I posted this up in the Enclosure section already, but I figured a lot of people with Russians might not look there often.
Here it before any paint. I used 1/2 inch plywood for everything on the enclosure.
I made the hood for the lights hinged for better access to the lights.
The enclosure does not have a frame. I used pocket hole construction. Its fairly easy to use, very strong and does not require a frame.
This is picture of a pocket hole
I did use a 2x4 and 2x2 frame on base as I plan on having about 6" of substrate.
I put on a layer of primer
After a few layers of black paint
I capped the corners for strength and making sure there are no escapes
I lined the bottom and six inches up the side with FRP board (fiber reinforced plastic) to protect the wood from moisture and the tortoises nails. I also sealed the corners and installed the glass with GE silicone 1.
Today I installed the lighting and wired everything up. There is double 4' T-8 florescent fixture. One full spectrum tube and one Reptisun UVB tube to help balance the lighting. Also I have two ceramic fixtures on separate dimmers for halogen lights.
75% of the enclosure will have 6" of top soil/sand mix. The other quarter will be sort of split level. The bottom will still have an inch or so of substrate and the top will have slate.
Along the back will be live plants. I have three or four aloe vera, two Christmas cacti, and two different spider plants. All of these are edible and the tortoises have had an aloe vera with them for ten months with just the occasional nibble.
I still need to install the doors on the base, finish the split level section, and then get everything settled. I hope the tortoises are in there new home within the week.
Here it before any paint. I used 1/2 inch plywood for everything on the enclosure.
I made the hood for the lights hinged for better access to the lights.
The enclosure does not have a frame. I used pocket hole construction. Its fairly easy to use, very strong and does not require a frame.
This is picture of a pocket hole
I did use a 2x4 and 2x2 frame on base as I plan on having about 6" of substrate.
I put on a layer of primer
After a few layers of black paint
I capped the corners for strength and making sure there are no escapes
I lined the bottom and six inches up the side with FRP board (fiber reinforced plastic) to protect the wood from moisture and the tortoises nails. I also sealed the corners and installed the glass with GE silicone 1.
Today I installed the lighting and wired everything up. There is double 4' T-8 florescent fixture. One full spectrum tube and one Reptisun UVB tube to help balance the lighting. Also I have two ceramic fixtures on separate dimmers for halogen lights.
75% of the enclosure will have 6" of top soil/sand mix. The other quarter will be sort of split level. The bottom will still have an inch or so of substrate and the top will have slate.
Along the back will be live plants. I have three or four aloe vera, two Christmas cacti, and two different spider plants. All of these are edible and the tortoises have had an aloe vera with them for ten months with just the occasional nibble.
I still need to install the doors on the base, finish the split level section, and then get everything settled. I hope the tortoises are in there new home within the week.
I love to see your aquatic turtle setup when it's ready.
