I'm purchasing six 1/2" 48x96" pvc panels and two 1/8" 24x48" either acrylic or glass panels to build two tanks. The idea is to have a minimum size of 60x30x30" (LxWxH). Aside from the above listed panels, budget is of no concern to me for other necessary materials such as venting, light fixtures, pvc glue, screws, etc etc etc. I already have bulbs and thermostat(s)/timers, etc.
From here I could use some help in decision making because I don't want to do this a third time.
The 48x96" pvc panels will support a tank size of up to 64x32x32". Aside from enlarging the shelf dimensions/weight capacity and ensuring this fits through doorways, are there any other cons to building this size or anything larger than 60x30x30" as opposed to only 60x30x30"? The current lizards that will take the two tanks are a 9" SVL 18" full length beardy and 10" SVL 19" full length beardy.
The current two plans were either 60x30x30 with a 47x18 front viewing using sliding acrylic doors on rails of some sort with 8" substrate barrier, 4" top lip, and 6.5" side lips on either side... OR 64x32x32 with the same 47x18 viewing, 10" substrate barrier, 4" top, 8.5" sides.
I think height will largely be decided by heat/uvb setup. Sufficient heat/uvb needs to reach the bottom of the tank without overdoing the basking spot. I already have some 34" reptisun T5HO UVB 10.0 39W tubes and exoterra 100W basking bulbs. What are the bulb -> basking & bulb -> floor recommendations to help decide on height? It would be easy to hang the UVB but I don't know how easy it would be to hang the basking bulb since these will be mounted to the ceiling rather than above the tank vs raising the basking spot higher, but this would cause the floor to be cooler compared to a lower light/basking spot.
I intend on having 6-8" of substrate. Are there any recommendations on how tall the substrate barrier, as in the lower front pvc panel, should be? My initial idea was 2" taller than substrate depth so 8-10" but im unsure if this is enough.
It was recommended to me that the basking spot be as close to center of uvb as possible, so am I deciding where uvb goes then move basking spot or vice versa? I'm concerned if the basking is too far to one side that the opposite side of the tank may need a second heat bulb, which I'd like to avoid *if possible*. If not possible, c'est la vie. Placement ideas appreciated.
What would the ideal venting setup be for the tank? My intention is to have a closed top and vented sides, front doors, though im not sure how to best handle this in such a large setup. My tank for Dezzy simply had long rectangle vents on either side of the tank, and Percy's current tank is a mesh top aquarium so that is his "venting".
I'm not keen on custom made decor this time around as did last time, but any specific purchase recommendations would be greatly appreciated as I am bad at choosing things.
I'll likely add further questions during discussion. If anything I stated doesn't make sense, please ask for clarification as necessary.
From here I could use some help in decision making because I don't want to do this a third time.
The 48x96" pvc panels will support a tank size of up to 64x32x32". Aside from enlarging the shelf dimensions/weight capacity and ensuring this fits through doorways, are there any other cons to building this size or anything larger than 60x30x30" as opposed to only 60x30x30"? The current lizards that will take the two tanks are a 9" SVL 18" full length beardy and 10" SVL 19" full length beardy.
The current two plans were either 60x30x30 with a 47x18 front viewing using sliding acrylic doors on rails of some sort with 8" substrate barrier, 4" top lip, and 6.5" side lips on either side... OR 64x32x32 with the same 47x18 viewing, 10" substrate barrier, 4" top, 8.5" sides.
I think height will largely be decided by heat/uvb setup. Sufficient heat/uvb needs to reach the bottom of the tank without overdoing the basking spot. I already have some 34" reptisun T5HO UVB 10.0 39W tubes and exoterra 100W basking bulbs. What are the bulb -> basking & bulb -> floor recommendations to help decide on height? It would be easy to hang the UVB but I don't know how easy it would be to hang the basking bulb since these will be mounted to the ceiling rather than above the tank vs raising the basking spot higher, but this would cause the floor to be cooler compared to a lower light/basking spot.
I intend on having 6-8" of substrate. Are there any recommendations on how tall the substrate barrier, as in the lower front pvc panel, should be? My initial idea was 2" taller than substrate depth so 8-10" but im unsure if this is enough.
It was recommended to me that the basking spot be as close to center of uvb as possible, so am I deciding where uvb goes then move basking spot or vice versa? I'm concerned if the basking is too far to one side that the opposite side of the tank may need a second heat bulb, which I'd like to avoid *if possible*. If not possible, c'est la vie. Placement ideas appreciated.
What would the ideal venting setup be for the tank? My intention is to have a closed top and vented sides, front doors, though im not sure how to best handle this in such a large setup. My tank for Dezzy simply had long rectangle vents on either side of the tank, and Percy's current tank is a mesh top aquarium so that is his "venting".
I'm not keen on custom made decor this time around as did last time, but any specific purchase recommendations would be greatly appreciated as I am bad at choosing things.
I'll likely add further questions during discussion. If anything I stated doesn't make sense, please ask for clarification as necessary.