Monitor enclosure discussion thread

[psychocircus]

Originally Posted by BC Arboreals

It's Coco fiber liner, made for growing plants on. It works great for the walls I don't like how cork tiles, they start to smell really foul in a humid enclosure.

First time using it, will see how it works and if I keep it on there or go with cork bark.

Nice just coco fiber sheets? Do they hold well? What kind of epoxy/glue did you use?

[Pirarucu]

Absolutely. Reptile parasites come from reptiles, not trees.

[psychocircus]

Originally Posted by Pirarucu

Absolutely. Reptile parasites come from reptiles, not trees.

okay cool. Certainly makes things easier.

[formica]

sterilizing materials before adding them wont disrupt the bio activity in the enclosure (unless you don't let the chlorine evaporate first) if it is allowed to cycle/stabilize properly - all my bio active enclosures are sterile when they first start to cycle - cleaner crews are added specifically by me, and bacteria builds up as the enclosure cycles

there is no harm in sterilizing materials including branches, and if you are sourcing the materials from an area with reptiles, then it is a sensible precaution imo, as there are many things which could potentially be dangerous (parasites, virii, bacteria, slime molds, the list is endless, one person even brought Carpenter ants into his home...which could have been a disastrous and expensive mistake had they got out and found a home in the house walls)

clearly many people dont bother to sterilize, some come across problems, some dont, as long as you know what could happen you can make your own mind up

[psychocircus]

Originally Posted by formica

sterilizing materials before adding them wont disrupt the bio activity in the enclosure (unless you don't let the chlorine evaporate first) if it is allowed to cycle/stabilize properly - all my bio active enclosures are sterile when they first start to cycle - cleaner crews are added specifically by me, and bacteria builds up as the enclosure cycles

there is no harm in sterilizing materials including branches, and if you are sourcing the materials from an area with reptiles, then it is a sensible precaution imo, as there are many things which could potentially be dangerous (parasites, virii, bacteria, slime molds, the list is endless, one person even brought Carpenter ants into his home...which could have been a disastrous and expensive mistake had they got out and found a home in the house walls)

clearly many people dont bother to sterilize, some come across problems, some dont, as long as you know what could happen you can make your own mind up

My other concerns were bugs/fungi, but it's been very cold in Maryland the past few weeks (and cold in general all winter) so I don't know if these things are an issue.

[BC Arboreals]

Originally Posted by psychocircus

My other concerns were bugs/fungi, but it's been very cold in Maryland the past few weeks (and cold in general all winter) so I don't know if these things are an issue.

That's what I was concerned about also, but with the cold here in BC also I dont know if there is any thing that can cause the Tree Monitors harm.

I tried to post pictures but I guess I don't have enough posts so it won't let me attach any pictures.

[Snakefood]

Originally Posted by BC Arboreals

I tried to post pictures but I guess I don't have enough posts so it won't let me attach any pictures.

when you hit reply, go "advanced" use the paperclip, that's how you post pics!!

[Snakefood]

looking good there, I have tons of plastic/silk vines and plants, I will NEVER use them and want them gone. Let me know if you want me to bring them this weekend when I come get the racks.

[smy_749]

BC, your cage looks great. Can't want to see it with the cork in there.

[infernalis]

This works great... durable too

[psychocircus]

Originally Posted by infernalis

This works great... durable too

what is the name of that? I've seen it in some arboreal enclosures before.

[BC Arboreals]

Originally Posted by psychocircus

what is the name of that? I've seen it in some arboreal enclosures before.

This is called lattice. It's used for fencing and gates.

[metallisch]

Hi guys, couple questions. Moving into a new place soon, so I want to have a brand new enclosure built for my V.A. microstictus - his current 8x4x6 was built by cutting a lot of corners and has somewhat dilapidated. I want to correct the errors I made last time.

-Substrate heating - my monitor has never had properly heated substrate and I'd like to add heating/thermostat specifically for the soil. Would the electric radiant floor heat systems work for this? I've been looking at the kits that hardware stores sell.

-Also, will that heating option work with the FRP lining I plan to use to seal the enclosure?

-I'm interested in building the enclosure 'modular' - by that I mean, I'd like to have several smaller pieces built that can fasten together using nuts/bolts/whatever so that it could potentially be broken down and moved more easily at a later date. is this feasible?

-My basement is carpeted. Is there anything to consider when putting a huge monitor enclosure on a carpeted floor?