Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was considering building a greenhouse enclosure for the gator. I was wondering if anyone has done this first of all. Secondly, if noone has done this, do you happen to have any ideas as to whether this would be a bad idea or not? Just thought I would bring it up and see what everyone thought.

Stan

Its the best idea in the world. I did this about 20 years ago for my caimins. I built a 16x 24 foot wing on my green house with 2 concrete pools.

It shows a level of long term commitment to the animals but it is a major undertaking. I cast the concrete pools first. But you have to design for drainage, and heat if necessary. I used artesean flow of a well to keep the animals warm so drainage was essential. If you live in a northern part of the country you will need some other form of heat.

The green house has a large solar gain which helps to simulate tropical tempartures. The heat is a barrier that helps to keep the animals inside. (they are not interested in trying to escape . )

Best regards,

Ed

Ed,

Thanks a bunch. I definitely intend on building a greenhouse enclosure for him. Would you happen to have any information on heating ideas and how to properly reinforce the enclosure? What other types of heating elements would you recommend? I live in Ohio, and I will to make other heating arrangements for the winter. Summers are perfectly fine for the most part.

Thanks again for your reply.
If you have any other information, you can send it to my email if you prefer at goini04@hotmail.com.

Thanks again,
Stan

I cast the pools with concrete. Reinforced witht he wire fabric. Put 20 mil plastic down to keep concrete from leaking. I painted with fiberglass. Add some penetrations for drains and valve. You need to thicken up around penetrations or you have leaks. Use a wall sleeve if you can get one or fabric something to go around the pipe to prevent leaks there

I used 4x4 posts, I installed after I cast the pools. (it was a wing on another green house). I used 2X4 10 gauge wire on inside to serve as the cage. I used FRP on outside for sheathing. You will have to frame to make the fits. Draw up a set of plans to scale so you can think about things you need to.

Heater is climate driven. You may be looking at a pool heater or simular. I have 8 to 10 foot diam pools so submersible heaters would be difficult to heat that volume of water.

For the air, I would look at what the zoos use in your area to get an idea of the size. You are looking at something over 100,000 BTUs.

You got to think this out tho. My idiot brother wanted to heat a small green house. I said instll a gas heater. He called the gas company and they instaled 20,000 BTU heater (in VIrginia) --I use an 80,000 BTU in FL. Needless to say it didnt work. so you have to be sure about sizing.

You may be talking about quite an installation now.

Best regards,

Ed