A short video showing my first involved habitat intended to house uromastyx lizards. Also check out my updated video (shot September 2011) showing the finished setup.
Hi. I used an unsanded gray grout and mixed grout coloring in to shade it. Keep in mind that the grout will lighten as it dries after application on the 'rockwork'. 2' x 2' x 6' is a great size. These lizards can be very active and the large enclosures allow them to exercise and even run from end to end. With more space, you can observe them acting more naturally. Good luck.
@Yoshi5111sReptiles - Thanks- it has been in use for several months now. Reptilite substrate, and two basking sites- one featuring a MegaRay UV bulb. The two Malis and two Moroccans (all juveniles) seem to like their habitat.
@Deano75ful - I used aluminum J-molding for the tracks, but don't need to open the glass doors since the top is mostly open and allows easy access to the inside for feeding, cleaning and handling. I believe I used unsanded grout, available at home/hardware stores. The colors (liquid mosaic colorants) are available at art supply/craft stores and I used Mod Podge as the sealer.
Although it may appear fairly big, I would not keep more than a trio of uromastyx or beardies in an enclosure this size. These lizards can be active and they need space.
Update: The MegaRay is a great bulb, but did not last very long; I am currently using a 160 watt Solar Glo, in addition to the dual T5 fluorescent tubes and 150 watt basking bulb.
the only thing is if you try to keep the nest box damp under the basking site it could create lots of unwanted humidity but apart from that mega awesome viv
Thanks for all the comments; I owe everyone an update video. I would like to capture a clip of the uros but they tend to be skittish and often retreat at the sight of myself or other movement. I may video the enclosure regardless to show how it is set up currently. -Andy
@Deano75ful - I got the grey colored grout and added a combination of earth tone colors until I was happy with the result. Of course, when applying the wet grout, figure that it will lighten up in shade when fully dry.
Thanks for the comment! You are absolutely right, and uromastyx have sharp claws & strong limbs. I coated the Styrofoam with multiple layers of grout, so they can scratch away and - if anything, may file their claws down. A few spots may have a thinner grout coating, or where the grout cracked from the high heat, but touch-up applications can be easily made. As far as the wood goes, it is coated with layers of polyurethane. Most of the excrement/urine absorbs into the sand substrate.
Thanks for the comments. It was a task- building, cutting, carving, gluing & grouting, but well worth the effort. I'm happy with the result, and hopefully the uros are, too. When they become more active, I'll have to get an updated video of the completed habitat.
@SuperJacko11 - Thanks for the comment. I need to put together a good video showing the uros at play. They tend to like to hide out, though so there aren't many filming opportunities.
Thanks for commenting, much appreciated. This was a first effort and I am pleased with the result. Should I take on another project, applying my lessons learned, I will definitely try to film/photo-document.
@butterfingerbo - there is very little wood actually exposed within the enclosure. It is fully covered with the rocky covering which is coated with layers of colored grout. Beneath the sand substrate, there is plywood - which has been sanded smooth and coated with polyurethane, which was given plenty of time to cure and air out.
Awesome looks amazing bro! What kind of foam is it like the stuff you can get at craft stores in th balls and blocks or like the great stuff foam insulation? hope you dont mind all the question but hey when i see something nice like that i like to know about it i and a carpenter/builder and i love to design all my own enclosure for my collection. Again nice work!
@21trial21 - Thanks for the comment. In their natural desert habitats, they live in networks of burrows and tunnels. There is slight humidity within these burrows. Rarely do I spray or mist the soil within the 'nest' box and these guys do spend a lot of time in the box. Very slight humidity does serve as an aid when they shed.
Thanks - grout is a mixture of powdered cement (with or without sand) that is mixed with water and applied between ceramic tiles or, in the case of this project, brushed onto the rocklike structure in multiple layers and allowed to dry.
Much appreciated - I used the large foam sheets available at local DIY/builder's stores. To attach it, I used Liquid Nails. Make sure to use the foam-safe product. Otherwise, the adhesive will dissolve the foam.
Okay. The internal reinforcement framework is more like 2x2. I actually rip-sawed 2x4's to create the reinforcement members. These run along the inner left and right-side ends, both vertically and horizontally. They are concealed by the sheets and layers of grout-coated foam. I also ran a few 1x2's across the top (front to back) to support the thin frame and also provide support for the fluorescent lighting strips.
