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Post by Yoda on Nov 10, 2003 14:34:35 GMT -8
I agree those Cages By Design are awsome ... but wow... $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ I am in Canada ......take those prices and convert to Canadian .....OMG I could add a entire room for the price of the R1 complete set-up 72 x 96 x 48 $2359.95 on sale.  Congrats to all Iggy's who's parents who are willing to dish that out.... Also looking fwd to the Pics.. James and Yoda l |
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Post by WillemsMom on Nov 11, 2003 6:50:42 GMT -8
James, I agree with you about the cost of Cages by Design, Whew. I'm still trying to get over it. I think I would be ok with it, if I had confidence in some of AJ's (salesman's) suggestions and some of the shortcomings I have noticed in this gorgeous showcase. I'm going to post this question in a few sites for members and see how others feel. As AJ and I were speaking about lights, it was his opinion that the enclosure should replicate nature as closely as possible. ( I liked that) He felt the lights should be turned on when I get up and off when I go to bed. (Timer not necessary?) On a cloudy day, don't use the UVR lamps. Keep it like nature. He may be right but these suggestions don't seem like anything I've learned so far. Unfortunately, I lost confidence in his input and am now struggling with designing my own lighting and designing the placement of my own basking shelves. I believe they need to be adjustable as Will grows. Secondly, the shelves they offer are only 21 " long. If this is a once in a lifetime purchase for Will, I don't believe 21" will do it. I'm going to write Debbie now, as she seems to have overcome my uncertainties I really hand it to her for taking the big leap.. I would appreciate very much any of your input on my issues.
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Post by Tesa on Nov 11, 2003 7:18:58 GMT -8
I just read a wonderful (and mind boggling) article by Bob MacCargar referencing 1) minimum and maximum ultraviolet B exposure levels by natural sunlight 2) What range is necessary for an iguana 3) which bulbs peform best in terms of meeting these specific requirements
The recommended exposure (comparable to minimal natural exposures in the wild) is 30–50 microwatts per square inch from a distance of 12" for 8–12 hours per day
The best florescent tubes tested (Reptisun 5.0) emitted 12–15 microwatts per square inch at 12”
The author has done extensive testing. His article states "The ZooMed 5.0 fluorescent lamps are at the top of the ladder in terms of meeting these specific requirements (i.e., the best “usable” UV-B). Use at least two of these lamps to achieve the desired exposure levels."
The fella you talked to is mimicking "nature" by allowing cloudy days, but he isn't taking into consideration that by being OUT of their natural habitat, they are already receiveing less than adequate UVB. IMHO, iguanas in captivity cannot afford "cloudy days".
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Post by WillemsMom on Nov 11, 2003 7:51:25 GMT -8
Hi Debbie
Congratulations on your beautiful purchase. I want to finalize my purchase with AJ, but I have some questions I can't get beyond. First..the 21" size of the basking ledge. I know your ig and mine will not fit on those for very long. Did you find a way to get longer ledges or will you install your own. Something will have to be adjustable..either the position of the shelves or the height of the lights as our igs grow. Easiest, I think, is making the ledges an adjustible height. Have you figured this one out yet. And lastly...are you placing your bulbs inside the cages on on top of screen inserts. If inside, how how your protecting your ig from burns.
I am very touched that you would take out a loan to purchase this for your ig. You must love him VERY much.
All of my concerns can be taken care of later, so if the cage is perfect for you now, as it it..WONDERFUL! I wish you all continued joy with your purchase. Nance
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Post by WillemsMom on Nov 11, 2003 8:10:18 GMT -8
Thanks for summarizing what BobMac wrote. He has an amazing mind and is able to sort through alot of numbers that are are hard for me. Bob F. has been a constant source of questions ( to make me think) and sugguestions. I have found that group VERY knowledgeable and very willing to help! NOT stuffy at all. And you are right about our igs not living outside full time. Good point. Thanks, Tesa
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Post by Tesa on Nov 11, 2003 8:24:17 GMT -8
That article had my eyeballs spinning around in my head! ;D
It took me awhile to make sense of it all, but once I did, it was exactly the information I had been looking for.
Thrasher was outside daily for natural sun during the summer. I've spent all these months rehabbing her from MBD...I'll be damned if I'm gonna take backward steps this winter!!
