Water dragon tank help

[chameleoman]

i just want to know how to make something like this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tDtIWPWlWs



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzRo7Py-c7g



how to make it semi-aquatic where theres part water flowing and i can put a few freshwater fish in there?
any knowledge would be helpful and appreciated

thanks

 

[ironace]

the first one has the following in the description:


"Here is my still not fully completed, Chinese Water Dragon enclosure. The dragons are just inside it chilling out right now, They permanently move in tomorrow when I install the glass.

Started with a 120g Top Fin aquarium, then added 2.5 feet on top of it, using MDF. For a total enclosure size of 5'x5.5'x2'. I then made my ledges, and waterfall cliff out of Styrofoam, then Grouted the entire inside. Then water sealed everything inside. For some reason, grout doesn't stick fantastically to expandable foam, and it has flaked off near the waterfall , A sharpie will take care of it

Using a Fluval U4 Filter, with a poly hose attached that pumps the water up to the bamboo pipe for my waterfall. I have about 60-70 gallons of water, using silica sand as substrate, picked it up at a pool supply store, very cheap for the amount. But make sure to wash the sand thoroughly!. I'm using just a standard Humidifier for my fog, attached a 3/4" poly hose to run into the tank. It even plays nature/cricket sounds! its awesome. I have a Mist king system, but I can't seem to get it running efficiently, I have the pump sitting above the water source, so I think that might be the issue. The water is still a bit cloudy too, Hopefully it clears up!

Now its just a matter of making it Aesthetically pleasing for us humans. I left a half in recess for another sheet of MDF on the sides and face, so They will be getting wrapped in black fabric for a nice, sheen, screwless finish.

Hmm, There are tons of little things I've done, but I think i've covered the bases, any questions just ask! Stay tuned for my Savannah Monitor Enclosure!"


The second video looks like one of the waterfalls you can find in most pet stores or on amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_s...ptile+waterfall&x=0&y=0&sprefix=reptile+water

your other option is to contact the posters of the videos...

 

[fluxlizard]

The first one is easier to maintain than the second.

Having kept a number of water dragons over the years- I don't think I'd like to have either tank.

The problems I see with both setups-

Water dragons poop in the water. Large ones can make a big poop. Water either needs extremely powerful filtration (Like enough to handle a few hundred gallons of fish tank for very large fish) or it will need to be cleaned and changed frequently (as poop occurs- probably about 1x or 2x a day (more practical for most of our budgets). The second tank looks impossible to keep the water section clean without spending lots of time breaking things down regularly.

Water dragons aren't entirely aquatic. They will enter the water and will even hunt in the water sometimes (something to think about if you want to add fish- some breeders put goldfish in the water as a feeder item for the lizards) , but most of their time is spent on land or up in bushes and trees. They need to dry off- constant dampness is a bad idea. It isn't the size of the water area in the first tank that bothers me so much as the lack of dry land options which consist of mainly a few sticks to climb on. These guys like the ground also- not just sticks and water. The depth of the water bothers me a little as well- they are good swimmers, but lack of gradual slope in and out of water that deep makes it slightly hazardous.

They don't need a lot of water. For adults I use cement mixing tubs or even just really big livestock dishes. Enough to climb in and soak, not enough for actual swimming. If you want something bigger for swimming that is great, but put careful planning into slope, cleaning, and making plenty of land area as well.

Personally, I think this guy's terrarium is a lot nicer looking and healthier-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hNlZj7XTyU&feature=related

 

[chameleoman]

Personally, I think this guy's terrarium is a lot nicer looking and healthier-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hNlZj7XTyU&feature=related

WWWOOOOOWWWWW those dragons are really tame

 

[kinyonga]

Dragons usually are easy to tame...even the WC's.
I've kept/bred/hatched/raised them for over 15 years.

I do the supplementing, UVB, gutloading/feeding the insects the same way I describe on here all the time. I also include a salad made of the same greens and veggies I use to gutload insects with along with a bit of fruit (apple, pear, melon, berries, etc.)

I keep them in long fairly tall glass cages with screen lids and the bottom is divided so that about 2/3 of it is land and 1/3 is water. There is a tap below the cage under the water part so that draining/cleaning the water is relatively easy.

Females can lay eggs once they are about 2 or 3 years old so...just like I recommend for veiled chameleons...its important to provide them a place to lay.

 

[EvilLost]

i just want to know how to make something like this

how to make it semi-aquatic where theres part water flowing and i can put a few freshwater fish in there?
any knowledge would be helpful and appreciated

thanks

Firstly, I'd recommend taking a look over at vivariumforums.com or dendroboards to see how many people build their tanks and many DIY tutorials.

Secondly, you will most likely need a sump. I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND AGAINST PUTTING YOUR PUMP AND OTHER EQUIPMENT DIRECTLY INTO THE TANK. You *CAN* do this, esp if your tank is taller...but if you are planning to do a REAL aquarium (and not just put 5 goldfish) then you will need to do maintenance and whatnot just like you would on a real aquarium.

The basic premise is similar to a large aquarium or saltwater setup where you drain to a sump tank, do your maintenance/filtration/whatever there, and then pump the water back up and into the tank (this easily allows for a water feature design).

 

[ZEUUS]

WWWOOOOOWWWWW those dragons are really tame

That is truely amazing!! i wish i had reptile friends that trusted me that much.

 

[chameleoman]

Dragons usually are easy to tame...even the WC's.
I've kept/bred/hatched/raised them for over 15 years.



Females can lay eggs once they are about 2 or 3 years old so...just like I recommend for veiled chameleons...its important to provide them a place to lay.

ya i checked mine is a male and ill take pics of the enclosure l8r and post them he just ate 2 small hornworms and i got him to eat out of the tweezers like the guy in the cool video

 

[fluxlizard]

Secondly, you will most likely need a sump.

This is a great idea.

 

[fluxlizard]

Females can lay eggs once they are about 2 or 3 years old so...just like I recommend for veiled chameleons...its important to provide them a place to lay.

That is a really good point too.