Designing new enclosure

[pumpkinman]

Ok. So after recieving great advise from the forum members I have decide I will still get 2 dragons However I will build a separate enclosure for each. I am a hobbiest woodworder and have a fully equipped shop so the building part will be a breeze.
I am going to make one 92" x 24 x 24 cabinet with a divider at the center point. So each dragon will get 45" x 24 x 24. Both will have sliding glass doors. I have porcelin tile with a stone look that I will use for the floor and not sure about the walls yet.
I will use a 36" repti sun 10 bulb on each side. Not sure about the distance to the floor on that. Also what type and wattage of spot light and ceramic heat bulb and how far from the floor should they be?
Also. At looking at others terrariums I notice some have top ventilation and some have vents in the back and side walls. What is better and is there a formula to figure out how many square inches of venting?

Cheers

 

[Beardednoob]

I am not sure there is a formula to figure out ventilation, what I do know is there should be plenty of it though. This is why some people vent on the top, as it would (in a way) mimic a screen top.
As for the lighting this as always is a trial and error issue, as well are not there to figure out all the variables. The enclosure size though being larger then my 40 breeder, you might think to start with a 80 watt household bulb, clear or bright white. Not sure of the wattage of CHE you would need to compensate for heat but, there is always a thermostat (temperature controller) like;
http://www.zoomed.com/db/products/EntryDetail.php?EntryID=125&DatabaseID=2&SearchID=1&SearchContext=YTo1OntzOjQ6IlBhZ2UiO3M6MToiMCI7czo4OiJTZWFyY2hJRCI7czoxOiIxIjtzOjEwOiJEYXRhYmFzZUlEIjtzOjE6IjIiO3M6NzoiSGVhZGluZyI7czo5OiJUZXJyYXJpdW0iO3M6MTU6IlByb2R1Y3RDYXRlZ29yeSI7czo3OiJIZWF0aW5nIjt9
Or
http://www.amazon.com/Zilla-CL-500W-TEMPERATURE-CONTROLLER/dp/B0018CLYNG

 

[beardcore]

the heat wattage will depend directly on the ventilation. id make sure you focus on top ventaltion and maybe back can you post pics of the cabinet? sounds fun

 

[pumpkinman]

Thanks for the info guys.

Ok so I spent a little time on the enclosure.. The back and bottom are spruce ply and the sides are balitc birch. The center divider which is made of pvc lumber has a groove in it to accept a door. I wanted it this way so that I can pull the door out should I want to make the enclosure one big one rather than 2. Do you guys think I can use glass as the door or are the animals better off not being able to see each other?
The front will have a hard maple face frame and sliding glass doors on both sides.
I have decided the back and sides will be covered with FRP panels. It is used in washrooms and commercial kitchens and is very sanitary. It in not as ornate as some rock backrounds but much easier to keep clean and the white colour will brighten the enclosures. I will dress the viv up with some nice plants, rocks and wood.
Ok so back to the lighting..... Each side will have a 36" reptisun mounted on the back wall. Where should I put the basking bulb and ceramic heat bulb? Keeping in mind both sides will be a mirror image of each other.

Cheers

 

[Beardednoob]

Dont use a glass divider, best if the dragons do not see each other.
The light can get mounted on the side panels near the top, pointing in a direction to encourage the dragon to bask directly (6-8 inches) under the UV source. One thing are you considering how to switch the lights on?

 

[pumpkinman]

The lights and ceramic heat emitters will be on dimmers and timers. The dimmers is ideal because I can use a higher watt bulb and dial it down till the proper temps are reached.

 

[Beardednoob]

Good idea on the panels by the way, how are you mounting them to the sides?

 

[pumpkinman]

Good idea on the panels by the way, how are you mounting them to the sides?

Construction adhesive. Or no more nails.

 

[Beardednoob]

I want to make my own enclosure but, I don't have the necessary tools or equipment to do so.

 

[pumpkinman]

Made good progress today.

Completed the box part of the unit and put 4 coats of wb varathane. Cut to fit the FRP panels for the back and sides. This is a good product. Has a textured surface that you cant see in the pic. will be super easy to clean.
Next up, order glass and start electrical and tile.

 

[Beardednoob]

Man you got everything in you.. shop? LOL can I come over and use your tools? (JK) :wink:
Looking good

 

[pumpkinman]

Another pic on base.

 

[Mavellie]

That's coming along nicely!

 

[pumpkinman]

Ok here are some pics from a real camera not a phone
Made more progress today. Cut and laid tiles and grouted. Very small grout lines 1/16".
Did some electrical. Got fixtures in for basking light (75w par 30 flood) and for CHE. The basking lights are on dimmers and I tested on basking rock from 125F being the hottest the light will produce and can easily dial down to 110-115F or cooler. The advantage of using a dimmer besides the fine tuning ability is that bulbs will last way longer if you use a higher wattage then needed and dial down to 70 or 80%.
I will order 3/16" glass tomorrow for the sliding doors and still looking into thermostats for the CHE's. Likely go with a Herpstat.... Just haven't decided on a model. Likely the Herpstat II.
BTW, I love the FRP panels. So easy to clean.

 

[heavensheros]

that looks AMAZING !!!! quick question since i saw you did it, should i seal my tiles into the cage? right now i just have them sitting in mine with news paper under it so i can take out the messy tiles only and clean, is it hard to clean the grout in between the tiles ? or what should i use to seal the tiles ?