This is a revamp of my 130-gal glass tank for my two juvenile redfoot tortoises.
Dimensions are 42" long x 36" wide x 20" high (I think...not sure on the height, but it's not as important to me as the other two).
Step 1: I started by laying some tarp as a liner. The tank has a few cracks on the bottom. I could reseal them, but the liner will make it easier to clean in the long run.
Step 2: I cut out some plastic hardware cloth for the bottom. This is for the heat cable. I also placed some large rocks to keep the liner and hardware cloth in place.
Step 3: I ran about 18' of heat rope (
Save on Flexible Heat Rope for Reptile Cages ) through the hardware cloth just to keep it in place. This will provide supplemental belly heat and also keep the substrate warm and humid.
Step 4: Added a thick layer of cypress mulch. Pretty porous, and may help start a Bioactive substrate system.
Step 5: Added a generous layer of coconut coir.
Step 6: Decorations! Artificial ferns, more small rocks, etc.