Build or buy a new enclosure?

[beardo721]

Good morning all,
So I have an almost 3-month-old citrus beardie in a 29 gallon tank right now. I know that I don't need to upgrade his living conditions until around the 1 year mark, but I want to get started early. I have the option of getting a great deal on a 50 gallon tank, but I was also intrigued by the idea of building my own enclosure. The only problem is I really don't know what kind of measurements I should have (basically mins/maxs), and what the best material for building is, while keeping cost in mind. Any suggestions? Thanks!

 

[Eljay]

the minimum requirements for an adult are 3ftx1.5ftx1.5ft ish. most owners use a 4x2x2. I have just had one built for me which is this size for my 6mth old, so it will be plenty big enough for him for a long long time. the guy who did it for me did it for cost + a little, and it cost me £150. this included the entire enclosure, glass doors, fake back wall and platform, light fittings and a thermostat. it is easier, obviously, to buy an enclosure. But, building one gives you more freedom to have it exactly how you would like, and you can build in the stuff you need (like light fittings). here is mine:

which is loosely based on the Crossfire design, which you can find here: http://www.freewebs.com/crossfireenclosures/

they have step by step instructions as to how to build your own.

 

[beardo721]

WOW that looks great! Thanks a lot for that link, it looks like a step-by-step is exactly what I would need to get started, as I am not the handiest person in the toolshed. One quick question too, I have a solarglow 125 watt basking lamp in my 30gal right now. Will I need additional lighting in this larger tank? And if so, what kind of light do I need to get?

 

[kimmie]

They grow fast - really fast! So I think I'd be looking to move your beardie into something larger as soon as you can. I got Angus when he was around 2 - 3 months old and we've had him 4 months and he's already 18" long. Not sure what the measurements of a 29gal are though. I used the crossfire design as well - it's really easy to build and relatively inexpensive as well. Plus you have the satisfaction of having built it the way you want.

 

[beardo721]

What kind of light or lights did you put in the crossfire enclosure?

 

[kimmie]

If you go to the site, you'll see what he uses, he shows that he got a regular fixture for a standard bulb and then a flourescent fixture for the UV bulb (you can get a ReptiSun 10.0 - the best and ONLY preferred UV right now from petmountain.com) and use a standard house bulb for basking. Lots of people got their flourescent fixtures from Walmart.