Advice on enclosure

[kukla]

I know some of you dislike reptariums and some like them. I think they are nice looking and think it would make a great home for my iggy.

I was wondering is a 260 gallon measuring 30x30x71 good enough for one Iggy to grow in and live even when full grown??

It looks pretty big and stands tall so I would think one Iggy would be ok in it. Has room to climb and all.

Any advice? Pro's and con's?

Besides it looking great compared to other enclosures I have seen (except the crazy expensive ones and of course Patrick's which are SICK looking, I love them) the prices are fairly decent and I can get on on ebay for about 60 bucks.

Tell me what you think.

Madlen

[Marie]

Madlen,

I really don't have an opinion on the reptariums. But here is a link that gives enclosure requirements.

www.patricksiguanasite.com/housing.html

I had someone build me an enclosure using the plans in Green Iguana: The Ultimate Owner's Manual. It is meant for only one iguana but both my girls are in it (but they are older iguanas and not as active as younger adults.) Huff's cage is temporaily inside the enclosure. The dimensions are about 7 1/2' (length) X 6 1/2' (or more)(heighth) x 4' (little less) (depth).

I am currently getting a portable outside enclosure w/wheels built by Patrick so they have more outside time and are not all together all the time.

Marie

[elizabeth]

I had the reptarium it really can be a nice enclosure... I didn't have any problems with it other than keeping the humidity levels up in it... Oh and watch your lights that mesh can burn! Some don't like the reptarium afraid the mesh might block the UVB, I never noticed any growth problems in little foot the mesh to me seemed to let the UVB thru plus I know there are ways to mount the lights inside but since it is mesh there is nothing to prevent them from climbing the lights and I didn't want that so I mounted them all on the outside...

The 260 is certainly big enough for the first couple of years may need to rethink when they are around 3 or 4 and getting bigger!

Here are some pics of mine...







I only moved Little Foot out of it because I had a free 150 gal tank to put him in... So now a friend took my reptarium and they use it for an adult they took in and she seems to like it just fine and she is a bigger girl!

[ChamZilla]

Well I have a large entertainment center and took out all the shelfs and put a back on it and Voila, the front had two doors on it and they were moved and screwed down with glass in the doors and glass in the center where the TV used to be.

It is pretty simple to build and you can usually find one in someones garbage. Just make sure you clean it good and that the paint is ok for the iggys to be inside. This one was painted and left outside for a week to make sure there were no fumes left in it.

Well good luck. And If you look under my Chameleon enclosure I only built that for like 50$ CDN There are options just depends how crafty you are

GOod luck

[kukla]

I am not crafty at all.
My friend also said "hey lets go to HomeDepot and but wood and meash or chicken wire and build one". I laughed but I guess that one would pretty much be simple enough to build. Just 4 pieces nailed together and some kind of door....what would you suggest? Maybe I will take on a project.

Elizabeth I like your reptarium. Looks like the one I want to get. How many gallons is that one? How did you attach the boards inside? Where do people get those beautiful big, tall logs and stuff for the inside? I see you have the lights on the wall as apposed to being right on top. Is that just your preference or would those lamps you use burn through? With a reptarium I wouldnt be able to use my hood that I use now on my aquarium (and probably will need it when I get a beardie for that tank) so how many lamps are needed? Now I have 3 different bulbs/1 long one which I believe is the UVB, one regular looking light bulb, and then the black light. Are just 2 needed for the reptarium? UVB and blacklight? Blacklight keeps them warm enough at night?
I'm sorry I am like Ms. questions on this board. LOL I hope I am not driving you all crazy.

[Patrick Kubeja]

Hi There

Now for the Enclosure size I think everyone Gave the best advise they can and I think they are right when it come to when your guy gets a little older. I am in the process of build two enclosures right now one for Elizabeth and the Outdoor enclosure for Marie which I really did start today in my living room Denise help by helping me cut the plywood for the floor (I will post the pictures later of the beginning of this project later.)

But Madlen if you have the room I would build one their not that hard to do and with your friend helping you I am sure it will turn out ok. And you can get some ideas in what I am doing for Marie. I what to thank Marie for posting the Link to the website, I know it would come in handy for some reason LOL!!! It is not finished yet but I am working on it when I find time.

Plus I want to thank you for liking my Enclosures I Build I can help you build yours if you like I will post step by step on the one I am building for Marie it going to be 6ft tall by 6ft. long by 4ft. deep. I have the base done now.

But I am here to help so just ask me if you need help I am happy to give it!

Thanks for liking my Enclosures

[elizabeth]

Some of my lights hung from the wall for keeping the temps regulated others were suspended right off the enclosure itself by clamping the lamp to the poles on the outside... I don't use the black light anymore I went to the CHE (ceramic heat emitter) because I could use it night or day and it gives off great heat and no light! Plus I have never had one of those shatter on me like I have had bulbs do!!

The reptarium in that picture is the 260 you were talking about...

I have to say for the cost I really liked the reptarium to start with... BUT if you have someone who could help you build one I would go that route... It is likely to be more sturdy and possibly if designed right help keep the humidity levels up better than the open air mesh of the reptarium!! I would avoid the chicken wire you talked about earlier and just use the plastic coated mesh and such like Patrick has mentioned before... I have heard of iggys getting themselves injured on the chicken wire since it is rather rough stuff plus I think someone once mentioned that it is actually coated in something... Plus I have seen numerous ideas for old furniture turned into enclosures you really can be creative on a budget!!

Basically in the end the decision is yours but it is always best to ask questions so you can be informed and make the best decision for you and for your iggy!!

[elizabeth]

oh yeah my shelf was just a piece of wood I laid across the support bar that is in the mid section of the reptarium... The vines and logs and things can be purchased at the pet stores, vines and fake plants you can also get nice ones at craft stores... you can use real rocks and logs but you want to be sure they are disinfected and critter free before you introduce them to your enclosures... So it might be best to stick with store bought!!

[kukla]

Thank you all for all the GREAT advice. Will keep you all updated.

I have some time. Lizzie is small right now and looks pretty comfy in her 20 gallon, but I know before I know it she will outgrow it and I want to be prepared.

Madlen