Custom 18x18x24 Build Thread

[CJ's Exotics]

The glare from the sunlight is outrageous, but I wanted to provide an update, so here it is. If you look really hard, you can see the cork on the background, and the tube I put today.

 

[CJ's Exotics]

More pics

 

[cyberlocc]

Looking good man, keep em coming.

 

[CJ's Exotics]

I don't know if the pictures are in order, but first, after siliconing everything, and cleaning it up, I washed the hydroton and put it in the enclosure how I wanted it, maybe about 2 inches deep. Then, the most annoying part, I cut my giant substrate barrier to the right size. I then made my soil mix. I originally planned to do a 1 to 1 ratio of peat moss and sand, but that looked to sandy, so I switched it to 75% peat moss, and 25% sand. I added a ton of substrate, in the back, it was maybe a finger deep. I left space for my paludarium feature, which makes it easier for water drainage and to keep humidity high. I plan to put flu alert stratum, and as for branches, I am waiting on that same delayed package to come in, which works out, so that my microfauna can start the work. This is enclosure one. Enjoy!

 

[CJ's Exotics]

A new shipment of manzanita, aquarium substrate, cork, and other miscellaneous materials came in finally, pictures soon!

 

[ERKleRose]

A new shipment of manzanita, aquarium substrate, cork, and other miscellaneous materials came in finally, pictures soon!

Where do you get your manzanita?

 

[CJ's Exotics]

Where do you get your manzanita?

This is my first shipment from them, but I got it from NEHerp. I think they are having some issues with supply, because my whole order took a while to come in, like 2 weeks.

 

[ERKleRose]

This is my first shipment from them, but I got it from NEHerp. I think they are having some issues with supply, because my whole order took a while to come in, like 2 weeks.

Thanks!

 

[CJ's Exotics]

Thanks!

Also, I wouldn't recommend them for large branches of manzanita, like for a panther. They sell more or a branchy type manzanita, for geckos, small chams, frogs, etc. I will show in the pictures.

 

[ERKleRose]

Also, I wouldn't recommend them for large branches of manzanita, like for a panther. They sell more or a branchy type manzanita, for geckos, small chams, frogs, etc. I will show in the pictures.

Awesome, thanks!

 

[CJ's Exotics]

The enclosure update, before plants with woodscape in.

 

[CJ's Exotics]

The easiest thing to find is the one bulb UVB fixture and Arcadia bulbs. But once you get a two bulb fixture, the price jumps dramatically. Should I just get an LED, like a jungle dawn for my plants, instead of jumping $70 for a two bulb fixture to accommodate the 6500k bulb?

 

[Decadancin]

The easiest thing to find is the one bulb UVB fixture and Arcadia bulbs. But once you get a two bulb fixture, the price jumps dramatically. Should I just get an LED, like a jungle dawn for my plants, instead of jumping $70 for a two bulb fixture to accommodate the 6500k bulb?

Reptile Basics has single fixtures that can be doubled up with a $10 bracket and $3 cord. Could save you some dough.

 

[CJ's Exotics]

Reptile Basics has single fixtures that can be doubled up with a $10 bracket and $3 cord. Could save you some dough.

Thank you! I will look into that.

 

[Decadancin]

http://www.reptilebasics.com/t5-light-fixtures/twin-fixture-hanger/

http://www.reptilebasics.com/t5-light-fixtures/jumper-for-t5-single-bulb-fixtures/

http://www.reptilebasics.com/t5-light-fixtures/t5-ho-single-bulb-light-strip-24/

$73.00 for all the fixtures and then just the cost of bulbs. Sounds like the cost of the upgrade you were talking about?

 

[ERKleRose]

http://www.reptilebasics.com/t5-light-fixtures/twin-fixture-hanger/

http://www.reptilebasics.com/t5-light-fixtures/jumper-for-t5-single-bulb-fixtures/

http://www.reptilebasics.com/t5-light-fixtures/t5-ho-single-bulb-light-strip-24/

$73.00 for all the fixtures and then just the cost of bulbs. Sounds like the cost of the upgrade you were talking about?

Way cheaper than a quad fixture, for sure
Edit: double fixture

 

[Decadancin]

So, looking at LYR for a dual fixture with Arcadia T5 HO and a 6500k bulb, you are looking at $96.00.

http://www.lightyourreptiles.com/24...-arcadia-6-and-6-5k-day-light-bulbs-included/

Sounds about the same cost. Only benefit I can see over the two is the amount of UVB you would get reflecting from the single fixtures would be increased.

 

[Decadancin]

Cost of the Jungle Dawn ($60.00 and up) is a bit much as the only source of plant lighting due to the limited coverage area. I would use that as an additional plant light if needed.

 

[CJ's Exotics]

So, looking at LYR for a dual fixture with Arcadia T5 HO and a 6500k bulb, you are looking at $96.00.

http://www.lightyourreptiles.com/24...-arcadia-6-and-6-5k-day-light-bulbs-included/

Sounds about the same cost. Only benefit I can see over the two is the amount of UVB you would get reflecting from the single fixtures would be increased.

I actually have to light two 18" wide enclosures, so at LYR it would be $120. Thanks for advice, it would be easier to go that way!

 

[CJ's Exotics]

Plants have been ordered! They come tomorrow, I believe. I have been communicating with the breeder I will be working with for the species I have selected. Hint: It is an unestablished species, endangered, and there is no more export on them from Madagascar!