What do you use for substrate and basking in your 4x2x2s??

[Jess]

Hi everyone

I just bought a 4x2x2 viv for Dudley this weekend, and I'm not sure what I should put in it. I'm still in the process of putting new lights on it (It was used and it had been in storage for a few years, so it needs a little TLC!) so I'm not at the decorating point yet, but I need some ideas soon!

I'm not sure what to do for substrate! I couldn't find any shelf liner that was wide enough (I still have one more place to check that might have some though) and the inside of it has these 2 little ledges by the opening that ruin the square-ness of it, so tile would be difficult to cut. Has anyone used non-adhesive linoleum flooring before? I know the adhesive kind is bad, but my mom said we have some scraps of the kind that you would need to add the adhesive too because it doesn't have any. My only other idea is to get a yoga mat or exercise equipment mat, since that works so well in my rabbit cage.

And I'm not sure what to do for a basking spot. I did get 2 big pieces of driftwood with my viv, but I usually like to use something flat so Dud can lay on it with plenty of room. I wanted to get some of those flat landscaping ricks, but I can't seem find any at any stores. I don't have the time to make a new DIY rock either right now. What do you guys use to get your beardies close enough to the UVB light?? If all else fails, I'll glue a slate or ceramic tile to an upside down flowerpot LOL.

And any ideas for a background?? It's so plain and white right now.

Oh, and here is my new viv in progress!

 

[Trogdorpheus]

You can definitely get shelf liner that's wide enough. In mine though, I have shelf liner that is half covered by slate tile. For a basking area, I have another 1'x1' tile propped up on some bricks that are wrapped in more shelf liner (to cover sharp corners), and this leaves a nice little "cave" under the tile too.

 

[Gragrac]

I have as many tiles as will fit, and for the back where they didn't quite fit I have paper towels down. It works really well because he's practically paper-trained and only goes in that corner. For his basking spot I use some tiles stacked for height. I don't need a very high basking spot, though, because his bulb gives off so much heat.

 

[Jess]

Thanks!

I PMed Barabara, and she said that non-adhesive linoleom works well, so that's what I'm using. I have some laying around anyways.

@Trogdorpheus: That's what I'm going to do for my basking spot! I'm glad to see that it worked for someone else. Are your bricks glues on in any way, or is the tile just set on top of it?

 

[Trogdorpheus]

just set on top

 

[Slave2Scarlett]

If u go to lowes and go out in the garden section where they have those landscaping stones and rocks u can usually find pieces of one thats broken... Just take it to the front and play dumb and they will let u buy the pieces lol.. Thats what I did..

 

[Jess]

Haha, I've done that before. They just had these massive stone slabs when I went there though, not the thin flat stackable types of rocks. :|