Post by prism_wolf on Jan 6, 2007 15:22:41 GMT -8
Since the other thread had defunct pictures we've decided to start a new sticky for ideas of enclosures (indoor and out) and the pictures of set ups we have. Pictures of free-roam set-ups are also important. PLEASE keep the file size manageable! I guess I'll start.
INSIDE ENCLOSURE
At the time the enclosure was made I used the wooden frame and plywood for the sides, top and bottom with an open front using screen from internetplastic.com/ . It's 6'T x 6'W x 2'D. I would have preferred 3'D but the cage plan started out differently (first pic) and changed once I realized I had made a phone booth. The original UVB was two 4' Reptisun 5.0 tubes set about 8" away from the basking area and a 150W heat bulb. There's one full-length shelf that goes across the top and two partial shelves tapered down. One large branch stretches from the floor to the top shelf.
The cage is made in two halves with everything attached to one side or the other so everything can stay for ease in moving. I DID need to detach the 4' fluorescent light fixture because it was attached to both sides. Now I use a merc vapor and that's no longer an issue.
Changes I would make if I was to do it again.
OUTSIDE ENCLOSURE
This enclosure is based on the design from this website - www.geocities.com/RainForest/9008/pvccage.html and is 6'L x 4'T x 2'D. It cost about $150. I think it can be built for less, just depends where you live I guess. These were local suppliers I went through and got 160 feet of 2 1/2" pvc for 27 cents a foot. I used almost all of the pvc.
The mesh was used with what I had left over from the 37 feet I ordered from Industrial Netting for the doors on the other enclosure. Their product is originally for fisheries so it's meant to last outdoors. They send out free sample packages to those who call and ask.
The panels are all held together with bolts so it can be broken down and transported if needed. Zipties hold the mesh on. These need to be checked at the beginning of every season and spot checked through the outdoor months. The ties do deteriorate. The PVC is very easy to cut...as is the plastic mesh.
The mister was bought from Wal-mart in the garden dept. It's a great addition!
Changes if I were to do it again:
INSIDE ENCLOSURE
At the time the enclosure was made I used the wooden frame and plywood for the sides, top and bottom with an open front using screen from internetplastic.com/ . It's 6'T x 6'W x 2'D. I would have preferred 3'D but the cage plan started out differently (first pic) and changed once I realized I had made a phone booth. The original UVB was two 4' Reptisun 5.0 tubes set about 8" away from the basking area and a 150W heat bulb. There's one full-length shelf that goes across the top and two partial shelves tapered down. One large branch stretches from the floor to the top shelf.
The cage is made in two halves with everything attached to one side or the other so everything can stay for ease in moving. I DID need to detach the 4' fluorescent light fixture because it was attached to both sides. Now I use a merc vapor and that's no longer an issue.
Changes I would make if I was to do it again.
- Start out with lights outside of the enclosure.
- Use Plexiglas instead of mesh (although I could still add removable panels if I really wanted to).
- Start out with plastic tacked to the bottom of the enclosure.
- Add castors.
- Use different fasteners to secure the halves together. I've had to fortify with Velcro straps because the big lug can shake the cage enough to pop the latches...including the ones used to hold the doors closed.
- Use adjustable plastic coated wire shelving for easy cleaning, and ease in moving up or down as needed to compensate easily for his growth.
OUTSIDE ENCLOSURE
This enclosure is based on the design from this website - www.geocities.com/RainForest/9008/pvccage.html and is 6'L x 4'T x 2'D. It cost about $150. I think it can be built for less, just depends where you live I guess. These were local suppliers I went through and got 160 feet of 2 1/2" pvc for 27 cents a foot. I used almost all of the pvc.
The mesh was used with what I had left over from the 37 feet I ordered from Industrial Netting for the doors on the other enclosure. Their product is originally for fisheries so it's meant to last outdoors. They send out free sample packages to those who call and ask.
The panels are all held together with bolts so it can be broken down and transported if needed. Zipties hold the mesh on. These need to be checked at the beginning of every season and spot checked through the outdoor months. The ties do deteriorate. The PVC is very easy to cut...as is the plastic mesh.
The mister was bought from Wal-mart in the garden dept. It's a great addition!
Changes if I were to do it again:
- Make it MUCH bigger!
- Use smaller diameter PVC (the corners don't quite match up on the larger diameter angled connectors leaving large gaps for smaller igs to fit through)
.
