Progress on adult Sav enclosure build

[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]

Originally Posted by 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?

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]

Originally Posted by 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!

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?