Progress on adult Sav enclosure build

[Toothless]

I just thought I'd share how much I have done on Toothless's adult enclosure since I'm so excited that its almost done. I have a few more pieces of plywood to get and put in, then paint er up and add on the doors.
I want to get an additional light to brighten up the enclosure, and was thinking about getting one of those undercabinet tube lights- would this work considering the humidity in the enclosure, or is there something else I should be looking into?
There's going to be one door on the front, and another on the side for easy access to the water tub once its in there.
I suck at building things, so am quite impressed with how its turning out. :)
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e310/gothicangel_69/IMG-20130326-00844_zps65334b45.jpg
Sorry for the sideways photo. Not quite sure why it turned up that way since it looks fine on the computer.

[smy_749]

Its not sideways, looks fine. Are the 2 spots without plywood going to be your viewing windows? That looks pretty big, what are the dimensions? and nice job for someone who has little experience, gives me hope for when I try to start mine hahaha

[murrindindi]

Hi, it looks o.k, I`m a little concerned about those small metal brackets fixing the framework together, remembering that there will probably be a ton of soil/sand in there (if it`s around 8 x 4 x 4 feet, with 2 feet of substrate)?
As far as supplementary lighting, a normal household fluorescent tube is suitable (even better to use two), and if you can get them around 5 or 6 feet in length it should brighten it up quite well. I take it you`ll be using the low wattage halogen bulbs for the basking area?
I also like to ask what you plan to seal the bottom part with to protect it from the damp substrate (FRP or similar is one of the best ways)?

[Toothless]

The open part on the front, and the side that's most visable in the photo will be where the doors/ windows are going.
I used the metal brackets to hold everything together and in place while I was putting in the large screws (I had to do the whole thing by myself, and am not very strong so had to come up with a solution :). The frame is pretty rugged so I think it should hold up to the soil. I am putting two more 2 x 4's along the bottom and bolting them into the frame to add a bit more support to the bottom halve (the back side is already done).
I was planning to use a paint that is used in fresh water tanks on ships. Its low VOC, none toxic, and water-proof.- dries just like glass and only takes about 8-12 hours to dry per coat.
My problem with the tube light is that I don't feel comfortable wiring anything in, so am looking to purchase something that has a cord long enough to reach out the top or side of the enclosure. Anyone know where I can find something like that, all the one's I've been able to find don't have a power cord?
The basking light will be 3 50 watt halogens, with more added if needed to keep the ambient temp up. I don't have the money to insulate it right now, but can always do that later on when he's already in there (he has to be moved out of his current enclosure asap because it's rotting- growup cage and used melamine boards. Worst idea EVER).
I'm hoping to have it done and him in there in the next two weeks. I was thinking about putting that latice stuff on part of the walls just to see if he'll use it as he likes to climb.
The dimensions are 8 x 4 x 5. It just looks bigger because my living room is so small (takes up 1/3 of the room. lol)

[murrindindi]

Thanks for the details. If you`re fitting more 2 x 4`s on the bottom half and bolting them on it should be fine. I haven`t used that type of paint so can`t comment, though I wonder if it will hold up to the monitor digging/scratching around it?
When you say you`re not comfortable wiring something in, would the store be able to connect the wiring (electric flex) to the tube fixture (minus the plug)? Then all you would need to do is drill a hole the diameter of the flex in the roof and pass it through, attach the plug, and plug it in/out of a socket each time.
Edit: Yes, if you give them the means to climb they will, the lattice should be o.k, as well as stout, firmly fixed branches.

[Toothless]

I'm not sure if the store would be able to do that, but I can always ask :). I don't want to do it myself since I'm in no way an electrician, and have a crazy fear of house fires.
I know for a fact that I paint I'm thinking about using will hold up to a monitor (we use it at my work, and they need to use a chisel to get the paint off once it's dry lol).
What's the best thing to get for weather sealing the doors? I'm a complete building newb. My friend laughed at me when I asked to borrow their power-drill because I told them I needed the bit that looked like a star...apparently there's some special name for it :).

