Re: Thanks for all the info....

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ The Iguana Forum ]

Posted by Mr. D on April 08, 2002 at 10:39:20:

In Reply to: Thanks for all the info.... posted by Tami on April 08, 2002 at 08:56:32:

Hmm...ok..Since you're building a new enclosure - bear in mind that aromatic woods aren't good for igs - toxicity issues. And most likely there will be high levels of humidity in the enclosure. You're going to have to seal the wood somehow whether it's by several coats of polyurethane or by latex paint - your choice.

The bulbs you describe sound like standard reptile bulbs the UV bulb being a fluorescent tube I'm assuming. Make sure that the basking bulb fixture is a ceramic/porcelain base - otherwise you risk melting it. For now, given your current equipment, you don't have too many choices for keeping notSpike warm at night. If the temps don't fall below 70-75* in your house at night s/he should be OK. Otherwise you have to figure something out quick...

Overall, my personal recommendations when someone is constructing a custom enclosure are these. Take a good long look at a mercury vapor bulb (ActiveUV or PowerSun) for daytime basking/UV exposure, a radiant heat panel for overall ambient temperature control 24/7, and an ultrasonic humidifier - either Vicks or Sunbeam.

The bulb will cover all of your lighting needs as far as basking light/heat and UV exposure. Depending on the size of your enclosure you may want to add standard lighting for "visual pleasance" - entirely up to you.

The RHP will regulate the overall temp in your enclosure. When controlled by something like ESU's Temperature Controller, you can create a suitable heat gradient in the enclosure rather easily. Remember that you don't want the ENTIRE enclosure to be the same temperature.

The humidifier lends itself to some easy plumbing with PVC pipe. It's a cheaper alternative to the pricey "misting systems" that are out there. Cheapest one I've seen runs about $150 - someone please correct me...... The humidifiers I pick up for about $40 and the entire supply of PVC pipe and cement doesn't run more than $10. The only things you have to figure out using this setup are placement of each piece of equipment and how long to run the humidifier. If it runs constantly you're invariably going to hit 100% humidity which I don't think igs mind but it makes it pretty foggy and damp in the enclosure. I have yet to find a good, low cost method of ACCURATELY controlling humidity. Standard programable timers work well enough but may not be totally accurate. Personally, I'd like to find a unit similiar to the temp controllers where I can just dial in the desired level of humidity and let it go. The more expensive control units can do that but with over 20 iguanas currently in our program cost is definitely a factor here...;)

Keep plugging, Tami

The Iguana Spot

Follow Ups:

Post a Followup

Name:
E-Mail:

Subject:

Comments:
: Hmm...ok..Since you're building a new enclosure - bear in mind that aromatic woods aren't good for igs - toxicity issues. And most likely there will be high levels of humidity in the enclosure. You're going to have to seal the wood somehow whether it's by several coats of polyurethane or by latex paint - your choice. : The bulbs you describe sound like standard reptile bulbs the UV bulb being a fluorescent tube I'm assuming. Make sure that the basking bulb fixture is a ceramic/porcelain base - otherwise you risk melting it. For now, given your current equipment, you don't have too many choices for keeping notSpike warm at night. If the temps don't fall below 70-75* in your house at night s/he should be OK. Otherwise you have to figure something out quick... : Overall, my personal recommendations when someone is constructing a custom enclosure are these. Take a good long look at a mercury vapor bulb (ActiveUV or PowerSun) for daytime basking/UV exposure, a radiant heat panel for overall ambient temperature control 24/7, and an ultrasonic humidifier - either Vicks or Sunbeam. : The bulb will cover all of your lighting needs as far as basking light/heat and UV exposure. Depending on the size of your enclosure you may want to add standard lighting for "visual pleasance" - entirely up to you. : The RHP will regulate the overall temp in your enclosure. When controlled by something like ESU's Temperature Controller, you can create a suitable heat gradient in the enclosure rather easily. Remember that you don't want the ENTIRE enclosure to be the same temperature. : The humidifier lends itself to some easy plumbing with PVC pipe. It's a cheaper alternative to the pricey "misting systems" that are out there. Cheapest one I've seen runs about $150 - someone please correct me...... The humidifiers I pick up for about $40 and the entire supply of PVC pipe and cement doesn't run more than $10. The only things you have to figure out using this setup are placement of each piece of equipment and how long to run the humidifier. If it runs constantly you're invariably going to hit 100% humidity which I don't think igs mind but it makes it pretty foggy and damp in the enclosure. I have yet to find a good, low cost method of ACCURATELY controlling humidity. Standard programable timers work well enough but may not be totally accurate. Personally, I'd like to find a unit similiar to the temp controllers where I can just dial in the desired level of humidity and let it go. The more expensive control units can do that but with over 20 iguanas currently in our program cost is definitely a factor here...;) : Keep plugging, Tami

Optional Link URL:
Link Title:
Optional Image URL:

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ The Iguana Forum ]