The Creation of Dewey's Crossfire Viv!

[DeweysMom]

Dewey's current enclosure is a typical 40 gallon breeder which I don't feel is large enough for him anymore. I decided some time ago to build him a new crossfire to give him more room. I hope he enjoys it when all's said and done!

I originally intended on building it with my father, but once my two uncles saw what was happening they wanted to pitch it to. So, it kind of became my father's project along with his brothers. It's taking a bit longer than I hoped, but we're getting there.

Here are some photos of our progress and I'll post some more as we move along.

First of all, here's Dewey's current viv. Nothing fancy, but he seems content - and to me cramped!

Now to the crossfire progress...

Standing securely with the holes for wall vents cut out.

Front view.

We had to get the correct sized hole cutter to put the 3" circle vents in the back so this step was delayed a little bit.

Trying to decide how I want to paint the interior. Plain white just wasn't going to cut it for me! I practiced on the outside of the back of the viv so I could see how the paint would stick and what it would look like. There were my options.

Option #1 - Solid Burnt Umber

Option #2 - Solid Country Tan

Option #3 - Burnt Umber sponged over Country Tan

Option #4 - Country Tan sponged over Burnt Umber

I decided to go with Burnt Umber sponged over Country Tan. Last night I put the first coat on and then this morning I put the 2nd coat on.

First Coat

Second Coat - I'm not worried about the edges since I'll be using tile on the floor and the lighting will be blocking the upper edge. Once I get his "furniture" in, I think it should look good.

The next step, (which I hoped to start today but won't be due to the Superbowl) is to attempt making some rock caves. The crossfire is taller than the 40 gallon breeder so I needed a way to raise his basking platform to get within the range of the Reptisun. As soon as I make progress there I'll share pics here too. I'm super excited to be doing this for my boy. I can't wait to move him in!

 

[DeweysMom]

So I have his first piece of "furniture" pretty much done, unless I decide to make changes to it tomorrow. I spent a good 4 hours on this thing! It's a lot more difficult than I thought it would be to make something that's functional and that looks good!

Here are some photos of my work (don't mind the toothpicks - they're temporary obviously). I'd love to hear your thoughts. My only concern is that he won't be able to get to the top level without stairs, but there's only a 4" gap in between so I think he should be able to. This will be on the cool side and behind the stairs is open so he can go straight through. The reason I made this the way I did is because he LOVES to climb on the tv stand his current viv is on so he can snuggle in to the space where the DVD player would go. If there's enough room I'll putting a fleece blanket in there to stay.

 

[DeweysMom]

Well, I'm not sure if anyone's really watching this thread, but I figured I'd keep updating it anyway.

After looking at the piece I put together yesterday I'm not really liking it that much so I'm probably going to tear it apart and try something else.

I did make a 2nd attempt which will be used as the basking platform. I like this one better than the first which I probably won't be keeping. I'm having a heck of a time doing this. I'm using 1/2" polystyrene so I'm having to put layer after layer on to try to get it within the proper height. It's been challenging that's for sure!

Any thoughts???

 

[Sherri]

Looking great!
I have not been here long....(our beardie is arrive this morning! ) but even still I can tell your right LOL He really needs a larger viv!

They are a project (my husband built our this weekend) but sooo worth it in the end

Will be watching for the finished project! I love the styrofoam spot so far. That is my project for this weekend......making a few things with styrofoam.

Good job!
Sherri

 

[remi1]

It's looking really good Mandy!! And, I really like the second basking spot better.

Some things to keep in mind as you build your styrofoam furniture (AKA things I learned building my styrofoam furniture):
-- as you add on layers of grout, detail disappears so exaggerate anything you want to be prominent in the end
-- liquid nails is not only your friend, but is your best friend that also happens to be your twin sister
-- however, said liquid nails doesn't come out of clothes very well
-- don't be afraid to hold Dewey up to the sculpture and see if he is too big for the steps. Or platform, or hide or whatever. I made my hides a little on the bigger side so I can stuff it with pieces of fleece.
-- don't worry about fitting everything too tightly together, i.e., don't worry about cutting the pieces to match perfectly. That's what I did for my first viv and it took forever. Fill in any small-ish gaps with liquid nails, larger gaps with leftover pieces and liquid nails. Once you grout over it you can't tell.
-- save the scrap pieces, you always seem to have a need for them at a later time.

That's all I can think of at the moment, but keep up with the good work and keep us updated with your progress!

 

[Rutabaga]

This looks great! I'm loving watching the progress! I can't wait until we start building mine. I was hoping to have it done by now but money is tight so another month or so.

 

[TASTIGER]

thats really looking great keep up the good work :wink:

 

[DeweysMom]

Thanks guys!

I just broke both structures down to start all over again. The first one I made I wasn't to fond of. The 2nd one I really liked, but it wasn't tall enough so I'm going to try doubling up on layers to try to get it up there so he can be closer to his UVB light. I'm having fun with, but the time does fly! Last night - or should I say this morning - I was shocked when I saw the time. I'm hoping I can whip something together tonight that'll be permanent.

 

[Jess]

Looks awesome!!
Here are my foam sculpture tips, also learned from experience LOL:
~Make sure your sculptures actually still fit in your viv after they are grouted... They get bigger!
~ Fill up any small holes you see... Even if your beardie can't get to them, superworms will crawl into them and die.
~ Make sure the grout is thick enough, and put LOTS of layers on. If you don't do enough or your grout is too watery, it cracks really easily!

 

[DeweysMom]

Thanks for the pointers everyone. I don't have to worry about it not fitting in the cage after grouting because I'm not making a full length cave for that very reason! I would've been VERY upset to put in all that work only to have it be for nothing because it ended up being to big.

Well, after putting in 3 more hours tonight I think I finally made the ONE! It's got multiple nice inclines so Dewey could pick where he wants to bask. The front has an opening as does the right hand side towards the back so he can go into the hide from two openings. I'll be stuffing some fleece in there for him.

Here are some pics. I couldn't get stairs or a ramp to look right so I said the heck with it and put his wood pieces in to see how it looked. I kind of liked it!

Tomorrow it looks like I'll be starting the glueing process. Bet that'll be heaps of fun! :roll:

 

[Sherri]

Hi!
I really like the colors! Great job on the viv...Happy dragon dancing soon to come LOL

Oh, I am watching your thread btw :lol: I love the new platform, I think I like it better than the last one...nice big spot on the top

Keep updating!
Sherri

 

[DeweysMom]

Thanks Sherri!! I think the new basking platform looks a bit chaotic at the moment, but I think once it's finished and painted it'll look really good. I can't wait to see the finished result and to move Dewey in of course!

 

[DeweysMom]

Well, today when I went home for lunch I carefully (to avoid the toothpicks) put Dewey on his new platform for a size comparison. I think it'll do quite nicely!

 

[PeppersGirl]

Can't wait to see this finished! The platform did look small until the lizard was added :lol:

Dewey is quite the looker!! Spoilt rotten I'm guessing??

 

[beardiebro]

It's looking great. I really want to build an enclosure this summer so I am trying to learn everything. The only thing I am not sure on is lighting and sealing the walls.