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Post by EndVision on Oct 3, 2007 15:31:49 GMT -8
i am not a craftsman at all, i dont even know where to start with building yazhi a new tank, can anyone help? does anyone have plans i can follow? im having such a hard time with this and my little guy needs a new home
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Post by prism_wolf on Oct 4, 2007 5:01:21 GMT -8
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Post by EndVision on Oct 5, 2007 23:05:27 GMT -8
thanks for the help i googled all i could and didnt find these sites
im going to try the last one but with walls rather then screen all the way around, ill probably just go the front screen
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Post by prism_wolf on Oct 6, 2007 6:08:43 GMT -8
Sounds good...:-) Use a panel for the top, too if you can. Just cut a hole in the top for the lights to shine through covering the hole with screen for safety. If you use a screen front instead of Plexi you'll need all the top you can manage. Heat and humidity are pretty touch to keep up in an open front cage. My first enclosure was like that...and it was very hard to keep the humidity up.
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Post by EndVision on Oct 6, 2007 9:27:06 GMT -8
should i just go with plexiglass for the front then?
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Post by prism_wolf on Oct 6, 2007 10:05:13 GMT -8
Absolutely! I couldn't believe what kind of difference it made to help keep the essentials easier to control.
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Post by EndVision on Oct 6, 2007 12:01:13 GMT -8
alrighty.
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Post by Merlin on Oct 7, 2007 9:04:35 GMT -8
Absolutely! The more enclosed the enclosure the more control you have on the temps and humidity.
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Post by prism_wolf on Oct 7, 2007 9:41:22 GMT -8
A couple of more tips that can really make life easier when designing an enclosure: - Measure so it goes through doors!! (Biggie here!)
- If the design is BIG - build it in two halves for breakdown. A must for around corners and hallways.
- Use casters!! Moving it for vacuuming and such is so much easier with these...especially if you use heavy wood (use 1x1 for framing...I ripped 2x4s in thirds for my frame)
- Use adjustable shelves if shelves is what you're planning. Very handy as Yahzi grows and needs the shelf moved farther away from the lights.Shelves can be anything from boards, to plastic-coated shelving used in closets. If using a branch for this it needs to be at least as wide as the iguana...even wider for extra comfort.
- Lights and heat sources - design so they are outside and on top of the enclosure.
- Ask about how to drill holes for the Plex before attaching. The plexi can easily crack if done wrong. You can also use a strong bonding glue.
- Sealing the wood is necessary. 2-3 coats is average - sand between coats. Let dry completely and then set up the lights and turn them on without the Yazhi. The heat often reactivates the fumes. Run these until the fumes are gone. This also helps cure the seal better...including the bonding glue for the Plexi.
- Seal all seams with non-toxic sealer. Aquarium sealer can be costly, but dries non-toxic.
- Place secure, disinfected branches...or planks wrapped in rope...fisherman's netting...PVC plastic pipe wrapped in rope, etc...in the enclosure for exercise.
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Post by EndVision on Oct 7, 2007 11:09:47 GMT -8
would it be safe to use screen for the top? for ventilation and for the lights?
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Post by Merlin on Oct 7, 2007 11:30:04 GMT -8
I use 1x1/2 welded wire mesh for the top.
Gives plenty of air flow and heat and light penetration. But is strong!
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zammy12
Full Member
I look forward to cold blood best!
Posts: 39
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Post by zammy12 on Nov 27, 2007 18:54:05 GMT -8
Hey go online and search for Iguana cages I am a bit craftsman even though im 13 and im new on Iguana Zone and if you PM me if you want more help! I would be happy too.
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Post by prism_wolf on Nov 27, 2007 19:54:47 GMT -8
That's great for you offering Sam...:-) Thanks! From those links there are some great ideas for yoour igs next home, too. Put that craftsmanship to use. If you're baby is small...you won't need to worry about that for awhile, but you will definitely need those ideas sooner or later.
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