Tommy's Viv Improvements!

Miss Lily · Nov 25, 2009

I have spent the whole afternoon finishing off Tommy's viv. I was advised by the reptile shop to just cut out a section of the viv top to place the lighting outside, otherwise too much heat would be lost straight out the top. I hadn't thought about this - I was just desperate to get the light out and create him a proper place to bask and to get the light out of his reach. He also has more places to walk around and I have added a better dripper for him too. Anyway, here's a few shots of the finished viv, although I am hoping to get a taller Schefflera to go at the back as soon as I find one.

The whole viv:

Top with section cut out and meshed over:

New basking area with different levels:

Chase · Nov 25, 2009

Looks pretty good!

lucky · Nov 25, 2009

looks really good!! if you head over to your local hardware store or home improvement store you can find combo temp/huidity digital guages for less than you paid for those analog dial type... helps you see exactly what the temp is. other than that its nice.

Miss Lily · Nov 25, 2009

lucky said:
looks really good!! if you head over to your local hardware store or home improvement store you can find combo temp/huidity digital guages for less than you paid for those analog dial type... helps you see exactly what the temp is. other than that its nice.

Thanks for the tip, but I'm not hopeful of finding a cheap one in the UK! I do have an infrared digital thermometer, but a dual one would definitely be good. I'll have a look tonight - going to the hardware superstore to get a taller schefflera so I might find one in there.

lucky · Nov 25, 2009

ah yes, i didnt even think of their availability overseas. happy hunting tho.

warpdrive · Nov 25, 2009

hi Tiff,

I realy like what you did sofar. that cage looks awsome.
my only thoughts are what are you using for UVB and how are you giving him such light?

Harry

renzo0684 · Nov 25, 2009

Miss Lily said:
I have spent the whole afternoon finishing off Tommy's viv. I was advised by the reptile shop to just cut out a section of the viv top to place the lighting outside, otherwise too much heat would be lost straight out the top. I hadn't thought about this - I was just desperate to get the light out and create him a proper place to bask and to get the light out of his reach. He also has more places to walk around and I have added a better dripper for him too. Anyway, here's a few shots of the finished viv, although I am hoping to get a taller Schefflera to go at the back as soon as I find one.

The whole viv:

Top with section cut out and meshed over:

New basking area with different levels:

I like it =] The next step I would take is leaving the back panel like it is, the sides though I would cut out and put mesh. Like you cut out the hole in the top I would cut out the sides leave 3-4 inches away from the top sides and bottom. I am not saying it has to be done right away because it looks good its just a suggestion =]

draetish · Nov 25, 2009

Those rods look kinda of slick to me, not much grip. How about cutting down a limb from a tree with several different levels and securing it? My chams love it!

Goggles · Nov 25, 2009

draetish said:
Those rods look kinda of slick to me, not much grip. How about cutting down a limb from a tree with several different levels and securing it? My chams love it!

I use the dowels too and have had no problems with them being "slick", although the branches do look more natural.

laurie · Nov 25, 2009

Tiff, I can see what is missing --- where is Tommy?? Love his new home.

CleaTheChameleon · Nov 25, 2009

Tiff, looks good

Miss Lily · Nov 25, 2009

warpdrive said:
hi Tiff,

I realy like what you did sofar. that cage looks awsome.
my only thoughts are what are you using for UVB and how are you giving him such light?

Harry

Don't worry Harry, he has UV! He has an all in one light, similar to the mega ray bulbs. It's only 50W but his basking spot is lenty warm enough.

WelshOneEmma · Nov 25, 2009

renzo0684 said:
I like it =] The next step I would take is leaving the back panel like it is, the sides though I would cut out and put mesh. Like you cut out the hole in the top I would cut out the sides leave 3-4 inches away from the top sides and bottom. I am not saying it has to be done right away because it looks good its just a suggestion =]

Tiff is based in the UK, so this option would likely cause the viv to be too cold.

Miss Lily · Nov 25, 2009

WelshOneEmma said:
Tiff is based in the UK, so this option would likely cause the viv to be too cold.

Yes, that is why I was advised to cut only a section out of the top rather than replace the whole of the top - the heat would just rise straight out the top. Tommy was in a wire cage yesterday and I covered 3 sides with a sheet, and it was a struggle to keep him warm even with a 60W bulb.

jannb · Nov 25, 2009

It looks great Tiff! How's Tommy enjoying it?

Nosybe · Nov 25, 2009

I'm sure Tommy will like his viv much better now!

hallenhe · Nov 25, 2009

Where's his flat screen TV? Where's his Playstation? - I thought you loved your chameleons...

WelshOneEmma · Nov 25, 2009

hallenhe said:
Where's his flat screen TV? Where's his Playstation? - I thought you loved your chameleons...

Don't forget the beer fridge - it's a must in a swanky new pad. You have a point, Tiff how can you say you love them when they don't have these necessities?!

Miss Lily · Nov 25, 2009

hallenhe said:
Where's his flat screen TV? Where's his Playstation? - I thought you loved your chameleons...

WelshOneEmma said:
Don't forget the beer fridge - it's a must in a swanky new pad. You have a point, Tiff how can you say you love them when they don't have these necessities?!

Actually he can clearly see the telly and the computer screen from his viv!

moody232002 · Nov 25, 2009

i use a full mesh enclosure with no problems. i am also in the uk ..tiff knows what she is doing enclosure wise

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