New.....

Mr Chameleon · #1 (**permalink**) 01-28-2007, 11:21 AM

Hi everyone, im new on here as you may be able to tell by the one post!

Just found the site as I am considering building a viv for my Chameleon soon. I have already got an exo terra flexarium, but living in the uk its is not very well suited for the climate over here. Therefore I am wanting to build a wooden tank for him.

I have a good plan for it in my head but i am unsure of which type of wood to use for it!

Ross

Rainfrog · #2 (**permalink**) 01-29-2007, 07:42 AM

I dont know a lot about Chameleons but if you are making a wooden Vivarium make shure to use a good Marine epoxy like West Systems if you are going to need a high humidity or any wood you use will warp and rot. Take a look at this website: www.garf.org Go to the DIY pages and click on tank building. They have plans for a Plywood and Glass or Plexi tank and you can put in any size you want to make. Also have you considered trying to find an unwanted Office type desk? with a few modifications a flipped over desk makes a prety good start to a vivarium/Tererium

Landon · #3 (**permalink**) 01-29-2007, 09:27 AM

^ to add to that, so do hutches, cabinets, and entertainment centers

keep us posted as you come up with ideas.

oh, and my opinion is to get something nice and strong and make sure it is well sealed.

Mr Chameleon · #4 (**permalink**) 01-29-2007, 03:31 PM

Thanks guys, well i will be looking into purchasing some wood tomorrow for it (as I really fancy building it from scratch!), and thanks for the marine epoxy, I didnt think about the humidity aspect!

Ill be drawing up some designs at some point also (I have a rough idea of how it will look), so I will keep you posted as I get along with it!

Ross

Jordan · #5 (**permalink**) 01-30-2007, 03:19 PM

You can use a latex paint to seal it up. Alot of these paints have 20-30 year garuntees as they are more geared towards painting a house but work great for something like this. If you go with painting it go with a light color to take advantage of the reflective properties. Some thing like white or a light brown. This can brighten up your cage not only in the top but all the way to the bottom.

Jordan · #6 (**permalink**) 01-31-2007, 04:59 AM

I actually read your blog. I would recommend not to use glass for a chameleon enclosure. I know people do but this can raise the stress for alot of them. No chameleon is social and most will attack each other unless mating. The reflection is or could be a problem.

Mr Chameleon · #7 (**permalink**) 01-31-2007, 06:59 AM

no im not using glass, I have just bought a big piece of insect mesh that is going to be sandwiched between two layers in order to make a frame. And that will be the front. And I will put vents at the back and possibly sides for increased airflow!

Jordan · #8 (**permalink**) 01-31-2007, 02:47 PM

Sorry. Perhaps I was reading something else.

Tindomul1of9 · #9 (**permalink**) 02-02-2007, 11:37 AM

Welcome to the board Ross, hope you can find all the help you need here!

Mr Chameleon · #10 (**permalink**) 03-28-2007, 10:12 AM

Hi guys,

been a while since I last posted, this is my Chams new viv. It now has more greenery in it. There are vents in the sides and rear, a tubular heater with thermostat keeps constant at 80 F and the spot bulb provides the basking area. On the top there is a dripping system and humidifier!

Geoff is very happy in his new house!

ill get some pics of the components and the finished product later on!!!