🕒 Lead time: ~6 to 8 weeks depending on order size | 📦 Accessories ship faster | 🛠️ Custom routed per order — not off-the-shelf | 📅 Updated: November 14th, 2025
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BlackBox Cages Assembly Instructions

(Letter-Matched Panel System)

All BlackBox cages are assembled the same way. For these instructions, we use an XT3 enclosure as the example.

We no longer use arrows. Each panel is labeled with a letter. Match letters exactly (A to A, B to B, C to C, etc.) during assembly. This ensures proper alignment and a perfectly square enclosure.

What’s Included in Your Package

  • Screws

  • Caulking tube - this will be in your accessory box if you have accessories

Tools Needed

  • Screwdriver

  • 6–8 pieces of painter’s tape (approximately 5 inches each)

Painter’s tape helps hold panels in place during assembly and keeps everything square.

PLEASE READ FIRST

  • The enclosure is assembled upside down.

  • The top panel is NOT screwed on until after caulking.

  • You will remove the top panel after assembly to caulk the inside bottom seams and corners.

  • All vent holes will appear at the bottom during assembly — this is correct.

  • Follow the steps in order. There are 11 total steps.

If assembled correctly, your enclosure will be perfectly square, as shown in our reference images.

Assembly Steps

STEP 1

Lay the inside top panel flat on a level surface with the inside facing up.

STEP 2

Take the back panel and place it upside down into the groove of the top panel.

  • Match the letter labels on both panels.

  • All vents should be positioned toward the bottom (since the box is upside down).

STEP 3

Take one side panel (left or right).

  • Match the letter on the side panel to the corresponding letter on the top and back panels.

  • Set it into the groove.

  • Use two pieces of painter’s tape to secure the side panel to the back panel, avoiding screw holes.

Repeat for the opposite side panel.
Vents should still be at the bottom.

STEP 4

Take the front panel, place it upside down, and slide it into the grooves.

  • Match all letter labels carefully.

STEP 5

Once the front, back, and both sides are installed:

  • Make sure all panels are flush and fully seated.

  • Match the inside bottom front edge to the front panel so the bottom panel aligns correctly.

  • Place the bottom panel on top (it is temporarily on top during assembly).

The enclosure is now ready for screws.

STEP 6

All screw holes are pre-drilled.

  • Ensure the panel currently on top (the bottom panel) is fully seated.

  • Start with the side panel screws.

  • Screw from the top down, squeezing corners tightly as you go to keep everything square.

STEP 7

  • Confirm the panel on top is flush with the front edges of the side panels.

  • Install the front corner screws first, squeezing the corners together.

  • Repeat for the back corners.

  • Finish installing the remaining screws for that panel.

STEP 8

Carefully flip the enclosure upright.
⚠️ The top panel is still not installed—handle with care.

STEP 9 — Caulking

  • Start with the inside bottom corners.

  • Run a small bead of caulk along all inside bottom seams.

  • Then caulk the vertical side seams.

  • Do not caulk the top edges.

A little goes a long way.
Wet your finger and smooth the bead for a clean seal.

BlackBox Cages Caulking

STEP 10 - Installing Accessories

Install all accessories into the top panel before attaching it to the enclosure.

  • Included Routed Accessories

    • Lighting

    • Radiant Heat Panels (RHP)

    • Any additional routed components

  • Hardware Policy

    • Each routed accessory ships with a dedicated, labeled hardware kit.

    • These labeled kits are the only approved fasteners for installation.

    • Any loose or generic screws found inside accessory packaging are manufacturer overage and must not be used.

    • Discard all non-labeled fasteners.



(See accessory-specific instructions as needed -  most are installed the same way, if you are having trouble, please don't hesitate to reach out)

Lighting and Radiant Heat Panel Installation

UVB Installation

 

STEP 11

Place the top panel onto the enclosure.

  • Ensure it is fully seated all the way around.

  • Flush the front corners first and install the two front corner screws.

  • Repeat for the back corners, then install the remaining screws.

Stacking Dowels

  • Pre-drilled holes in the top panel are for stacking dowels.

  • Dowels are typically included with multiple-enclosure orders.

  • Dowel size: ¼ inch.

Need Help?

If you have any questions at all, we’re happy to help.

📧 orders@blackboxcages.com - answered quickly usually in 24 hrs

Call or Text - Monday - Friday 9-5pm - 678-404-BBOX

Thank you for your purchase and for choosing BlackBox Cages.