Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have had my 1.5 YO sav in his 8x3x2 enclosure for a couple weeks and I have to admit, the hardest part about cleaning the cage is changing the huge water pan. Its about 1ft wide, 3 ft long and 6 in deep. Its like a huge tupperware/target plastic tub. Everytime I try to pick it up when its full of the NASTY water, it winds up bowing and spilling and becoming a total mess.

I was just wondering how people like Mike and Robyn and FR clean their huge water bowls. Is it easier to drain the water first? Or should I get a stronger tub that wont spill. Its still hard to walk to the outside door with all that water too.

I was thinking about finding a way to syphon the water out before changing it.

Any tips? I would appreciate it!

Here's a pic of the eabove mentioned water bowl:

Jeff
I use plastic mortar tubs(3 gallons), they are quite sturdy.
For My Jobiensis enclosures I just pick them up and spill them into a bucket then throw the bucketed water out.

I recently built a pretty large enclosure and went with the largest mortar tub(5 gallons). This sucker is big, lifting it out ain't gonna happen!
I drilled a hole in the bottom and ran a hose through the side of my 8' trough. For this one I just pull the plug and it drains into the bucket.

I'm going to do this drain system to the other two aswell.
Anything to make water changes easier, I drain and change water at least twice a day!

Another great option is $1.00 black plastic oil changing pans available at auto parts stores, they're strong, deep and easy to lift!

Keep in mind my water basins are at hip level and only half full!

Mike

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Mike's Monitors!

Mike,
Thanks for the great advice. Did you drill into your stock tank or did you use the plug in the middle that most of them have?

How big are the oil tanks you speak of? THey have a plug built into them, don't they. I'll check it out

Jeff
I did drill through my trough.

I suppose you could use the drain hole manufactured into the trough, but you would need to run a hose out the door or something cause it's so close to the floor.
My troughs are built up on 4 by 4's and a bucket would not work with the manufactured hole!

I'll post a photo of my new system for you to see.
Mike
P.S. those oil pans I am speaking of do not have a hole.
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Mike's Monitors!

Not sure about your budget, but most serious aquarium users use a "Python" for water changes. Attaches to your sink, and can be used to fill and drain any container of water! Its about 50 bucks.

Brother
Pythons are great for fish tanks...but they suck (no pun intended) for nasty lumpy Monitor crap with all kinds of substrate mixed in!
I've used one for years, I'm done running back and forth uncloging it!

Mike
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Mike's Monitors!

I use mixing troughs and a python as well.

Cut a piece of rigid grate to an appropriate size, stick it vertically into the water container and drag all the yucky stuff to the side. Then use your python to drain the water, remove the water container and dump the yucky stuff.

Just make sure the pore size of the grate is small enough to capture the solids.

Richard
That is a "grate" idea! LOL
I'm done with the python though, I will keep that in mind if I ever need to use it again.
Mike
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Mike's Monitors!

Here you go Jeff, I hope it helps!
Mike

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Mike's Monitors!

Mike,
Thanks for the pics, looks like that will be the easiest way to go. Where do you get your black tubs from? They look pretty solid

Jeff
Any home improvement store carries them, the smaller and larger mortar tubs!
Let me know how it turns out Brother.
Mike
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Mike's Monitors!

Why are you using such a large water container? I just use a large ceramic bowl or the like.

I think its important to provide him with a big enough water bowl, so that he can completely submese himeself without curling up or being uncomfortable. I like to give him the ability to completely rehydrate himself. I am also planning for the future (hence the 8 foot cage) and will probably get a bigger water tub eventually.