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Giant Monitor Vivarium

Kurohyo

Kurohyo

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Hello! I already have a large enclosure for my Black Tree Monitor, but I'm getting a frame for a new, even bigger one. Below is the picture of the cage, which of course will get a make over.

3_E83_M33_F95_F65_J75_S2caa536a644ea8eb1f52.jpg


The side panels will be easy enough to convert into enclosures etc, but the middle one is where the monitor will be. Believe it or not, the middle piece is about 5'x8'x30". Hoping to put live plants etc in there, so any ideas? I've tried the grout/styrofoam idea, wasn't thrilled by it. Thinking instead styrofoam/cement.

Going to section off a foot on the bottom part, and probably the same on the top. The bottom will hold dirt/water, the top will be for the lights and humidifier etc. Would love to put plenty of plants in it, but I have very little knowledge about plants other than I have 3 doing moderately well in his current enclosure that I got at Lowes for $5 total, and the other 3 specialty vivarium types that died within a week :rolleyes:. Any tips on plants would be more than welcom, I was really hoping to put some semi-large ones. I love the idea of a guava tree or something in there, but idk how that'd work. Says they need chilling, so perhaps a more tropical tree would be better.

Right now he has a 28 Liter or so tub for his water, and it houses some comet goldfish he likes to munch on. Hoping to incorporate this into the new enclosure as well, except perhaps using a larger area for it. I might get a larger tub and just incorporate it in or something, maybe even one of those pond things for backyards.

For doors probably going to find some shower doors or something and install tracks into it. The top will most likely have wire mesh for the lights to sit on, with a wooden frame for them. I like sliding stuff, so the door for the lights and humidity will probably slide too.

Any tips etc would be very much appreaciated, especially with plants and background stuff!:D
 
For the pond i would just got to lowes or home depot and get one of theirs and make sure you get a pump so you wont be cleaning all the time. You can even throw some plants in the water i.e. water liles which lowes and home depot sell. For tropical plants you can use bromeliads they have some nice colors.Chinese Evergreen is another good one.Ponytail Palms are really cool. check them out and just google and you will find alot of plants that can be uses. Remember plants need UVB-producing fluorescents to grow. Would love to see a final picture. good luck on your project
 
Here's a picture of his current enclosure. Too small if you ask me!

557625_4812096665343_682239906_n.jpg
 
Just to update, here are some of the things I'd like to incorporate :

  • Misting system will most likely be a Monsoon RS400 that will mist at a downward angle, perhaps some extensions if the cords prove to be too short.
  • Reverse osmosis system, might even hook it up to the Monsoon with a valve to control amount of water inside.
  • Zoo Med 511 external Canister Filter, hooked up to the small pond. This and the monsoon will be in a small ~1'x1' cubby in the bottom right under the waterfall.
  • Lighted with Zilla 30" combo fixture with fluorescent light, 3 halogen heat lights, and timer.
  • Small bowl holder with stainless steel bowl in the upper half of the cage for food (he's messy).
  • Hydro balls at very bottom for water retention, mixed vivarium substrate from NE herpatoculture, as well as a mix of springtails and isopods.
  • Foam background with either concrete or grout covering, as well as multiple "pouches" for plants.

Feel free to give advice or opinions on this.
 
good ideas you got here sounds like a great place. cant wait to see the final outcome of it all. good luck with hooking everything up.
 
Hoping to get it set up early next year since I need some time to get enough of the supplies together, but I'll keep y'all updated as I go along!
 
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