You will laugh, the hide is a paper planter flipped upside down and 1/4 corner cut out... was temporary fix for the bigger then expected tortoise issue.
Project "BIG Wyzzerd build"
- Thread starter fiftyfive
- Start date
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Love the photo of him with his head sticking from under the hide...
"BIG Wyzzerd build" continued
The moment you have all been waiting for... perhaps...
Here is the continuation of the build from this weekend.
The frame was topped with chicken wire doubled over for strength since it will be supporting heavier objects but keeping the structure light.
Tools I was using for the wire (and box liner)
The box liner is vinyl flooring:
Measuring it up:
...and it fits:
To make a one piece liner you need to cut the corners into boxes.
Before attaching the box liner I had to attach the top frame. I kept it 8" above the base floor as to maximize the space.
Next post will continue....
There is more to come as the landscaping hasn't been started and what is in there is only temporary.
The moment you have all been waiting for... perhaps...
Here is the continuation of the build from this weekend.
The frame was topped with chicken wire doubled over for strength since it will be supporting heavier objects but keeping the structure light.
Tools I was using for the wire (and box liner)
The box liner is vinyl flooring:
Measuring it up:
...and it fits:
To make a one piece liner you need to cut the corners into boxes.
Before attaching the box liner I had to attach the top frame. I kept it 8" above the base floor as to maximize the space.
Next post will continue....
There is more to come as the landscaping hasn't been started and what is in there is only temporary.
Its looks to be coming together very nicely...
Starting to staple the floor in, oops ran out of staples.
Keeping the staples about 2" above the floor and 1" below the top edge, I tacked the liner to the box. This will hopefully keep the staples from rusting out too quickly and should keep it from mattering anyways. I didn't want to glue in case I needed to replace the liner one day.
NOW>>> the Canvas skin!
Dyed Green we wrapped it around the frame. I decided not to cut it and instead fold it top down to increase the thickness and improve the heat and moisture retention.
The inside of the enclosure may look odd from the fold in the fabric, but it will not even be visible as there will be a surprise liner covering it up anyway.
A little light on our subject:
Some lights and some coco peat...
(yes, I cant wait to get my little tort in here)
And action! The temporary landscaping already being explored!
The front will consist of the rest of the canvas (properly measured and fit) attached to the top frame so that it can be "rolled" up like a tent flap (all part of the theme)
From the top:
Checking some new plants! (yum!)
The IKEA box the tort was in before and the new one... HUGE difference
Interlude: (take a break and get some snacks)
BIG Wyzzerd's Spooky House of Horrors!!!
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/Thread-BIG-Wyzzerd-s-Spooky-House-of-Horrors <<< CLICK ME!
The next steps I will be taking on the enclosure build:
-setup the inside liner and natural shading
-setup the proper lighting
-setup the computer controller for heat lights and automation
-Landscaping and fun stuff!!!
To be done :
-inside liner (still being shipped)
-landscaping and fun stuff
-proper lighting and natural shading
-controllers for lighting, humidity and heat (computer automation)
Keeping the staples about 2" above the floor and 1" below the top edge, I tacked the liner to the box. This will hopefully keep the staples from rusting out too quickly and should keep it from mattering anyways. I didn't want to glue in case I needed to replace the liner one day.
NOW>>> the Canvas skin!
Dyed Green we wrapped it around the frame. I decided not to cut it and instead fold it top down to increase the thickness and improve the heat and moisture retention.
The inside of the enclosure may look odd from the fold in the fabric, but it will not even be visible as there will be a surprise liner covering it up anyway.
A little light on our subject:
Some lights and some coco peat...
(yes, I cant wait to get my little tort in here)
And action! The temporary landscaping already being explored!
The front will consist of the rest of the canvas (properly measured and fit) attached to the top frame so that it can be "rolled" up like a tent flap (all part of the theme)
From the top:
Checking some new plants! (yum!)
The IKEA box the tort was in before and the new one... HUGE difference
Interlude: (take a break and get some snacks)
BIG Wyzzerd's Spooky House of Horrors!!!
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/Thread-BIG-Wyzzerd-s-Spooky-House-of-Horrors <<< CLICK ME!
The next steps I will be taking on the enclosure build:
-setup the inside liner and natural shading
-setup the proper lighting
-setup the computer controller for heat lights and automation
-Landscaping and fun stuff!!!
