Minority2
Well-Known Member
Right this is just a rough sketch. Uvb will need to be a little higher. So either along the top edge of the tank, shining down, or it could be secured to the lid.
It’s not so much a table, but a stand to set the stock tank into, yes it fits snugly inside, i got it from a picture on amazon where someone uses it as a bath for their dogs, but has it on the stand to help from bending over, will add picture. This isn’t an immediate requirement, but something I may look into.
Yes I hope to grow plants. But they don’t have to be inside the enclosure, and I’m not relying on them to. As many have mentioned I’d likely rotate them out, with tortoise food growing outside of the enclosure for regular feeding. Inside I plan to use the potted plant method to allow for some live plants to contribute towards shade.
The lamp won’t be hung from cord. It has the place for hooking and I’ll secure chain or zip tie.
I haven’t looked at prices for pvc, plastic, or wood, and they’ll vary slightly depending on if I do lid flush to top, or over the top.
Tank $60
Substrate $20~?
Pvc/plastic/adhesive $20-30~? (Guessing)
Lamp fixture, tube fixture, $28 (owned)
Chain/zip tie <$5
UVB tube and flood light bulb <$20
2 pack smart plug, wifi enabled, timers $19
Hide, shade, basking, plant, etc $20-30
Plywood(maybe later than sooner) $20-50 (I’ve never purchased wood but assume it won’t take a ton).
Minimally, I think it’ll cost about 190 without a stand. Maximally, if I got some expensive wooden materials, about $250.
I do aim to be frugal, and don’t have to build stand right now. My assumption is that it can be more cost effective than 190 total. I think substrate, interior decor, and the lid materials can be cheaper than I’ve estimated - simply haven’t shopped for them yet.
Pew just waking up, have a good day! Thanks!
The stand for the stock tank, while practical because it can be easily removed, may have exposed areas and cracks where the stock tank and table meet. This may create an issue with heat and humidity escaping if you are planning on building a frame that is going to sit on the wooden table.
Now if you're going to build a frame that sits on top of the stock tank, the issue with the table and stock tank no longer applies. This is what I would do. Build a frame with PVC pipes, cut half pipes as supporting legs that sit on the top of the stock tank. Line the cut half pipes with something like a foam water noodle so that it will sit on the stock tank without sliding.
Seal the stock tank with a clear plastic film. Tape the edge of the stock tank and support legs together with the rest of the frame. Place a zipper lock on one of the sides that will be frequently used. Make sure the spot is well positioned.
I think it's going to be over $200 with everything in place.