Tegu cage building thread

[rrcoolj]

that's what she said... sorry I had too.

Why were you tasting silicone?

Kicking myself becaus I didn't catch that

I wasn't tasting silicone. I was painting and some of the stuff shot up and went into my mouth.

As promised here are pics of riley's underbelly. ALOT of orange. I don't think all tegus have this much orange. He's one of a kind

 

[Toby_H]

I wasn't tasting silicone. I was painting and some of the stuff shot up and went into my mouth.

Ewww... You got it in my mouth...

LOLOLOLOL


Anyway... I've never used the product you're trying, so I can't offer much on it. It seems to be rated abotu the same as regular Drylok and is designed for about the same applications.

I suspect the stuff you have is typically used as a driveway/garage floor sealer. Where the stuff I use is more often used as a retaining wall or basement wall sealer. Either way it's meant to be applied to concrete and prevent water from penetrating.

Read the label and see what they say abotu multiple coats. I know some clear coat materials are meant to be applied in one thick layer as opposed to multiple thin layers. This is because they dry/cure so smooth the second layer has nothing to 'bite' into.

 

[rrcoolj]

Ewww... You got it in my mouth...

LOLOLOLOL


Anyway... I've never used the product you're trying, so I can't offer much on it. It seems to be rated abotu the same as regular Drylok and is designed for about the same applications.

I suspect the stuff you have is typically used as a driveway/garage floor sealer. Where the stuff I use is more often used as a retaining wall or basement wall sealer. Either way it's meant to be applied to concrete and prevent water from penetrating.

Read the label and see what they say abotu multiple coats. I know some clear coat materials are meant to be applied in one thick layer as opposed to multiple thin layers. This is because they dry/cure so smooth the second layer has nothing to 'bite' into.

That's what I am thinking. I was surfing the web to find out about my product and as I read labels on the different drylok they all basically serve the same purpose. They just do it in different ways and on slightly different surfaces. I believe the product you use it a bit stronger but It won't matter that much in a tegu cage.

The label says no more than two coats so i will lieave it at two.

 

[rrcoolj]

Today I spent nearly all day painting. Here's what's happened. I cut square holes into the side panels for the vents which went quite well. I also flipped all the wood over for painting. I noticed some bowing on the floor and roof pieces so I I added some 2x4 pieces to the underside to make it sturdy. After that, I painted with killz primer again. That'a all for now. Later, I will apply the final coat of paint for the outside and then I have to drill some holes for the lighting.

Tips for today... so far...

1)sturdyness is key!

I can't stress that enoguh. I it may very well be nescesary too walk on your enclosure to make sure its sturdy. If it can hold 100lb's+ in one spot it will be fine.

2) don't sweat the small stuff

If you are a beginner like me you are going to make mistakes. Don't stress over tiny little mistakes like your cut is a little off or the wood dosen't line up 100%. If it becomes a problem fix it and keep moving.

3)Where gloves etc. whenever possible.

Try to always wear protection like gloves and goggles. Even when screwing things in. Wood and paint can fly and equipment can get hot when it is used alot. Scorching hot.

pics...

 

[Mike D]

Looking good! Can't wait to see this all put together!



How are you doing the doors? Are you making them slide or swing out?

 

[Citrinellus]

Nice build, looking forward to seeing the final product.

 

[rrcoolj]

Looking good! Can't wait to see this all put together!



How are you doing the doors? Are you making them slide or swing out?

Thanks everyone for the comments!

The doors will be swing out. I have heard it is bad to use sliding doors on large heavy lizards because they can actually slide them themselves and escape. Either way, I am using swing out. The doors are still undescided. I will have to figure out weather I want plexi glass or regular glass. Hmmm...

Before I go outside and finish painting I want to show some pics of Riley and his current crappy enclosure I had to move for his new one. I actually had to strip him from his hide which I have never done before. it was an experience for both of us. One of the pics shows how great they are at concealing themselves in the substrate when provided with enough of it. Also, the last pic is where the cage will be going.

tip..

Tegus poop when uncomftorable... and it smells!

 

[rrcoolj]

Painting officially done!

So I painted my wood and that's pretty much it! Now I have to screw a few things in, install the vents, and drill holes for the lighting. If I am up to it and everything goes as planned, I will be mving the pieces inside today. If not today, tommorrow morning.

Also a few things came in the mail. A mister(size comparison to the old crappy one) and a digital thermometer/humidity gauge.

Tips

1)stir paint before each use.

2)When frustrated with a piece take a short brake and come back to it. The heat can make thinking a bit irrational.

 

[rrcoolj]

Well I instaled the vents, loosened some tight ends, and drilled holes for the lights. The wood is heading indoors. I will do it later. I am a little beat. I will take pics later of the wood inside. Tommorrow will be exciting as I assemble the cage and wire the bulbs. I plan to also silicone the edges tommorrow. By wndsday it should be opperational.

tip

Planning is key when setting this kind of cage up. Do your research and have a VERY good idea of what your doing before you take the plunge.

a couple pics...

 

[Conner]

That's a VERY red cage... is that the permanent color?