Eki's getting a larger home!

[EsotericComposer]

On Wednesday I hit the local Salvation Army in hopes of a cabinet deep enough, tall enough and wide enough to house Eki with some mild modifications that would be within budget of two college students. (We're broke! lol). I got lucky enough to find a 5foot 8 inches tall cabinet, armoire thingie. It's wide about 4feet, and 3+feet deep and tall and able to stand on it's own. Perfect for $58. Brought it home and we just need to modify it some. (this isn't a longterm solution, but he's definately outgrown his tank and we don't have $300 to spend on building a long term home. This will last a year or two hopefully.)

Within the next few weeks, my boyfriend and I will be replacing the backing with a stronger piece of wood, cutting out the door's middle to put in screening and adding plexiglass to the sides of the armoire. We'll be reinforcing the bottom and adding a swimming area for Eki to enjoy. More or less a cat litter box with water. We'll be setting up the electrical up on top with switches and timers.

Currently we have shelving, lighting, basking, eating, and flooring handled. Along with the doors, siding and backing.

A few questions. What's your opinions on fake plants, paint colors (I'm thinking basic white on the inside.) What did you find your iguanas enjoy in their environments. He's being upgraded from a critter cage(tank) to a closet that stands alone =P

[SurvivorSteph]

What a bargain!

Colors: I'd go with some sort of color (a pale green, maybe); I've noticed that Gil doesn't care for white... it's sort of like he can't really see it or something. Whatever you choose, be sure to buy a child-safe paint that way you'll know it's safe for Eki.

Plants: I'm planning on having some in Gil's new enclosure (at least at first), but you'll need to check them regularly; the UVB light quickly damages the plastic. You'll also have to be careful that Eki doesn't eat any of the plastic pieces; even silk has it's drawbacks because the silk "leaves" can come off the plastic stems.

Be sure to post pics for us.

[EsotericComposer]

So far on Eki construction:

We put a stronger back on, sanded oak that's been primed. The entire inside has been primed now and tomorrow it'll get it's coat of Cellery bunch paint! Also shelving will be installed and possibly the bottom will be tiled and what not. But so far things are going well.

Side funny note, We installed the back with the cabinet on it's face, well it stands slightly to the right side.. Oh well


As for pictures, I'll get some tomorrow. We're doing the construction at my boyfriend's house were Eki lives and my camera was left at home.

[Merlin]

If instead of the tile you use a peice of lineoleum it will not have the seams that can allow fluid to soak into the wood.

[EsotericComposer]

Some images to go along with what's been accomplished today.

Painted two coats of Cellery Bunch paint on the inside. Removed doors that will be screened in within a week or two. (college classes and working= no free time). We installed two shelves with pvc bracing that was carpeted to help for climbing and basking. Plus it looks good =)

To do: Wire lighting fixtures. Put in the bottom with water tub for easy removal. Also tile the floor (vinyl tiles!). Attach doors and latches.

Here's the images so far. We need to add plenty of items still.






2nd shelf.


1st shelf, longest shelf.

[SurvivorSteph]

For your flooring, stick with something solid... like sheet vinyl. If you use tiles, then any liquid "messes" Eki makes will seep between the tile seams and cause damage. You can probably find a "remnant" at a local flooring store fairly cheap, and I know that Home Depot sells it fairly inexpensive.

[LotharsPeople]

EC,
If you're still going to use the vinyl tiles, then it would be a good idea to at least use a seam sealer on them. It's the same product thats used by the pro installers when installing sheet vinyl flooring and two pieces meet, it basically solvent welds the pieces together.