Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i have been planning to make a rather large home for my water dragon but i am stuck at the cross roads. i dont have to much money and am fantastically talented when it come to building things. i have a hook up on plexiglass but i would like to use wood. if i were to use wood how can i laminate it or is it prelaminated when purchased. he is still around 10-12" so i have a little time to supprise him with his home coming present. i greatly appreciate any advice. i have heard some of you say your cage is 770 gallons, or 6' by 4' and so fourth. well thanks again for any help.

P.S. The pet store could not tell me how old he is but i am guessing 5-6 months. let me know if i am way off.
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Richard
AKA
"spent change"

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1) red nose pitbull
1) chinese water dragon
1) eastern garter snake

This one is fairly big.

Hi,

Just wondering where you put the swimming area... I'm looking at building something similar, and am looking into simplifying the water changes.

Mr. F

I think you can coat it a few times with poly urathane (it may be something else, I will have to check) but poly doesnt give off any fumes after dried. If you have any access to glass that may be a little better, for plexi glass can be scratched. This is a picture of my viv, although its way different now, we added more shelving and plants to take up some space, along with a big hammock and some more branches, I cant remember what type of wood this is, and I also dont know if its treated or not, but we didnt coat it with anything (I will have to ask my boyfriend what type of wood it is) but I believe its stuff that doesnt rot under humidity. This is a 6'T 4'L 3'D enclosure.

yeah those vivariums are as close as possible to what i am refering to. i guess i can use wood and then make sure i dont dirrectly get it wet. now i was wondering "morquinn" if you dont mind me asking but is that floor laminate like someone would put in thier kitchen. the shelfs are a really cool idea. i might have to plagiarize that idea. i really hope i can custom make a appealing and functual habitat for him.
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Richard
AKA
"spent change"

-----------------------
1) red nose pitbull
1) chinese water dragon
1) eastern garter snake

well, its not WDs but basilisks.
Anyhow, my Melamin based rainforest tank (>1100g) may help you in selecting an idea (just klick to enlarge)

Ci@o

Ingo

how much would it cost to make anything close to that. that rainforest tank is amazing. is that wood you used for the back and the sides. also i can noticed some type of natuaralistic looking background. is that foam or fiberglass molding. i wish i had the money or the room to make such a creation but i hope to make something like that but smaller. i hope to make it 4'x 3'x 4'. thanks for the pics
-----
Richard
AKA
"spent change"

-----------------------
1) red nose pitbull
1) chinese water dragon
1) eastern garter snake

Hi, the walls are made from melanine, A pond foil protects the bottom from rotting, an integrated 45 g Aquarium serves as water bassin. I constructed fake backwalls from styrofoam and concrfete. Cost all together in the range of 800 Dollar.
Not too expensive, I guess

Ci@o

Ingo

Yeah, its floor tile, its been water tight sealed, and everything was aired out for a week or two till no fumes were present. Its easy clean up, keeps the crickets from climbing the walls. There is also slate down on the bottom so they can grip. And since the temp down there doesnt get hot, it doesnt release fumes either. The bottom stays around 70-75 degrees.

well i am going to buy some MDF or plywood, polyurethane, shower panles or laminate flooring and get started. i have decided to make practically the whole front a door so my wife is pleased. i really hope how ever it comes out if can be functional and last for at least three years. thank you everybody for your help.
ps if i do a good job i will post pics
-----
Richard
AKA
"spent change"

-----------------------
1) red nose pitbull
1) chinese water dragon
1) eastern garter snake

Do you use a water filtration system for the basin? Also, how often do you clean or change the water?