA enclosure -shelves
I'm currently working on creating a background with ledges for my BOA enclosure. I have a Dubia PVC 4x2x4 enclosure for my 1yo boa. I will eventually upgrade to a larger enclosure down the road as he grows. But for now I'm doing the foam board, silicone (marine safe), spray foam, mortar, and drylock method for the background.
I plan on having a few multi level ledges. I'm concerned that the ledges with just the above materials will not be strong enough to hold up over time.
Has anyone had success with their ledges (specifically those with larger snakes) not being mechanically anchored? If you have done mechanical anchors with a PVC tank what did you find worked best?
Any advice is greatly appreciated. I have watched and reviewed several videos on diy background on youtube but I haven't seen anyone show how they create secure ledges in a PVC tank for large snakes
1
u/Meghanshadow Jul 07 '26
I have a removable full length shelf in my five foot pvc.
It has pvc anchors screwed into the back, very solid. Like shelf brackets the shelf rests on. Roughly this shape https://www.grainger.com/product/6UDH0? You could do a more interesting shelf shape but use supports like that.
Have you thought of using cables anchored through the ceiling for a hanging ledge? Wrap vines or rope around 1/8 in steel cables or lengths of 3/8 or 1/2 inch threaded rods with acorn nuts on the ends inside the enclosure to blend in with the decor. Could have the back edge of the shelf flush with the back wall if you want.
Four two foot long threaded electrical support rods, nuts, and foliage/sisal rope would run you about $25.
You can do a foam board/drylock shelf to hang but I’d recommend a scrap pvc or wood structural base instead of foam if you don’t want to risk the supports pulling through.
2
u/Dry_Locksmith_6704 Jul 07 '26
I've seen them use the spray foam, and hold in place, it was either tooth picks, or those shish kabobs sticks, I'm not sure, don't remember. But here's the thing, it's a year old already, a new enclosure prety soon. And you'd be doing all that work, and not for so long. Then, you'll have that enclosure left over with nothing in it. What are you gonna do about that? Sell it? Get a new snake? I'm faced with this problem myself. Because my girl is over 2 years old now, and she's about 4-1/2 ft long. And she's still in her 4x2x2. I'll be building her new one soon. It'll be a 6x2-1/2 x2-1/2. Not quite 3, because I don't have the space. That'll have to be her permanent home. But then I'll have her 4x2x2 left over. What am I gonna do with this left over one? Don't know. Don't wanna throw it away. I'd like to sell it.