Hello everyone, as the title states I'm looking to build two tanks that would stack.
I first wanted to say that this forum is amazing and full of SO much detail, and information. I am so pleased that it is available for me to learn from.
My girlfriend and I own three leopard geckos, and are the proud parents of a beautiful 6" leatherback Bearded Dragon. (names are: geckos: Chewy, Leia, Darth Vader. BD: Spock) (If I get answers Pictures will be posted! haha). As of right now the geckos (all female) live together in a 20 long, and the poor dragon is in a 10 gallon until his cage gets build.
**Note: since I have so many questions, my questions will be in italics**
I would like them to be 4'x2'x2'.
I really like using tile, because it is SUPER easy to clean, so I would prefer for that to be my substrate.
However I have a few questions about dimensions, the tiles are sold in 12x12, 6x6 and 4x4, but making the bottom 24"x48', from plywood is impossible (as far as I know). I figure that if using 3/4" plywood the back would need to be 50 1/4", which is terrible hard to do without wasting too much wood. So, I was thinking that i could knock off 6" from the length (48"-42") and use 4 6x6 tiles, and 6 12x12 tiles (instead of 8 12x12). Would this be enough room for a full grown male bearded dragon? Some height would be lost due to lighting.
I was informed on another forum that I should be using melamine, however I don't really understand why... its expensive and heavy.
I also have some questions about wood and stainer/sealant. What size plywood should I get, 1/2" or 3/4"? What stain and sealant should I get? **NOTE: The gecko's are going to be using an Under the Tank Heater sandwiched between the wood and the tile, I plan on using flewatt heat tape and aluminum tape.**
Also It would be extremely convenient if I could store roach, cricket, and mealworm bins under the two tanks. Probably would mean building another 4x2x2 cage with solid doors instead of plexiglass.
Speaking of plexiglass, whats the easiest method to attach doors onto these tanks?
these are all the questions I can think of right now, but I'm sure there will be some later on.
Thanks to all who reply,
blsmit
I first wanted to say that this forum is amazing and full of SO much detail, and information. I am so pleased that it is available for me to learn from.
My girlfriend and I own three leopard geckos, and are the proud parents of a beautiful 6" leatherback Bearded Dragon. (names are: geckos: Chewy, Leia, Darth Vader. BD: Spock) (If I get answers Pictures will be posted! haha). As of right now the geckos (all female) live together in a 20 long, and the poor dragon is in a 10 gallon until his cage gets build.
**Note: since I have so many questions, my questions will be in italics**
I would like them to be 4'x2'x2'.
I really like using tile, because it is SUPER easy to clean, so I would prefer for that to be my substrate.
However I have a few questions about dimensions, the tiles are sold in 12x12, 6x6 and 4x4, but making the bottom 24"x48', from plywood is impossible (as far as I know). I figure that if using 3/4" plywood the back would need to be 50 1/4", which is terrible hard to do without wasting too much wood. So, I was thinking that i could knock off 6" from the length (48"-42") and use 4 6x6 tiles, and 6 12x12 tiles (instead of 8 12x12). Would this be enough room for a full grown male bearded dragon? Some height would be lost due to lighting.
I was informed on another forum that I should be using melamine, however I don't really understand why... its expensive and heavy.
I also have some questions about wood and stainer/sealant. What size plywood should I get, 1/2" or 3/4"? What stain and sealant should I get? **NOTE: The gecko's are going to be using an Under the Tank Heater sandwiched between the wood and the tile, I plan on using flewatt heat tape and aluminum tape.**
Also It would be extremely convenient if I could store roach, cricket, and mealworm bins under the two tanks. Probably would mean building another 4x2x2 cage with solid doors instead of plexiglass.
Speaking of plexiglass, whats the easiest method to attach doors onto these tanks?
these are all the questions I can think of right now, but I'm sure there will be some later on.
Thanks to all who reply,
blsmit