Excuse me while I go search the net for a bargain price on Reptisun 5.0's. ;D
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Post by WillemsMom on Nov 11, 2003 9:53:01 GMT -8
Tesa...check out LLLReptile.com. I found some there. The prices loo0ked good and good sizes, too.
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Post by Tesa on Nov 11, 2003 9:56:53 GMT -8
I'll check it! lol
I just posted on GIS about reptisuns for 16.98 at reptile direct lol
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Post by Yoda on Nov 11, 2003 14:44:36 GMT -8
Willemsmom
I am using PVC pipes to create fully adjustable levels and leges. The piece plumbers use at the floor (where the toilet is normaly sitting ) will make a perfect mounting plate for shelves ) the piping fits
tightly together without any cement so as Yoda grows I can change the set-up . The possibility's are endless with which direction the pipes run and the distances between shelves . For the shelves themselves I will be using malimine board covered with astroturf ( the astroturf will have velcron the back side so it can easily be removed and sanitized.)
It will be kind of like a winding tree through the whole enclosure . The shelves themselves are going to be random shapes ( kind of like golf greens) with the highest (basking lege) being the largest.
I am not going to use a timer ( I enjoy saying good morning and goodnight )
Hope this gives you some ideas,,
James and Yoda
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Post by WillemsMom on Nov 11, 2003 15:50:53 GMT -8
Hi James and Yoda
What a clever design you have in mind. Congratulations! You really have a creative mind. The longer I struggled with trying to get Will's cage 'just right' the more confused I got. When I was really going nuts with inches and watts and rays, the CBD salesman called. He was wonderful. Acknowleged my concerns, validated them and showed me how they could easily be overcome. We were on the phone for well over an hour, ironed out our differences and relieved my concerns. So we struck a deal that I'm very pleased with. Delivery by Christmas. Sigh! I'm so glad to have that resolved.
Thanks for your input. I hope you'll post a picture soon.
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Post by Yoda on Nov 11, 2003 16:07:36 GMT -8
Great News .... Glad to hear you got it all figured out...and Im jealous already those Cages BY Design are any Iggys dream. I will not have "Yodas Lair" complete till near the end of November but you can be sure I will post pics... I am trying not to rush it and hurry up at the same time if that makes any sence...the little green dude is growing like a weed .... Regards James and Yoda |
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Post by WillemsMom on Nov 11, 2003 17:21:23 GMT -8
LOL! Yes it makes sense!
I also wanted to come back on and tell you I was touched when you said you like to say good night and good morning to Yoda. I got so regimented somehow. I think it's because I've been afraid of doing something wrong, The first petshop ig I bought died within 2 weeks (vet says it was sick to begin with), but I've tried to be responsible so much with Will that it has taken away some of the fun of being his Mom. I'm going to relax more with him and let some structure go..many thanks for heading me in that direction.
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Post by Yoda on Nov 11, 2003 19:59:38 GMT -8
Your Welcome ...  .Im more than sure you are dooing just great . So relax and be proud because you are already dooing so much more than many less educated people for your little Willem. The truth is im a wreck too ,wanting to do all the right things most of the time but I make sure Yoda is convinced I know exactly what Im dooing. Kind of like ... lets see ......... Most Parents ...lol Yoda and James |
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Post by WillemsMom on Nov 12, 2003 5:31:03 GMT -8
'Morning James, Isn't it wonderful how much we care and how much we want our igs to thrive!
They WILL for sure. I think you're right. INFORMED Love is what will make the difference. BTW, Tesa has a good post in the lighting category. Simplified alot of the incoming information
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Post by Debbie on Nov 12, 2003 5:45:28 GMT -8
Hey everyone.  Iggys cage came in on Saturday and we just got it put togther yesterday. It is awsome! It took us about 12-14 hours to put together. If you can afford it, let me tell you it is worth getting. We will finish putting the extras in the cage today and Iggy will be in his home by 12:00 noon, I can hardly wait to see how he reacts. It will be like moving into the Hilton for him! lol ;D Thanks again for all your supprot and like I said before, our little green buddy.s are worth it. Debbie Jon and Iggy. |
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.Im more than sure you are dooing just great .
