Posted by Harrys Dad on June 25, 2000 at 06:52:27:
I too have been thinking of a way to make a pond for our iguanas and yet not have to drain the whole thing, every time one of them poops. The filter system would have to be fairly complex. Not only would you have to have a sand based filter system, but also you'd have to have a micron filter system to purify the water before it could go back into the pond. I would think that the micron filter would clog up quickly and would have to be set for back flushing, quite often. This would use a hefty amount of water everyday.
Another idea I have been tossing around is a shallow sink, which would be about 4 inches deep and have a drain. With a switch (still working on this one) it would open the drain after the iguana uses it and then, close and refill the sink with water again, all automatically. My focus is to limit where they can enter the sink or exit.....this way, I could use a platform switch that activates when the weight of the iguana is on it. But it would also have to be a timer switch relay too. Waiting long enough for the water to drain, then closing the drain and then, filling the sink back up. The drain would be installed like any other sink and go into the wall and connect to the house sewer system.
The most complex part of the whole system is the pressure switch, and since I'm not knowledgeable in that area.....I've ran into a stopping point. This switch would have to be able to perform even if the iguana doesn't move off of it, meaning, if the iguana comes out of the sink on to the pressure plate, activates it, but doesn't moving off of it, the system would stop after it drains the sink and refills....and doesn't keep running water.
If I find someone who can solve this problem, I will be making the system and also posting it on our website, with plans too.
HD