@ImBoone - The glass doors were intended to be opening/sliding. I used aluminum J-molding for the track for the glass doors. I don't open them - the uros tend to get sand into the tracks anyway. There are tracks specifically designed for the purpose and also wheels/rollers to allow the doors to slide smoothly.
looks awesome man, but i was wondering, most lizards have sharp claws and could shred the foam then possibly injest it while eating how do you stop this from happening? and how do you keep the bare plywood from getting saturated in urine?
@Deano75ful - Depends what supplies you mean - lumber, glass, grout, hardware at a home builder's/DIY store; grout coloring and sealer at a crafts or art supply store; and reptile substrate, decor, lighting, at a pet supply store...
@21trial21 - I don't think you need a nest box in your viv, but make sure you have hiding spaces. Depending on what you keep, a moist nest box could be beneficial.
Ahhhh! The foam rockwork was adhered to inner back and end walls of the enclosure using Liquid Nails - Paneling, for wood and foam molding. I used the caulking gun method. Very important - be sure that the adhesive is foam safe! Otherwise it can dissolve the foam!
@edjorthebeast - The clean-up is simple - remove dried/uneaten plant matter; sift the sand substrate; spot-clean the droppings. Really no big deal and worth the minimal effort.
How did you "color" the rocks???....Covered everything in grout!??!?....please respong i actually have an enclosure me and my dad built, 2'x2'x6' ...lol almost the same thing but ours is a little more heavy duty...Please Respond!!
The color added to the grout comes in browns and reds, and other colors. Ummm - not sure why you are asking about fish....?? This is a reptile habitat.
Yes, very much so, there's been absolutely no issue with the foam under the heat lamps, definitely layer up the grout though, and be wary of the positioning of the heat lamps.
+Pikesburgh Alternate Channel - I like to use fluorescent fixtures by Current. They are low profile an accommodate two or more tubes. Some come with cooling fans. The one I am currently using holds two HO T5 bulbs. So I keep a 10,000K bulb (for daylight brightness) and also a reptile-specific bulb for UVA/UVB levels. I also have a 150 watt standard basking bulb.
Really unbelievable you'd even bother to make a comment like this. Try recording a video, first try, without a script while trying to provide an informative narration. Who the F cares. Are you a speech coach? Now please e-mail me directly if you wish to discuss my approach to producing a useful video to keepers of reptiles, and let's not hijack the comments, 'kay? Thank you.
I think they live well in their habitat. You can design whatever type of habitat you can imagine.
DUDE!!!!!!...Good job....that terrarium is awesome!
@appleblossom1396 - Thanks for the comment! Let yourself be inspired - you can create the perfect habitat with imagination and effort.
Great setup! Good to see someone spending the time and money on the enclosure before buying the animals - far too often it's the other way around.
Hi. I used an unsanded gray grout and mixed grout coloring in to shade it. Keep in mind that the grout will lighten as it dries after application on the 'rockwork'. 2' x 2' x 6' is a great size. These lizards can be very active and the large enclosures allow them to exercise and even run from end to end. With more space, you can observe them acting more naturally. Good luck.
Don't know if I will be constructing another similar enclosure any time soon, but there are some very good DIY videos out there to check out.
@Yoshi5111sReptiles - Thanks- it has been in use for several months now. Reptilite substrate, and two basking sites- one featuring a MegaRay UV bulb. The two Malis and two Moroccans (all juveniles) seem to like their habitat.
that hide box/nesting box addition was genius
Thanks, Alexis, guess I had a good idea at the right time. It's certainly in use by the uros regularly as their hideout.
@Deano75ful - I used aluminum J-molding for the tracks, but don't need to open the glass doors since the top is mostly open and allows easy access to the inside for feeding, cleaning and handling. I believe I used unsanded grout, available at home/hardware stores. The colors (liquid mosaic colorants) are available at art supply/craft stores and I used Mod Podge as the sealer.
Although it may appear fairly big, I would not keep more than a trio of uromastyx or beardies in an enclosure this size. These lizards can be active and they need space.