To be done :
-inside liner (still being shipped)
-landscaping and fun stuff
-proper lighting and natural shading
-controllers for lighting, humidity and heat (computer automation)
OH!
If anyone can help with the tortoise sexing dilemma:
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/Thread-Male-or-Female--35604
Male or Female?
If anyone can help with the tortoise sexing dilemma:
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/Thread-Male-or-Female--35604
Male or Female?
Can't wait to see it all come together, it looks great so far, lucky little tort.
WOW!! Look great! I'm sure your red foot will love this new space!!! GREAT JOB
- Joined
- Nov 1, 2011
- Messages
- 7
omg! i better make sure my girl don't see your torties house, they'll be so jelous!
I wanted ours on a table, but we where ment to be getting older girls, around 4 or 5, but, they had already been re-homed, so we ended up with babies, and they are so small! Didn;t realise how small, and due to have a very nosey 4 year old, and a cat who likes to sleep with all my other animals, we though it safer user a cage.
I hate telling people, what they are in cause it sounds really horrid, but they are safe, so thats all that matters
I wanted ours on a table, but we where ment to be getting older girls, around 4 or 5, but, they had already been re-homed, so we ended up with babies, and they are so small! Didn;t realise how small, and due to have a very nosey 4 year old, and a cat who likes to sleep with all my other animals, we though it safer user a cage.
I hate telling people, what they are in cause it sounds really horrid, but they are safe, so thats all that matters
Thank you again everyone!
She loves her cage... and she wanders around exploring it all day. She makes a big mess of it too.
I try change the landscape daily to add new changes and things for her to do. I think she loves it. I will be working on the landscaping next.
My surprise came in the mail Friday and I spent the whole night getting it installed!
I have a few pics to show, but may need to take a video as its hard to get pictures due to the lighting and the proximity.
I will upload the images today, provided I can borrow a USB cable from a co-worker for my phone as I forgot mine.
She loves her cage... and she wanders around exploring it all day. She makes a big mess of it too.
I try change the landscape daily to add new changes and things for her to do. I think she loves it. I will be working on the landscaping next.
My surprise came in the mail Friday and I spent the whole night getting it installed!
I have a few pics to show, but may need to take a video as its hard to get pictures due to the lighting and the proximity.
I will upload the images today, provided I can borrow a USB cable from a co-worker for my phone as I forgot mine.
The canvas does help and what I added over the weekend should help even more! I am thinking about putting a mister in the vivarium instead (or as well) of the humidifier as i cant keep enough rh in there. My apartment is water heated.. so its really really dry.
Looking to make some automations regarding that as well.
When using the canvas, I chose the painters drop cloth as one side is waterproof and polymer plastic. Nice for heat and rh.
Looking to make some automations regarding that as well.
When using the canvas, I chose the painters drop cloth as one side is waterproof and polymer plastic. Nice for heat and rh.
OK
Now for the surprise!!
--beware a barrage of photos coming your way--
I decided to line the inside (of the canvas) walls of the enclosure with...
3D Camouflage Netting (woodland). I know right? Crazy.
I figured:
1) Looks like a tree canopy and will recreate a nice rainforest feel for both the tort and the viewer.
2) It will also help retain moisture and heat into the enclosure.
3) It will filter some of the light and make it seem more lighting realistic, adding shadows and more security from open space for the little tort.
4) It will help reduce light bleeding to the outside AND create a really nice pattern effect on the canvas from the linght inside shining though.
5) Help hide wiring and other functional gadgets
6) It is heat and moisture/mould resistant!
7) IT WILL LOOK MEGA cool.
I got a peice 8' x 20' and if was just the right size. I cut it into strips and folded some over to create further 3D effects and theckness.
See for yourself!
(The images don't show and describe the value of the netting as the light makes my phone camera twitch, but hopefully you get the idea... maybe Ill take some video to get a better perspective)
You can see the stages of different variations:
OK, getting better....
(yes my place is a mess because of all this building)
So those were from Friday night. It has been re-vamped a bit and tweaked.. will be tweaked some more I am sure... but it gives you an idea!
I will take a new picture of it tonight. I fixed the "hanging parts" over the bottom set of tube light fixtures.
P.S. ALL the objectives were met. (1-7)
I love how it is turning out. Now to get the landscaping more complete.
Now for the surprise!!