[murrindindi]

Fitting the electic flex to the tube housing is a very simple procedure, maybe if the give the shop assistant a big smile they`ll do it for free (or give you a small discount, at least)!
If you mean you want to seal any gaps around the door frames the easiest way is to fix some beading (maybe 1 x 1/2inch) around the inside so there`s a "lip" so that when the door`s closed it simply butts up to the edge (as when you fit a photo into a picture frame from the back). I hope that makes sense?

[smy_749]

For your tubing fixture, a 1-tube solution could be a fish tank T8 fixture for a larger sized tank (48" maybe). I have a double tube fixture thats 36 inches and came ready to plug in, Idk where my dad got it but I saw it unused in the closet downstairs and nabbed it before it disappears (the one in the pics)

http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/903141_117939038397528_815710011_o.jpg

http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/906444_117938935064205_313811260_o.jpg

[Starbuck]

If you are only looking for something for viewing light, not UV/heat, maybe look into a large flourescent aquarium light? They should have cords attached and be fairly water resistant. You may have to figure out a way to keep the monitor from getting to it, though :)

[Aanayab1]

If I'm not mistaken there are outdoor florescent shop lights that come wired for a wall socket available from home depot and lowes. I'm not sure if they have those in stores where you live but I'm sure they would have them at any major home improvement store.

[Toothless]

I will be using it just for added light in the enclosure since I find the halogens don't really brighten up the area too much. I'll check some home improvement stores this Saturday and see what I can find.
Might be selling one of my old western saddles tomorrow :). If so that will give me more than enough money to finish this thing up asap without having to wait for my next paycheck.
I looked at the aquarium lights, but they are so darn expensive to buy new, and I havn't been able to find any used ones for sale that are bigger than for some dingy 10 gallon tank.
Would it be better to put in a UV light tube, or just a regular fluorescent? He currently does not have a UV bulb, and was debating putting one in the new enclosure. Do I need a special type of light fixture for a UV tube?

[smy_749]

I will be using it just for added light in the enclosure since I find the halogens don't really brighten up the area too much. I'll check some home improvement stores this Saturday and see what I can find.
Might be selling one of my old western saddles tomorrow :). If so that will give me more than enough money to finish this thing up asap without having to wait for my next paycheck.
I looked at the aquarium lights, but they are so darn expensive to buy new, and I havn't been able to find any used ones for sale that are bigger than for some dingy 10 gallon tank.
Would it be better to put in a UV light tube, or just a regular fluorescent? He currently does not have a UV bulb, and was debating putting one in the new enclosure. Do I need a special type of light fixture for a UV tube?

No you don't, just make sure you buy the right size. If you saw the picture I posted, thats a 36" t8 fixture I doubt we paid very much for it. You can put a 36" t8 UVB tube in it just fine, and leave the other one regular flourescent light and you will have the best of both worlds. You could also check classifieds in your area, people are ALWAYS getting rid of fish tank supplies.

Forgot to add, if you get a regular fixture, fix some sort of reflective material like aluminum foil to the inside.

[Toothless]

Thanks for the advice! I've been searching through the classifieds every day, but have yet to find something. I still have a bunch of work left to do until I'll be able to stick any lights in it, so I still have some time left to search around.

[Toothless]

Just picked up a 4 foot long fluorescent light tube fixture with power cord for only $45 :). It holds two tube lights, so should really brighten up the enclosure once its in there.
Can't wait to get this thing done! I have to wait till this weekend to get the rest of the plywood (need a truck), and its driving me crazy!!

