07-08-2011, 05:23 AM
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Catching the Bug
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Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 107
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Client review?? what??
I just want to point out vivs are NOT easy and there are a LOT of steps involved. Most importantly, there is no "one" way to do it because IT WILL ALWAYS DEPEND ON THE ANIMAL.
Based on most of your questions it sounds like you are VERY new to reptiles in general (not just vivs). If you know how to take care of bearded dragons (or really any non-domestic animal) you should be able to answer many of the questions below. I'm just being blunt. But, I'll try to asnswer where I can...my answers below are in BOLD
Quote:
Originally Posted by ChrisJWalker
These questions are based on building a vivarium for 2 bearded dragons, if you could answer these questions it would be of great help.
You should be WELL FAMILIAR with bearded dragon care even before you begin this project. Based on many of the questions you ask below, it sounds as if you are not familiar with basic care of bearded dragons...so perhaps you should do some research there first.
What would the best size tank?
Depends on the animal. Should be answered in most bearded dragon caresheets.
Would a two storey vivarium be any use?
I don't know what this question means.
Would a cabinet to store stuff in above or below be any good?
uhh...what? obviously you always have supplies for any animal you keep so you need somewhere to store it..... but if you mean do you NEED a cabinet for like a sump, then generally no...but you might if your build is big enough. However, given your experience you should probably avoid builds that need sumps anyway :P
Do you have difficultly cleaning out you vivarium?
A properly setup viv has no cleaning (this does not mean no maintenance!) you still need to trim the plants, water/mist it regularly, sometimes drain it if you overwater, feed the animals, etc.
You are likely thinking of cleaning up the animals poop and the like. In a properly setup viv you leave the poop in the tank to become fertilizer essentially for the plants. You need to have good microfauna to accomplish this though.
If yes what would make it easier?
A siphon tube pre-installed for draining is the only thing I can think of off the top of my head.
Is a vivarium better with more glass than wood better?
Again, depends on the animal and the environment. Bearded dragons are generally a desert type environment so it probably would not matter as you do not deal with much moisture/humidity.
What new ideas would be good to add to a vivarium, if any?
...? another question I don't get... given how new you are, you should just try to learn the basics before you try any crazy tricks.
Whats the best way for the doors to open? (e.g. Slide or hinge)
depends on the tank and setup, but I think it is mostly personal preference...i prefer hinge
What is the best for the substrate for the vivarium?
depends on the animal, the environment, and the setup
How much heat does the heat lamp have to give out?
....depends on the wattage, type of bulb, type of fixture, billion other things....
How much does the uv light have to give out?
"Have" to give out? Are you asking if bearded dragons need a UV light? These are forums for building vivaria, and as I mentioned above you need to already know the information about your animal before you begin. Your questions would better be answered on a bearded dragon forum.
If there was one way to make your experience easier as a reptile owner to do with the vivarium what would it be?
setup automated misting system on a timer....but that is $$$$
Whats the best shape for a vivarium or is the rectangle shape they mainly are enough?
I don't understand this question....best shape for what?
Does a digital temperature gauge help?
It is ABSOLUTELY REQUIRED. Do *NOT* use analog thermometer, they have such a huge error they are useless.
How much ventilation is needed?
Depends on the animal, the environment, the tank, your desired temps, amount of fogging, ambient temps, and a million other things.
Do you like the look of vivariums?
Love em 
If no how could they be made better?
I like realistic ones myself, I do not like fake-looking ones.
What is the best finish on a vivarium?
Best finish? I do not understand your question
Thanks alot for your time,
Christopher Walker |
Just some general constructive advice, but by the sounds of things you are very new to both vivaria, bearded dragons, and reptiles in general. Be careful how much you try to jump in at once, things are a lot more complicated and there is NEVER ONLY ONE ANSWER. Almost everything DEPENDS on the factors!
The better questions to asks are: "What temperatures, humidity, environment, etc do I need for my animals? How big do they get as adults? Where will the tank be located? (in florida where its always hot or in alaska where its always cold? is it next to your heater or your cooler in your house? etc etc)
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