--beware a barrage of photos coming your way--
I decided to line the inside (of the canvas) walls of the enclosure with...
3D Camouflage Netting (woodland). I know right? Crazy.
I figured:
1) Looks like a tree canopy and will recreate a nice rainforest feel for both the tort and the viewer.
2) It will also help retain moisture and heat into the enclosure.
3) It will filter some of the light and make it seem more lighting realistic, adding shadows and more security from open space for the little tort.
4) It will help reduce light bleeding to the outside AND create a really nice pattern effect on the canvas from the linght inside shining though.
5) Help hide wiring and other functional gadgets
6) It is heat and moisture/mould resistant!
7) IT WILL LOOK MEGA cool.
I got a peice 8' x 20' and if was just the right size. I cut it into strips and folded some over to create further 3D effects and theckness.
See for yourself!
(The images don't show and describe the value of the netting as the light makes my phone camera twitch, but hopefully you get the idea... maybe Ill take some video to get a better perspective)
You can see the stages of different variations:
OK, getting better....
(yes my place is a mess because of all this building)
So those were from Friday night. It has been re-vamped a bit and tweaked.. will be tweaked some more I am sure... but it gives you an idea!
I will take a new picture of it tonight. I fixed the "hanging parts" over the bottom set of tube light fixtures.
P.S. ALL the objectives were met. (1-7)
I love how it is turning out. Now to get the landscaping more complete.
I love it. Who would've thought of it. Great idea.
Awesome! 
Very cool!! Nice job!!
Thanks a lot everyone... I am starting my plant and landscaping purchaces now.
I have a lot of plants I grew myself from seed around my place, but none that are tort-safe it seems.
Currently she has:
Aloe
Hens and chicks
some other succulent I cant remember the name of
another one that she totally harrassed and dug up and ate down to the roots
Zebra plant
I have a lot of plants I grew myself from seed around my place, but none that are tort-safe it seems.
Currently she has:
Aloe
Hens and chicks
some other succulent I cant remember the name of
another one that she totally harrassed and dug up and ate down to the roots
Zebra plant
Ok, some more little updates from last weekend. More probably after this one too.
I will let the photos do the talking as you can see the slight progression over the weekend.
mmmm Mango Treats!
FEATHER BOA
BIG friend comes for a visit!
There is clover now randomly growing throughout the enclosure too... very nice effect. More to come!
I will let the photos do the talking as you can see the slight progression over the weekend.
mmmm Mango Treats!
FEATHER BOA
BIG friend comes for a visit!
There is clover now randomly growing throughout the enclosure too... very nice effect. More to come!
Current project:
Drafting the automated controller for the enclosure/vivarium.
Automation:
Lighting
-ON/OFF static (timed/seasonal)
-ON/OFF dynamic (Dimmable for ramp up/down)
-Night mode
Heat
-Lighting Temp (>value =OFF/Dimming)
-Lighting Temp (>value=increase dimmable low heat (LED) when heat lamp off)
-Heater Temp (<value=turn on heater)
Humidity
-ON/OFF static (timed)
-Mister rH (<value =ON time cycle then check again)
-Humidifier rH (<value = time cycle then check again)
Logging
-log temp/rH to time (minute/day/month/year)
Anything else I should add to this?
I will be creating a new thread for the controller once more work gets underway.
-
Drafting the automated controller for the enclosure/vivarium.
Automation:
Lighting
-ON/OFF static (timed/seasonal)
-ON/OFF dynamic (Dimmable for ramp up/down)
-Night mode
Heat
-Lighting Temp (>value =OFF/Dimming)
-Lighting Temp (>value=increase dimmable low heat (LED) when heat lamp off)
-Heater Temp (<value=turn on heater)
Humidity
-ON/OFF static (timed)
-Mister rH (<value =ON time cycle then check again)
-Humidifier rH (<value = time cycle then check again)
Logging
-log temp/rH to time (minute/day/month/year)
Anything else I should add to this?
I will be creating a new thread for the controller once more work gets underway.
-
Im guessing there aren't a lot of programmers or tech-type automation nerds here (or at least aren't reading my thread)
I will be using Windows controlled Arduino to action the relays and sensors for this part of the project.
Has anyone else gone "full tech" on their tortoise enclosures?
...
I will be using Windows controlled Arduino to action the relays and sensors for this part of the project.
Has anyone else gone "full tech" on their tortoise enclosures?
...
- Status
