Iggy cage done!

[Conner]

Well, I've finally finished my rhino iguana's new home. Its a 4x2x2 plywood terrarium, wood on every side except the front. There is a 5.5" "lip" in front to hold in substrate, and then there are 2 ~18"x24" glass doors on front as well. There is a double light fixture (exterior rated/moisture resistant) with a 65w Floodlamp for a basking spot, and the other side will be for the UV bulb.

There is a digital thermometer sitting on the basking spot to show that temp, and another digital thermometer stapled to the opposite wall of the terrarium to show the low temp. This low temp is hovering around 80F right now.

I also drilled a 1.5" vent opening in the cool side of the terrarium to allow for some air flow/heat escape. I covered it with a 1.5" gridwork pvc cap.

I built a 19"Lx8"Wx4"T hide and feeding platform from some 1x8 board. I added a large flat stone as a basking surface (already at the correct distance from the basking lamp to reach 105-110F). I added about 3" of organic topsoil, and then 2 pieces of driftwood. I may change the driftwood around, add some pieces, remove some pieces, whatever.

So what do you guys think? Also, when should I move Ash over? Is there any time of day that is better, or will it not really matter?

 

[latshki]

looking good man!
Im sure he'll be very happy with the new digs!

 

[snakeguy101]

Very nice. Are you planning on leaving the thermometer in there or are you taking it out after a day or so when you know the temps? It just seems unnecessary to keep it in there once you get the high and low readings on it.

I bet your Igg will love it.

 

[Conner]

looking good man!
Im sure he'll be very happy with the new digs!

Thanks! I hope so, since this is technically a downgrade for him. He's currently in a 60"Lx34"Wx30"T all glass terrarium. I think that he's still so skittish in part because he can see out all the sides. I think having him more enclosed will help to calm him down in the long run. And 4x2x2 is still plenty big for a 16-17" iggy.

Very nice. Are you planning on leaving the thermometer in there or are you taking it out after a day or so when you know the temps? It just seems unnecessary to keep it in there once you get the high and low readings on it.

I bet your Igg will love it.

Thanks! I will probably take the thermometers out once I'm comfortable with where the temps are staying. I may leave one in on the cool side just to monitor it so I know if its getting too warm (or too cold). And I may go with an internal thermometer that I can attach inside the tank so I don't have to worry about any cords cluttering up the view.


I have to say the only thing I don't really like is how visible the power cords for the lights are. But I think its better having them inside than on the outside as far as looks wise.

 

[snakeguy101]

I have to say the only thing I don't really like is how visible the power cords for the lights are. But I think its better having them inside than on the outside as far as looks wise.

Easy fix with some fake vines. If that does not work then maybe you could do some faux rocks in the background...

 

[Lepisosteus platyrhincus]

nice!

 

[Conner]

Easy fix with some fake vines. If that does not work then maybe you could do some faux rocks in the background...

Yeah, I've got a few idea's for it, though I hadn't considered fake vines... It's just a cosmetic detail that I can mess with later, at least its functional for now. I'm going to check the temps again in the morning (after all night with the heat lamp off), and then again when I get home from work after the lights being on all day. That will give me a good idea of the temp variation he'll be seeing.

If things look good after work tomorrow I'll move him over and see how he does the first couple of days.

 

[snakeguy101]

Awesome! Looking forward to it.


oh... and I am sure you know this but I feel like I would not be doing a good job if I didnt mention it so... don't forget the water bowl.

 

[coura]

Now that is a young rhino cage

 

[azzam_azree]

nice cage.. i hope, i can build for my iggy too...