wooden tank measurements?

[Dante]

hey guys what would be some good measurements for an adult bearded dragon? i want to build a wooden tank for him so i would love some measurements and tips on what to use

 

[rafa2k]

Crossfire type builds are very popular builds that are usually 4x2x2.

I am about to start building a stackable crossfire type for my 2 dragons. I'm making it 5x2x18" each. I'm only making them 18" tall so the UVB bulbs won't be so far away from the dragons

 

[Dante]

ok what type of materials would i need if u dont mind answering that, its my 1st time building one lol

 

[Taterbug]

Rafa, what heat source are you planning on using and how are you mounting it? I find the bulb hanging into the enclosure more limiting than anything in regards to getting close to the uv. We built according to the crossfire plans.

Dante, what look are you going for? Natural wood or more painted look?

 

[Dante]

I have a 100watt bulb atm and i might hang it inside the tank and id like a natural wood but i want to keep costs low

 

[rafa2k]

Rafa, what heat source are you planning on using and how are you mounting it? I find the bulb hanging into the enclosure more limiting than anything in regards to getting close to the uv. We built according to the crossfire plans.

I planned to use the same light fixture I used in my 4x2x2 build

and tinkering with either a regular clear household bulb or a 50W - 75W basking bulb. Whichever produces the best temperature for the basking area. For UVB I plan on using regular flat T5 fixtures for the 10.0 UVB T5 HO bulbs

 

[Dante]

Ok what size sheet of wood or etc would i need to make a tank for a adult bearded dragon, the pet store sells tanks for $200 id rather not spend that much

 

[Taterbug]

Plywood works well I think 1 4x8 sheet would make one cage. and whatever you choose should get a good sealing with water-proof sealer. Water based polyurethane has less fumes and it typically "safer" but not as durable as oil based polyurethane. Both are aafe once fully cured. There are some eco friendly low VOC products too but I've never tried them. t's very important to let the sealant cure completely. You'll want to plan for 2-4 weeks to let it sit to be certain the polyurethane is completely cured and any fumes have all off gassed.

Most people advise to avoid pine and cedar, the natural oils can be irritants to reptiles.

As far as the light, I use a similar fixture but it's longer because it's articulated. The bulb hanging into the living space limits how high up to the uv I can put furniture and the lizard. I wish I'd mounted it on the side or used a shorter socket. The lower profile socket is probably a better choice and less trouble. Plus you have the benefit of knowing what it's like in the other cage already.

 

[rafa2k]

I used 3/4" ply, pine. I bought 2 sheets of 8'x4' and used 1 1/2 I think. I know everyone says pine is the devil, but I sealed it with 5 coats of tightbond III and I also covered it with a 3D background. I put some linoleum tiles and sand for substrate. He's been living in it for over a year now and no issues.

 

[Dante]

What if i cut a hole in the top of the tank so instead of it inside the tank its above it?

 

[rafa2k]

I wish I'd mounted it on the side or used a shorter socket.

I was considering side mouting it as well but there are 2 issues I see with that.
1. The beardie gets burned from direct contact if he falls into it while climbing around the cage. Mine likes to be a spider and wall along the walls
2. When we look into the enclosure, we'll see this super bright light staring back at us lol

 

[rafa2k]

What if i cut a hole in the top of the tank so instead of it inside the tank its above it?

That's what I have now in my 40g breeder for my other little guy. It works fine but it doesn't look all that great from the outside. viewtopic.php?f=75&t=204344

My next build will be stackable so external mounting won't be an option

 

[Taterbug]

I'm pretty sure pine is perfectly safe when sealed properly but I'm loath to suggest it and face the wrath of popular opinion or potently be wrong. Plenty of keepers use it and personally I wouldn't have a problem using it and making sure it's well sealed.

We use the cage as a end table, it's really nice to have just a flat top.