Nero's new Digs

[SeanFred]

I installed aluminum sliding panel track for 1/4" paneling, 1/4" thick tempered glass just pops right in and slides back and forth. I have 2 stick on handles that came from the glass company. Works beautifully.

 

[SeanFred]

Well, I decided to use slate tile and create a dig area for him, that way he can still dig, but will not be living in sand. I think it will work out very well. In the mean time, he is on the sealed grout floor.

 

[vesperwillow]

Can't wait for more pics

 

[SeanFred]

here is the latest:

I used 6' aluminum 1/4" panel track sold at the local hardware store.

I cut the top and bottom tracks to length and installed a trimmed out Pine board and a finishing overlap.

I decided to recycle the fake plant from his baby tank (Which is now his feeding tank)

I used some snips to cut the branches off the base, they are wire framed.

I took a piece of Ipe (Brazilian hardwood) and sanded it smooth, scrubbed it then sterilized it with boiling water.

I wire stapled all of the branches to the bottom of the Ipe to dress up the center support. I think I might go to hobby lobby and buy some vine to wrap around also unless Nero will let a real one grow.

Then I popped it back into place, it is held by friction.

 

[SeanFred]

Now for the Grand Tour:

Atmospheric Conditions are monitored by Xicar digital Hygrometers. The hot side of Neroland is 95F/35%

While the cool side is 79F/50% (humidity high because it's sitting right next to wet greens).

We have our basking spot heated to 110 in the light, 100 outside the direct glow with a Jade plant in the corner.

At the base of the ramp we have a Sansevieria.

And a succulent bean cactus up front

This is the ramp, shady spot under the ramp and the cave entrance. Over top of the cave is a high perch area.

Not a bad view looking out from inside the cave.

A close up of the cool side where we keep some water to sip and his worm bowl when there are worms in it.

Inside his cave, he has his blanket he likes to curl up on, and during the day, we keep his fresh veggies in there on a plate so they stay fresh longer and he can graze on them all day long. I pull the veggies about an hour before lights out.

Here is a closer look at the high perch area.

This is the finished Product and next to the viv is his old tank that is now set up for feeding

 

[SeanFred]

Now let's see what Nero thinks of his new digs

 

[vesperwillow]

Really outstanding work and sincere thought put into every aspect.. I'm really digging it myself.

Nero seems to approve, I love his pattern and color!

 

[SeanFred]

Thank you.

Well, I found the ballast I need. I learned that when the glass does not reach temperature it does not react with the gas in the tube to produce the UV light. I found a WH33 Ballast, learn more here viewtopic.php?f=34&t=173587&start=15#p1399491 that will work. I am away this weekend so it will have to be Monday after work.

Now that I know more, I can do better

 

[Kera]

I am VERY impressed!!! I love how your lil one was all over it!!! Nero must be such a happy lil one now!!! I would have to say AAAA+++++++ for the entire thing and a huge thanx for sharing the pics of each step with us!!

 

[SeanFred]

Thank you

 

[mudskipper]

Wow, it looks amazing! I wish I were handy.

I am shopping for a cage and have a question about the placement of your bulbs. Is there a reason why the heating bulbs are not on the same side as the platform? It looks like the platform gets the most UVB.

 

[SeanFred]

The platform would put him too close to the heating bulbs, as it is I have a 120F hot spot on his basking platform with the 75w basking bulb that I am using. I need to add a dimmer and another light socket for better heat distribution and eliminate the hot spot. I made the platform for him to climb on and allow him to get closer to the UV if he wants. The way I designed it was based on research, not experience, there are a couple things I will do differently when I build his next viv.

 

[mudskipper]

The platform would put him too close to the heating bulbs, as it is I have a 120F hot spot on his basking platform with the 75w basking bulb that I am using. I need to add a dimmer and another light socket for better heat distribution and eliminate the hot spot. I made the platform for him to climb on and allow him to get closer to the UV if he wants. The way I designed it was based on research, not experience, there are a couple things I will do differently when I build his next viv.

What would you change?

 

[SpitFyre]

It looks wonderful! Have you put some pics in the "Viv Pics" thread yet?

 

[SeanFred]

Yes, but I can't remember what page, there are lots of great viv's in there I read that thread daily