Black Tree Monitor enclosure upgrade

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
Tucc185

Tucc185

Candiru
MFK Member
Jul 7, 2005
413
17
48
Boulder, CO
www.reef2rainforest.com
So I was considering upgrading my black tree monitor's enclosure this winter, but I'm really not much of a DIY person and my woodworking skills (not to mention tools) are extremely limited. My idea was to take a 260 gallon reptarium (6' tall by 3' by 3') which I was given and modify it to properly house my monitor. I was thinking of getting a piece of corkboard (not bark) cut to fit the inside of the back wall of the enclosure, then using heavy plastic sheeting on the back and sides to hold in humidity (and hopefully heat) but keeping the front and top open mesh for more airflow. Heating the enclosure is the only somewhat daunting task, as it will be in my drafty basement. I was considering radiant heat panels, but as I have limited experience with these I was wondering how many I would need and how to place them properly. I will also probably use a heat mat under the cage, because she does like to burrow from time to time. Other than that, what will I need to do to make this work? any input/ideas? Thanks,
Mike
 
I was picturing this and thought.... it maybe a workable project. First however do not let the top mesh open, heat rises and escapes humidity does too, will kill your monitor. How about drilling a few holes on the top of the side panels? Raise the tank on a DIY stand 4 cinder blocks a piece of wood and set the reptarium in place. Then use a bulb to get the desired temps. How willl getting into and out of the cage be for maintnance?
 
The whole front unzips, so access should be pretty easy. I used these cages for years with chameleons, but their requirements are significantly different as you know. With them, I left the cage as is but pointed a humidifier at it and kept it on a timer to keep both high humidity and high airflow through the enclosure. For the monitor, I will probably set up a Waterfall with a fogger towards the top of the cage for added humidity. I don't know about how to enclose the top of the cage though. Thanks for the input, the stand is a good idea, they do so much better when kept above eye level.
 
well if and when you do it post some flicks id be stoked to see them
 
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