Uromastyx Desert Build

[Faequine]

My little buddy is finally getting a bigger cage. And it should be arriving from Brudrehim(sp?) on the Sept long weekend. It's 48x24x24 a second hand Greg West cage. Because he's a Uro i know i will need a concrete/sand mix of some sort to protect whatever i build him. I am unsure what it safe to use, as there isn't a lot of desert threads to read up on ( at least since the last time i was one here), and i like the idea of using egg crate of the extra structure, support, and the ability to make things removable instead of having to tear down a back ground. This will be the first build i've ever down and i have a week or 2 before i can get the supplies so any points in the right direction need to be made now, hehe.

I would like it to be as naturalistic as possible so if anyone knows anything about the Uro habitats in Pakistan and northern India that would be awesome as i can't find much. Suggestions on what plats to use would be good too. I can't frickin wait! On what i do have on hand right now is some slate rock and play sand that i plan on using some how.

The plan is to have different levels for him to get onto, 2 ft high is a lot of room, so i'm a bit worried about achieving proper basking temps of around 130F. The egg crate i plan on using to make the levels and caves. I'm thinking of using spray foam to shape it with ( if i'm remembering this right) using plastic wrap taped to the glass so its shapes to the glass and makes it removable. Being removable it key, i've had a bad experience with a clay based substrate that he created his own cave in and i couldn't get at him while he was sick, freaked me right out, and will never happen again.

Have yet to plan a lay out for it all, so any suggestion, as always would be great, Thanks!

[Faequine]

The Cage is in! And the stand is too small. Guess i will need to put things off till the stand issue is resolved.

[Faequine]

Went supplies shopping anyway $151.35 later and i got all this and this!
Have i got all the right stuff?? Am i forgetting something?? I have no plan as of yet just something vaguely of multi levels and removable caves, not sure what I'm doing really, any tips? Nothing to really happen this weekend, i still need to disinfect the cage though, maybe start some drawings.

[Klowne]

Looks like you're on the right track, screw waiting for the stand just go ahead and start building!

Here's a site that might show you some ideas for desert structures
Lizard care, and fake rock wall landscapes

I know i'm always promoting this site but it's where I got my start, and they have some great ideas.

[Grimm]

Looking forward to seing a customized desert themed tank. Very rare actually! Good on ya for trying to give your baby a nice home!

And check this link out for inspiration on the background/layout.

Gecko Tank Under Construction - Aquaria Central

[Grimm]

And I forgot to mention. A trick on making the background removable would be to use a material that holds its shape. The foam will expand and contract so if you only use saran wrap against the glass, chances are it will pull away once fully cured. Try building a "frame" out of cardboard, or egg crate for added rigidity to make sure the structure will be tight against the glass when finished.

[Faequine]

Seen the first one somewhere before, so much detail in those! The second one is interesting sheet foam and Great stuff, nice.

[Grimm]

Oops, just realized that you didnt purchase any expanding foam...Ignore my last post about tips for keeping its shape lol

[Klowne]

There is a ton of detail, but it's so easy anyone can do it

[boabab95]

I wouldn't use live plants in a uro enclosure!!!!!! even the amount of water used for watering cactus is too high and can cause respiratory infections (See Urowiki)!!! for the basking, 2 feet isnt too high, a megaray and halogen flood bulb should keep the basing spot high enough!