Little positive things...

[Arpretty]

Rejuvenating my account on here lately as I’m sure you can tell starting from the ground up for a whole different experience. Many thanks to my lovely Spyro for introducing me to this incredible world. My new little man is set to arrive between March/April. Some starter pics attached.

Head start on nurturing some babies - there are plenty more where these came from!

Built up most of the new enclosure; currently making my own ledges out of aluminum. Will be staggering them on each side for varied use of space throughout. MAJOR thank you to @Klyde O'Scope for the thoughts and inspiration, I took your insight to heart also shout out to my daddio for teaching me how to work with metal.

 

[ERKleRose]

Rejuvenating my account on here lately as I’m sure you can tell starting from the ground up for a whole different experience. Many thanks to my lovely Spyro for introducing me to this incredible world. My new little man is set to arrive between March/April. Some starter pics attached.View attachment 289517
Head start on nurturing some babies - there are plenty more where these came from!
View attachment 289519
View attachment 289520
View attachment 289521
Built up most of the new enclosure; currently making my own ledges out of aluminum. Will be staggering them on each side for varied use of space throughout. MAJOR thank you to @Klyde O'Scope for the thoughts and inspiration, I took your insight to heart also shout out to my daddio for teaching me how to work with metal.

Jealous! Mainly work with wood!

 

[Klyde O'Scope]

Looks like you also went with a Zen Habitats enclosure.
Glad you went with stainless fasteners as well.

One major difference I found with metal is that the slivers can be more difficult to find.
(Wear gloves when you safely can.)

 

[Arpretty]

Looks like you also went with a Zen Habitats enclosure.
Glad you went with stainless fasteners as well.

One major difference I found with metal is that the slivers can be more difficult to find.
(Wear gloves when you safely can.)

I did!!! I basically melted my brain trying to decide on the “perfect” enclosure for what I envisioned. I felt this one was the most suitable. Plus, I LOVED your idea of using aluminum for ledges so an honest thank you... you were the brains behind this operation thus far I hope to post some progress pics as I move along.

 

[Arpretty]

Hope y’all don’t mind my progress pics... I’m so obsessed with this project!!! Aluminum ledges were installed, I chose to stagger them for varied use of interior space.

Hole was drilled into center of the cage with corresponding hole into the stand. Stand/hole picture is prior to cutting it out for a larger circumference.

Drain was installed; popped some silicone around it. Also have a drain cover to prevent little feet getting stuck and feeders getting out piping will connect underneath.

Siliconed the interior.... still much more to do but such progress!!

 

[Tige21v]

Looking mighty fine!
Unless you are going to have a pot sitting directly over the drain, you want to consider cutting a piece of screen to either put under the cover, or place on top the cover. Feeders can be very tenacious when it comes to finding a way out . (I probably would be too if MY life depended on it. )

 

[Tige21v]

And I cannot tell from the pics, did you file and round off any cuts you made on the aluminum?

 

[Arpretty]

And I cannot tell from the pics, did you file and round off any cuts you made on the aluminum?

Yes, I plan on using screen as suggested in your first comment there are absolutely no protrusions from the aluminum. The ends were filed down and cut to exact size to fit within the frame. I did several rounds of vacuuming as well and will likely do more for good measure!

 

[cham girl]

WOW

 

[GrayMadder]

I cant wait to see the finished product !!

 

[Klyde O'Scope]

Hope y’all don’t mind my progress pics... I’m so obsessed with this project!!! Aluminum ledges were installed, I chose to stagger them for varied use of interior space.

Beautiful job! Staggering is a great idea! Even though I have ledges (came with enclosure) I wanted more versatility, and I didn't care for the way they recommended, so I built a couple of these:
Pan Flute Supports for Ledges (scroll down for final version).

 

[Arpretty]

Beautiful job! Staggering is a great idea! Even though I have ledges (came with enclosure) I wanted more versatility, and I didn't care for the way they recommended, so I built a couple of these:
Pan Flute Supports for Ledges (scroll down for final version).

Super cool and very creative!! The “ladder” idea is a great concept.
Also, thank you!! I’m very pleased so far.

 

[Arpretty]

Moving up in the world! Opening the jungle dawn and mistking made my day.

I ordered two corner mounts and two single nozzles with my mistking. Should the nozzles be mounted at the front corners pointing toward the back, or the opposite? 2x2x4 enclosure with acrylic door and screen substrate panel.

 

[Klyde O'Scope]

Moving up in the world! Opening the jungle dawn and mistking made my day.

I ordered two corner mounts and two single nozzles with my mistking. Should the nozzles be mounted at the front corners pointing toward the back, or the opposite? 2x2x4 enclosure with acrylic door and screen substrate panel.

Nozzles are generally mounted at the front corners aiming inward & slightly downward. When misting, you'll see the cone of spray to use as a guide to aiming. Mounting at the front also makes it easier to make slight adjustments to aiming, or if a nozzle gets knocked out of alignment.

There are 2 ways of mounting the corner mounts:

1. Attach the longest side of the trapezoid to the front of the enclosure, as far toward the corner as possible.
   
   
   
   
   
2. Attach the 2 short sides to the enclosure; one to the front, and the other to the nearest side of the enclosure.
   
   

If you use method 2, be sure to "square up" the enclosure as you're attaching the trapezoid, and attach one side (both screws), and then the other side (rather than alternating like changing a tire). This method will increase the rigidity of the enclosure, whether it's square or not, so be as accurate as you can with squaring up. If not, redoing it can be a real PITA.

 

[Tige21v]

You can go either way, though most point towards the back. helps to keep your floor dry in front of the cage.
I do have one cage I picked up used where they mounted the head in back.
I never tried it back there, though I could how it would be advantageous. one thing he did though, that I thought was a good idea, was he mounted the plate inside the cage instead of outside. in the configuration , the screen sits flush with the plate. when you mount it on the outside, you end up with a quarter (ish) gap between the plate and screen. It will close when you tighten it down, but I don't like it. I usually make a piece to fit between the two. it seems to make it more rigid and help cut down on the water line vibration from the pump.

 

[Tige21v]

I forgot you had an acrylic door. If you mount in the rear, you will be dealing with more water spots on the door than you already will be.
Just an fyi, if the bottom door is screen like it appears to be, doesnt matter where they are mounted, you are going to get a crazy mist-filled downdraft coming through it anytime the pump kicks on. same principle as a thunderstorm. plan accordingly for the area in front of the cage

 

[Arpretty]

Thank you @Klyde O'Scope and @Tige21v!! I installed the the mounts today in the front two corners. And great point - I will need to get a rug for the front area.

 

[Arpretty]

Working slowly but steadily on this project. The sides are done! My mantra is no wasted space. Next step is foaming. Then middle branch work. Boyfriend dubbed me “crazy branch lady,” can’t imagine why?!

 

[GrayMadder]

Working slowly but steadily on this project. The sides are done! My mantra is no wasted space. Next step is foaming. Then middle branch work. Boyfriend dubbed me “crazy branch lady,” can’t imagine why?! View attachment 293210

It looks so good!!!

 

[GrayMadder]

What are you using to hold up your feeder? I have the same one and I have it wedged into between sticks and using the magnet but I'm afraid when my cham gets heavier.