Temporary Gator Enclosure

BWSmith · 09-16-05, 09:53 AM

Of course, this is just the temporary enclosure for the gator, but I thought I would share. It is a 150 gallon Rubbermade Stock Tank (not that easy to find).

It basically just had a drain on it. So I headed to Home Depot to harass the employees until they gave me a solution for hooking a hose for drainage. (I am the only one I know that electrocuted myself doing plumbing to the point of going to the E.R.).

And in a rare moment of foresight, I added casters. You can see that I also elected to have a flat hose handy for filling and draining (otherwise I would leave it outside)

I also am using an external 5 level canister filtration system rated for 200 gallons. Since the water level is low at the moment since it is a temp enclosure, this will do. Once the final enclosure is finished, I am adding another of the same model.

For the land area, I have a flat, long piece of Cypress driftwood balanced on the lip. To secure it, a length of PVC is screwed to the bottom and a hollow log mounted over that. There is also a driftwood stump (on the right, can't see it well) that is mostly submerged and acts as a ramp to the basking area. I have double lamps for heat and UVB. They are situated on an old 30 gallon screen top screwed to the top of the stock tank.

The water is a little dark due to the tannin in the water coming from the cypress wood. May be a good thing actually since it more closely matches the water composition of the swamps in the Okefenokee. Gators can jump forward, but not up very well, so it is secure without a top. Plus, there is nothing for her to grab on to. I have a 400 watt water heater with a built in thermostat, but I elected not to install it right now. The water stays at about 75 degrees. I have jumped in the Okefenokee before, and that water cannot be more than 65 degrees. So I think that the water temps are about perfect.

Of course, anyone who knows me knows that I abide by my dad's philosophy of "there is no doing like overdoing". Soon I am expanding the enclosure so that the entire 150 gallon tank will be just the pond. I am building a new enclosed land area that will attach to the pond. No more details, you will have to wait and see it.

bubba · 09-16-05, 11:38 AM

Looks like a nice effecient enclosure even if it is only temporary. That would be a good set up for small turtles too. I like the fact that it has a drain so close to the bottom. That makes for easy cleaning. I saw one of those tubs at a farm supply store yesterday and it got the wheels turning in my head. Nice job. :thumbsup:

snakebeginner · 09-16-05, 01:24 PM

How big will that croc get? And will that 150 gal be big enough for a pond when he is full grown? I am just curious because I am getting a dwarf caiman soon. Anyways I think you did a great job building that. I want to steel your idea if thats ok?

BWSmith · 09-16-05, 01:49 PM

Actually, it is a Gator, not a croc

It is a female, so she has the potential for 8'-10'. This one should hold her until about 4'. I have a pond I built outside that can easily be fenced in when she gets full grown. I also have the square footage to create an indoor habitat for a full grown gator.

snakebeginner · 09-16-05, 01:55 PM

would that 150 gal enclosure be large enough for a dwarf caiman?

BWSmith · 09-16-05, 02:00 PM

For a while. I always prefer to give more than minimum requirements. particularly since Crocodilians are so intelligent. This gator is more work than 20 snakes.

boyle101 · 09-17-05, 09:16 AM

On Your Drain In The Bottom Of The Pond,i See That You Have Used Galvanized Pipe To Brass Valve. I Would Seriously Consider Changing The Nipple And Bushing To Brass.i No That Gators Are Very Hardy But The Galvanized Pipe Can Cause Toxins In The Water ....other Then That Very Nice

BWSmith · 09-18-05, 09:51 PM

That is a good point. I was struggling to figure out just how to configure it and was not considering the materials. Thanks.

KrokadilyanGuy3 · 09-24-05, 10:23 AM

Didn't picture you as a croc keeper, Brian; Rescue?
As for the drain plug, why didn't you just go with PVC?

Either way looks good.

Zane

BWSmith · 09-26-05, 03:42 PM

Nah, I have been trying for years to get my gator permits. Always loved them and great for programs.