Building a "Triple Enclosure"

[ejh805]

'I'm not too sure what it'd be called. But I want to use a spare 29 gallon and build it into something which sits vertically, separated into 3 different sections, and have what would normally be the lid act as a door to each section.

Here's a rough drawing.



My main concern is on how to build the doors/lid so that they can latch shut. They wont be holding water or much humidity, and are in fact for tarantulas, not frogs. I apologize if this doesn't quite belong here, but I know there are a few experienced tank builders here, and I was hoping I could get some help.

Thank you

[deranged chipmunk]

is space a concern?i only ask because it would be easier and safer to have it lie on it's side, opening facing towards you. rotate it 90 deg. not sure the separators will hold up to the weight of very much more than a tarantula itself over time. then you could hinge it at the bottom or top, whichever you so choose.

[ejh805]

Thanks for replying Bill

Space is a concern, but overall, I'd rather the animals be safe.

[deranged chipmunk]

Unless you can find some sort of way to support the shelves, i would do it horizontally, or make it out of wood and seal the inside with marine epoxy. Actually, you could build it out of wood and hang it on the wall like shadow boxes......lol

[ejh805]

I don't think I have the mechanical intelligence to build something out of wood haha
I do like the idea of using wood for the separators though. It would keep the spiders from seeing each other and stress them less.

How to make the doors is what I'm confused about the most though...

[deranged chipmunk]

aluminum piano hinges they are used in marine applications for live wells and such. safe for fishies, so they should be safe for froggies Aluminum With Holes - Piano Hinge, Aluminum | HardwareSource.com