Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm new to this forum so if this has been hashed around before, please just direct me to the threads and I'll read them instead of creating more of the same...

My American Alligator is getting near four feet and I have to move him into a suitable enclosure. Since I'm up north, he has to be inside, in the basement, most of the year. The problem I have is trying to figure out a practical way to create a "biosphere" that will retain humidity and temperature, vent properly and "not" let the humidity escape into the rest of the house and ruin it. Does anyone have any ideas/plans/suggestions on how to create a good setting?

I was thinking of a plywood room, with the front side half glass--half wood. I'd prefer a dome, to control the condensation, but I think I'm stuck with a square top. I'll have a good size pond inside and the proper heating, but how would I seal it without making it look like wrapped plastic and duct tape?

Any help would be appreciated...

You might try a Quonset shaped frame made from 3/4" PVC pipe and fittings and covered with poly film. You could frame in a glass or acrylic door on the end for access and visibility. I use similar structures outdoors over my alligators during the winter to keep out the worst of the weather.

The link below is to a greenhouse supply company. Their products are mostly for outdoor use, so are sturdier and probably bigger than you need, but you could still get some ideas.

The regular link won't work properly, maybe because it is a secure server, so cut and paste this one.

https://www.farmtekcatalog.com/lg_display.cfm?page_number=340

The PVC pipe is an excellent idea. That actually solves my problem. With a 2-foot rat wall made of wood, I can augment the rest with the PCV and use any variety of plastic coverings.

Appreciate the help....