is this possible?

sidchameleon · #1 (**permalink**) 09-28-2007, 03:57 PM

we are planning on turning an unused bathtub into a vivarium for our chameleon sid. is this at all possible? we will create a barrier to protect the tub and seal off the drain.we are enclosing it all with plexiglass and using a wire top so there is enough ventilation. it will be about three feet tall from the top of the bathtub. but i want to use the bathtub itself to creat a false bottom. is my project too large? for the three walls that enclose the tub area, what is a good material to cover the walls? at first we thought mirror, but realized quickly that would cause confusion and extra stress for sid. we need the cheapest possible solution, since the project is so large and will run up a tab quickly. we also thought about putting in a water feature and small turtles. possibly even a small statue of some sort.

Rainfrog · #2 (**permalink**) 10-02-2007, 02:45 AM

You might want to try plywood for the sides. coat the sides in a marine epoxy to water proof the wood. then landscape with Handi foam. apply Gorrila glue to the foam and cover with coco fiber/peat for a nice background affect.

TANN-MANN · #3 (**permalink**) 10-02-2007, 03:23 AM

here is a link of a guy who used an old bath tub for a monitor enclosure, should have plenty of ideas for you as he does it step by step with lots of amazing pics.
Reptile Forum, Reptile Classifieds - CaptiveBred :: View topic - Fake Rock / Natural viv, photo step by step DUW!
hope this helps,

Cheers
Andrew

sidchameleon · #4 (**permalink**) 10-14-2007, 06:27 PM

thanks for the replies. they have been sooo helpful.
however i ran into an issue. to keep the false bottom from being two feet in depth....my husband built a box into the bathtub. he used plywood....and now i cant figure out how to water proof the whole thing. i was thinking of using a pond liner but am not sure how i can attach it.
i thought of a layer of grout and cement ...but that would have lye in it? and wouldnt the epoxy (i cant find any marine epoxy) be toxic as well? so now i am stuck...
and ...on top of that. i cant find any "eggcrate" ...
all of the commercial lighting covers for the flourescents are solid...

Rainfrog · #5 (**permalink**) 10-15-2007, 02:03 AM

do an online search foe marine epoxy and you should find some at pretty good deals. you dont need to buy the real expensive stuff just make sure it cures safe. I know I have seen several brands for between $60 and $80 for the kit.

Go to your locale Hardware store and ask for "light diffuser panel" (egg crate) they should have it.

Green Ghost · #6 (**permalink**) 12-08-2007, 03:11 AM

here:

http://www.vivariumforum.com/communi...egg-crate.html

zaroba · #7 (**permalink**) 01-01-2008, 09:42 AM

while you don't have to have the false bottom 2ft deep, you also don't need to lift the bottom of the viv to reduce its size.

could just sink the land down into the tub and make it a valley.
tub is still installed on the floor right? so it wont be anywhere near eye level and you can get away easily without making the surface of the substrate even with the top of the tub.

peddro · #8 (**permalink**) 07-20-2008, 11:35 PM

lots of people say not to mix species, especially with chams because they stress so easily. the sides should be made of screen also because chams need alot of ventilation and glass can make it too hot. what kind of cham is he? you might not want to keep substrate in the bottom because it is easier to clean. i haven't heard about many people keeping their chams in vivs so i don't know how successful it has been. to seal the wood, use a water based polyurathane for outdoors. make sure you put like four coats and that it cures properly before Sid goes in. if you haven't joined this site yet you should

it's awesome and everyone is very helpful!

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