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 #2060695


PapaSmurf
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So, I’ve been reading the forums, and getting ideas for weeks now on how im going to build my vivarium for my 2 red tails.

So, heres the plan. Any advice/criticism is more than welcomed.

I’ve aquired a fir framed patio sliding door, and a bunch of large fir framed windows (all double paned)from a neighbor who just replaced all of the windows in his cabin. The price he gave me on them was perfect for what I wanted (FREE)

I’m thinking of building the enclosure using the sliding door, and 2 of the large windows to end up with an 8’Hx8’Lx5’D interior space walk in enclosure.

I’m thinking of stripping all of the existing paint from the window and door frames, and refinishing with ?marine varnish? to handle the humidity well.

I will be using a humidifier in conjunction with a humidistat to control humidity levels, with at least 2 thermostats to control the temperature in basking zones.

My ambient air temperature I was planning on controlling using a 90cfm fan with an electric heat coil piped in and dampered electronically to down mix with fresh air as required (essentially giving the habitat forced air heating.)

For lighting I was planning on using flourescents on a timer switch.

I also have other pets (a dog, and 2 cats) and I have heard that occasionally a boa will try to get the animal on the otherside of the glass, so I was thinking of tinting the windows so that they couldn’t see the animals so well. Theoreticly, once the viv lights are on, the snake shouldnt be able to see out, almost like a one way mirror (without the mirror) thoughts on this?

Im good with the electronic/carpentry stuff, but would appreciate any advice as to whether or not im going a little overboard, or if theres stuff I should make sure to include.


Thanks for reading
08/20/09  04:28am

 #2060776


UROKEEPER
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   Message To: PapaSmurf   In reference to Message Id: 2060695


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I would let the sealer cure for several weeks before putting an animal in there. I would look into a non toxic sealer for the wood. Also pine and ceder are not good which you most likely know.


good luck
08/20/09  08:26am

 #2060853


PapaSmurf
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   Message To: UROKEEPER   In reference to Message Id: 2060776


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you betcha, on both accounts.

thanks for reading :)
08/20/09  12:02pm

 #2061170


Cerondipity
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   Message To: PapaSmurf   In reference to Message Id: 2060853


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I am not aware of a marine grade urethane that is not ’toxic’ (water based are not really very moisture resistant). After it cures its fine and that should take no more than a few days depending on heat/humidity/air flow- air flow being the most important. Spar urethane is the best. Elaborate enviornmental controls are cool, just time consuming and expensive. What about the all in one fan/heaters made for bathrooms? Just build a soffit to direct outbound air or duct appropriately. I used 1/4" tempered glass in 1/4" track for my slider. Had to glue on handles. They used to make sliding door replacement glass that was about 6’-3" high that is tall enough if you have a glass company nearby that stocks or orders it for a reasonable price. Brings back memories.- Good luck!



08/20/09  10:09pm

 #2061276


PapaSmurf
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   Message To: Cerondipity   In reference to Message Id: 2061170


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Thanks for the comments.


Quote:

What about the all in one fan/heaters made for bathrooms?


Thats more or less what i’m going to be using.

Quote:

I used 1/4" tempered glass in 1/4" track for my slider


The slider im talking about is a full sized patio sliding door. All the glass I will be using is double paned, so that I can keep the habitat temp/humidity completely separate from my room’s temp/humidity.

Quote:

Elaborate enviornmental controls are cool, just time consuming and expensive


Agreed, fortunately, im a plumber/hvac guy by trade, and have accumulated boxes of the controls and fans, piping, etc i need as extras from jobs over the years.

Quote:

Spar urethane is the best


Exactly the brand I was looking at for marine varnish. I was going to varnish all my pieces separately before assembly, and then seal them with some kind of cork or neoprene gasket when I assembled them since I want to be able to disassemble the unit If I ever move, or decide to have the unit in the living room instead of my bedroom.


All in all, I think its going to take some serious time to get it all together, I’ve designated it my "winter project" But I will definately be taking progress pics and posting as I go along.
08/21/09  01:16am

 #2061707


Fairy Frog Mother
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   Message To: PapaSmurf   In reference to Message Id: 2061276


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I am quite envious! Sounds like you’ve thought it out very well. And yea, living at the beach, Spar Varnish is the way to go. Thin coats, several layers. You sound like you know the drill.




08/21/09  09:02pm

 #2061808


PapaSmurf
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   Message To: Fairy Frog Mother   In reference to Message Id: 2061707


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thanks fairy,

one question,.....how did you know i lived on a beach?? i read though all my posts, and i didnt see me mention beach anywhere??

are you just guessing, or are you one of my neigbors that i dont know about :P



08/22/09  05:04am

 #2062281


Fairy Frog Mother
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   Message To: PapaSmurf   In reference to Message Id: 2061808


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*chuckles* I meant, I live at the beach. Funny coincidence though!!
* Has bribed the KD spies to hunt you down!!!* (you have to read the Komodo Dragon forums to truly appreciate that last bit)



08/23/09  10:30am

 #2063123


PapaSmurf
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   Message To: Fairy Frog Mother   In reference to Message Id: 2062281


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YAY! Just spoke to a friend in the railing business...He’s gonna bring me a load of solid maple and oak for my trim work in the viv! Im so excited, just a few more materials to gather and I’ll be ready to start construction.

wuhoo, I cant wait...
08/24/09  11:52pm


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