fianalizing cage

[deanie]

Ok kids, I am in the process of trying to put together the final aspects of Uni's new and last home, but I have a few questions.

I want to use the soft netting material, that you used, "V" in your outside cage. What was that stuff,,, and where did you get it? Don't get all worried cause I plan on putting plexie on the outside of it so that in the summer I can open it up if wanting too.

Second question!! I noticed that you put in a waterfall for your humidity. How do you keep that clean everyday if they deceide to use it for the potty place? Waterfalls use recycled water,and if they deceide to use it, then it is recycling the water that is not good. So I am presuming that you have some kind of screen over the base water, so they can't get into it???

I have looked into misssters and boy are they expenxive, and I am using a warm air 2.5 humidifier in Igg's cage, but every 2 month I have to buy a new one because I will not use distilled water in it on a daily basis. Cheaper to buy the humidifier. I have seen pictures where people have set up a system where they have a large room humidifier attached to a hose that goes directly into the cage, but I am not sure how that would work , trying to maintain it so it isn't to much!

Just trying to think here kids, so HELP, HELP, HELP!!!

[prism_wolf]

The extruded plastic on the doors of the homemade indoor enclosure and the entire outdoor enclosure is actually used mainly by fisheries so it's made to weather the elements. They cut to order in 4' linear rolls. I bought about 35 feet. They do send out free sample packs, all you need to do is give them a call. Here's the website:
www.internetplastic.com/plastic_extruded.htm

That's to the direct page for the stuff used on the enclosures. I've been using it for 3 yrs now and it stays out in the heat of summer and has snow on it in winter and there's no weathering yet. The zipties need changing throughout the seasons, but not the mesh. I used item number XB1135 - which is great for large igs, but for anything under a normal 2 yr old ig they can get their heads through. I would suggest using the XB1132...but the sample packet will give you samples you can actually touch and look at up close.

As for the waterfall...yup...he's pooped in it. I have a shop vac to clean it out, but it can still be a PITA. It holds about 7 gallons of water. As nice as it looks...it's not very practical in there. It's also hard to clean the astroturf when I have to lift it from under...and then get it back under once cleaned. I may go back to the vaporizer - but like you...I use our well water - the great killer of vaporizers. They are cheap though and if I get 3+ months from it before it dies from clogged arteries...I'm good with that! As for piping it in...all it would take is some flexible tubing that fits over the vent of the vaporizer and pipe it through a hole. Also a thought I've rehashed since wanting to remove the waterfall.

[deanie]

Thanks" V". I visited the site for the mesh and have a request in for the samples.

As for the humidifiers, I am thinking that, I am going to stay with what I am using also. With the fake rock over it, when it is working, with all the holes that Bret has put into it, that good ole steam just a rolls out of there and when it goes into the "Cool it mode" and it is still putting out the warm air, that is when Iggstress seams to like to just hang on it. Then when it kicks back in, she moves right on up to the shelf that is right above it.

And as you have said, and I have said, The cost from buying the humidifier versus the cost of distilled water just doesn't even out.

Humidifier 1.5 gallon == $14.95 [here in Iowa] Last about 60 day's.
Distilled water == $1.09 per gallon [to fill humidifier = 1.5 gallons a day]
so ratio is:

Humidifier = $14.95 for 60 day's
Distilled water = $93.00 for 60 day's!!!.... YIKEE'S

Thinking that I am liking the humidifier more and more. Another good thing about this is, that when one goes bad, get rid of the heating element but save the tub. That way when you change at night [which is when I do] You have a new tub of water ready to go. Take out the other and get it ready for morning, otherwise you would have to take every thing apart and then go get the new and put it back together. This way you are ready for the switch!
I just wish that we could find a way to flush those heating elements to get rid of the lime, cause that is what is breaking down on these guy's.

[prism_wolf]

Cleaning with the vinegar solution the manufacturer suggests is the way we're supposed to deal with that. I did it once I believe...;-)

[deanie]

You know my husband suggested that too and I told him I have heard of doing that with the coffe pots, but didn't know about this.
GOODNESS, I might have to tell him he is right. EEEKKKSSS!!!!.. :0)

[prism_wolf]

deanie said:

GOODNESS, I might have to tell him he is right. EEEKKKSSS!!!!.. :0)

LOL...well...sometimes we have to give that one up every now and again... ;D