[Toothless]

I'm getting the top piece of plywood tonight, and should be finished putting everything together by tomorrow. Then its just caulking the seams on Sunday, and hopefully painting it during next week!!
I still have to get the framing for the doors (I'm using the plexiglass from his current enclosure) but will have to put them together the day I move him in otherwise his current enclosure would have no doors :).
So the idea I had for paint fell through (apparently it doesn't bond too well with plywood, which sucks). What kind of paint should I get? How well does deck sealant hold up to the moisture of the dirt? I want something that will last a long time. Also, I'm hoping to find something low VOC since the enclosure's in my living room.
I can't wait to get him in there. Everytime I see him in his current enclosure I feel bad about how little space he has (It's 6 x 3 x 4). I don't know how people keep them in a 55 gallon and don't feel bad???

[murrindindi]

Hi, are you talking about wooden deck preserver (stain), if yes, I wouldn`t use that. There`s really not many paints that will stand up to the moisture over long periods of time (remembering you`ll probably have a ton of soil/sand in there). Far better to use somethiing like FRP (fibreglass reinforced plastic) on the sides and bottom up to substrate level. Alternatively, have you seen the the thread by "bowdenmx" on his build ("Savannah monitor enclosure build"), he`s used another method that seems to work, too (pond seal)?

[Toothless]

I did originally look into frp, but it costs $60 per 8 x 4, so would be pricey. I was hoping to find a cheaper solution. I'll definately give that thread a read though.
I have to watch the weight of the enclosure at the moment, so I had to design the enclosure with a dirt box (pretty much just a divider in the middle of the cage that I can take out once I move). The dirt area will be 4 x 4 x 2- not perfect, but it should be ok in the short term right?

[murrindindi]

It will be o.k for the time being, I`m sure you`ll increase that area in due course.

[infernalis]

As an alternate, I was able to purchase a stack of road signs from a junkyard/scrap metal recycler for around $50 total. They are thick aluminum sheets that will last forever.

[smy_749]

I did originally look into frp, but it costs $60 per 8 x 4, so would be pricey. I was hoping to find a cheaper solution. I'll definately give that thread a read though.
I have to watch the weight of the enclosure at the moment, so I had to design the enclosure with a dirt box (pretty much just a divider in the middle of the cage that I can take out once I move). The dirt area will be 4 x 4 x 2- not perfect, but it should be ok in the short term right?

I'm assuming you mean to have an enclosure of 8x4x4 ? And have the dirt box be half the short way? Didn't read it all sorry, but why not just get a 8x2 trough , or even 2 of them side by side?

[Toothless]

Honestly, because I never thought about that, but its a great idea. I could probably get away with just one 4 x 4 x 2 tub for now for the soil, then paint the inside with something water-resistant. Where would I look for something like that, because it would be perfect!

[smy_749]

Honestly, because I never thought about that, but its a great idea. I could probably get away with just one 4 x 4 x 2 tub for now for the soil, then paint the inside with something water-resistant. Where would I look for something like that, because it would be perfect!

Tractor supply, look for cattle troughs, they have plastic and galvanized steel or something like that. Circular ones and long hot dog shaped ones. I would advise you to get metal, if you choose to get the plastic they are heavy duty, but you may want to brace them somehow so they don't bow over time.

[Toothless]

I'll ask the feed store in town since they carry tons of livestock/ farm items. If I can't find any, the road sign idea is a good one too. I want something where I don't have to worry about it leaking since it's sitting on carpet and I don't want mold. I have also placed a tarp under the cage as an added protection factor, since it gives me peace of mind.
I'll take some photos before I paint it. I think Toothless will really enjoy this one. I know he likes to climb, so have been designing the cage with that in mind as well. I'm still trying to figure out exactly how to cover in the basking area and ramps so it doesn't look exposed- he's still very shy. I was also planning to put some moss in there to help keep the soil from drying out- i planted some in my other enclosure a few weeks ago, and its thriving as well as creating a nice, moist soil below for burrowing. He doesn't like to burrow too much, and his current burrow is just a hole dug out under the basking lamp- which I had to start for him. I'm hoping he'll create a proper burrow in this new one. Would halfway burrying a few small logs encourage him?