Getting Ackies Need Advise and Suggestions - Page 2

Aanayab1 · 09-09-12, 01:33 PM

Thats great! I was thinking of doing that on mine but was not sure how effective it be. I suppose I will do the same as well. It obviously cant hurt to try.

Antonio

Aanayab1 · 09-09-12, 03:18 PM

This is now going to turn into "My Ackie Cage build" thread hahaha, let the building and pictures begin!

The tub below is a cattle water trough with the dimensions of 53"Lx37"Wx20"D.

It is actually 5" longer, 13" wider but 4"shallower than the original galvanized tub I had planned to use. I figured the extra width and length would in a way make up for if not be better than the additional 4" depth. Also will admit that it was 20$ cheaper than the galvanized so that played a big part in my decision as well.

It will be filled completely with substrate and probably have an additional 2" or so above the rim so it will be completely hidden. The pictures to come will show that in more detail.

snake man12 · 09-09-12, 03:30 PM

I wouldn't use galvanized metal as it is coated in zinc oxide. If burnt it could cause a condition called "Metal Fume Fever"

varanus_mad · 09-09-12, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snake man12

I wouldn't use galvanized metal as it is coated in zinc oxide. If burnt it could cause a condition called "Metal Fume Fever"

What temperatures does the material start to decompose?

snake man12 · 09-09-12, 03:45 PM

Not that it would ever get to this temp but it is around 1300 degrees kelvin. Now thst I think of it that post was pretty useless. I just tend to stay away from galvanized because I am into knife making and it is dangerous with zinc.

varanus_mad · 09-09-12, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snake man12

Not that it would ever get to this temp but it is around 1300 degrees kelvin. Now thst I think of it that post was pretty useless. I just tend to stay away from galvanized because I am into knife making and it is dangerous with zinc.

So in other words your house would be burning down for it to be a problem... LOl (well actually a couch fire or furniture fire would do it in the corner of the room)

I like it

Knife making eh wood/bone handles to?

Never could get the hang of it try as i might.

snake man12 · 09-09-12, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by varanus_mad

So in other words your house would be burning down for it to be a problem... LOl (well actually a couch fire or furniture fire would do it in the corner of the room)

I like it

Knife making eh wood/bone handles to?

Never could get the hang of it try as i might.

I am using stag handles as well as my own milled and routed ones. I should start a knife thread

infernalis · 09-09-12, 06:30 PM

I am sure glad my cage never gets over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, I used galvanized hardware to prevent rust.

if it starts getting over a thousand kelvin, I'll have to move my lizards.

Aanayab1 · 09-10-12, 07:47 PM

Ok so I got a late start this morning and did not get as much accomplished as I had hoped. Here is the start of the bottom half which will only be holding the tub of substrate. I am having to build the cage in two halves so I can fit it through the tiny doors (built in the fifties) of my current house.

Framing of the base.

Corner blocks to attach the vertical framing.

R-30 non-backed attic insulation installed.

Flooring the actual tub will sit on.

Beginning of vertical framing.

I will be getting up early tomorrow to finish up the build and hopefully begin the painting and sealing.

Pirarucu · 09-10-12, 08:01 PM

Question about the galvanized troughs: For the future I was thinking of using them as water areas in larger monitor cages, but I recently heard that they can leach zinc into the water. Does anyone know if they make similar tubs out of other materials that would not cause problems like this? Also, if they leach zinc into water, and you keep the soil moist.. Is it possible the soil could become filled with zinc over a long period of time? I've heard of a lot of keepers using them as the base for their monitor cages, but I'm starting to wonder if it's not such a good idea.

Gatorhunter1231 · 09-10-12, 08:25 PM

The plastic tub Antino is using would solve all your worries. These plastic tubs are just as large as most galvanized tubs.
BTW nice progress on the enclosure. Can't wait to see it finished. Remember to water proof things.

Pirarucu · 09-10-12, 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gatorhunter1231

The plastic tub Antino is using would solve all your worries. These plastic tubs are just as large as most galvanized tubs.
BTW nice progress on the enclosure. Can't wait to see it finished. Remember to water proof things.

There are some sizable ones out there, but I have yet to see a 10' circular one. My idea was to take two of the ten foot circulars and place them side by side, then build a box around them. Fill one with dirt and the other with water.
Nice progress on the cage, can't wait to see the end result.

Edit: Nevermind, I just found some. Polyethylene doesn't leach toxins, correct? Now there's the question of how much more are they? LOL

infernalis · 09-10-12, 08:45 PM

I always love it when a great cage comes together!

Aanayab1 · 09-10-12, 09:13 PM

I am gonna try the Drylok extreme. It has worked long term for me on houses and barns, both wood and concrete applications. All the damp substrate will be contained in the tub so all I need to worry about is RH and water spills... in theory... now worst case scenario, I am wrong and will get to build another soon

I love building things!! Oh but before I apply the drylok I will silicone all the seams as well.

Gatorhunter1231 · 09-11-12, 06:55 AM

I have never finished an adult cage. Im always tearing down or rebuilding. I like watching them explore new things.