CylonSurfer
New Member
- Joined
- Feb 25, 2015
- Messages
- 26
So I see a lot of folk using plastic containers of one type or another and stumbled across this:
https://www.primrose.co.uk/380l-rectangular-plastic-reservoir-149cm-79cm-p-91067.html?cPath=22_9136
My tortoise is about 3.5 years old so it seems a decent size for him and I'd want it to last a good few years at least. My plan would be to build a wooden frame the reservoir would sit in so it could be removed for cleaning etc, the frame would then be covered with some ply boarding so I can then stick some vinyl adhesive tiles to the exterior for aesthetics.
I then plan to attach some background pieces to the interior of the reservoir above the substrate level to provide a more natural look inside of the habitat, such as:
http://www.shelledwarriorsshop.co.uk/lucky-reptile--background-celta-98x48-cm-1454-p.asp
I'd want to then plant out the habitat and provide a few hides in various locations and perhaps some sort of small rocky outcrop as marginateds are a mountain species and mine loves to climb and I guess it would serve as a good source of exercise and natural claw trimmer...
So a couple of quick questions if someone has a little time to reply:
- What do you think of the plastic reservoir. It's the largest I could find, is it large enough? Is it safe?
- Does anyone have any experience with background pieces such as the one I linked, are they safe?
- When it comes to planting can anyone recommend any suitable safe plants? I'd initially be adding some spider plants and was thinking of a bosten fern. Any tips on securing pots? My tort loves to climb up on top and tip them by rocking with his hind legs until they tip over like they're some sort of amusement park ride.
- My current enclosure is much smaller than this, so I'll need new lighting. UV isn't a problem, I'll purchase a new arcadia unit and tube bulb. But when it comes to basking and ensuring ambient temps are maintained throughout the enclosure I could do with some advice, i.e bulb types and the wattages needed to provide adequate temps in various parts of the enclosure in a typical warm to cooler gradient configuration.
- What are peoples thoughts on the idea on a whole?
https://www.primrose.co.uk/380l-rectangular-plastic-reservoir-149cm-79cm-p-91067.html?cPath=22_9136
My tortoise is about 3.5 years old so it seems a decent size for him and I'd want it to last a good few years at least. My plan would be to build a wooden frame the reservoir would sit in so it could be removed for cleaning etc, the frame would then be covered with some ply boarding so I can then stick some vinyl adhesive tiles to the exterior for aesthetics.
I then plan to attach some background pieces to the interior of the reservoir above the substrate level to provide a more natural look inside of the habitat, such as:
http://www.shelledwarriorsshop.co.uk/lucky-reptile--background-celta-98x48-cm-1454-p.asp
I'd want to then plant out the habitat and provide a few hides in various locations and perhaps some sort of small rocky outcrop as marginateds are a mountain species and mine loves to climb and I guess it would serve as a good source of exercise and natural claw trimmer...
So a couple of quick questions if someone has a little time to reply:
- What do you think of the plastic reservoir. It's the largest I could find, is it large enough? Is it safe?
- Does anyone have any experience with background pieces such as the one I linked, are they safe?
- When it comes to planting can anyone recommend any suitable safe plants? I'd initially be adding some spider plants and was thinking of a bosten fern. Any tips on securing pots? My tort loves to climb up on top and tip them by rocking with his hind legs until they tip over like they're some sort of amusement park ride.
- My current enclosure is much smaller than this, so I'll need new lighting. UV isn't a problem, I'll purchase a new arcadia unit and tube bulb. But when it comes to basking and ensuring ambient temps are maintained throughout the enclosure I could do with some advice, i.e bulb types and the wattages needed to provide adequate temps in various parts of the enclosure in a typical warm to cooler gradient configuration.
- What are peoples thoughts on the idea on a whole?