Update: The MegaRay is a great bulb, but did not last very long; I am currently using a 160 watt Solar Glo, in addition to the dual T5 fluorescent tubes and 150 watt basking bulb.
the only thing is if you try to keep the nest box damp under the basking site it could create lots of unwanted humidity but apart from that mega awesome viv
Thanks for all the comments; I owe everyone an update video. I would like to capture a clip of the uros but they tend to be skittish and often retreat at the sight of myself or other movement. I may video the enclosure regardless to show how it is set up currently. -Andy
@Deano75ful - I got the grey colored grout and added a combination of earth tone colors until I was happy with the result. Of course, when applying the wet grout, figure that it will lighten up in shade when fully dry.
@SmogHouseTradingCo - No, no varnish. I used a grout mix with color blended in (numerous layers) and a Mod Podge sealer coating over the dried grout.
Wow that's awesome! U hav inspired me for whn I make one whn a get a bearded dragon:) thx so much!!!
Thanks for the comment! You are absolutely right, and uromastyx have sharp claws & strong limbs. I coated the Styrofoam with multiple layers of grout, so they can scratch away and - if anything, may file their claws down. A few spots may have a thinner grout coating, or where the grout cracked from the high heat, but touch-up applications can be easily made. As far as the wood goes, it is coated with layers of polyurethane. Most of the excrement/urine absorbs into the sand substrate.
Thanks for the comments. It was a task- building, cutting, carving, gluing & grouting, but well worth the effort. I'm happy with the result, and hopefully the uros are, too. When they become more active, I'll have to get an updated video of the completed habitat.
@SuperJacko11 - Thanks for the comment. I need to put together a good video showing the uros at play. They tend to like to hide out, though so there aren't many filming opportunities.
Thanks for commenting, much appreciated. This was a first effort and I am pleased with the result. Should I take on another project, applying my lessons learned, I will definitely try to film/photo-document.
@butterfingerbo - there is very little wood actually exposed within the enclosure. It is fully covered with the rocky covering which is coated with layers of colored grout. Beneath the sand substrate, there is plywood - which has been sanded smooth and coated with polyurethane, which was given plenty of time to cure and air out.
Awesome looks amazing bro! What kind of foam is it like the stuff you can get at craft stores in th balls and blocks or like the great stuff foam insulation? hope you dont mind all the question but hey when i see something nice like that i like to know about it i and a carpenter/builder and i love to design all my own enclosure for my collection. Again nice work!
This would be perfect for an ackie
Could you make a DIY video for the rocks on the back wall
Glad you like it! Thanks for the feedback.
@dreadfulcreation - Thanks for the comment! Glad you like it - it's an awesome habitat and the yellow Saharans that live here now are thriving.
Thanks, ProTek - this display is, in fact, in the living room! Nothing like living furniture.
blown away, thats awesome
@21trial21 - Thanks for the comment. In their natural desert habitats, they live in networks of burrows and tunnels. There is slight humidity within these burrows. Rarely do I spray or mist the soil within the 'nest' box and these guys do spend a lot of time in the box. Very slight humidity does serve as an aid when they shed.
I also made an enclosure myself with glass doors but instead of using wood for the frames I used aluminum. Pretty cool enclosure.
Thanks - grout is a mixture of powdered cement (with or without sand) that is mixed with water and applied between ceramic tiles or, in the case of this project, brushed onto the rocklike structure in multiple layers and allowed to dry.
Your uro's are so lucky :)
Holy shit that looks amazing
Much appreciated - I used the large foam sheets available at local DIY/builder's stores. To attach it, I used Liquid Nails. Make sure to use the foam-safe product. Otherwise, the adhesive will dissolve the foam.
OUTSTANDING!!
Thank you, brother. Your comment has me considering planning and building a sequel!
Thanks for commenting! Go big with the habitat, whatever pet you choose to keep. We have a responsibility to provide for our animals.
Thank you for commenting!
Okay. The internal reinforcement framework is more like 2x2. I actually rip-sawed 2x4's to create the reinforcement members. These run along the inner left and right-side ends, both vertically and horizontally. They are concealed by the sheets and layers of grout-coated foam. I also ran a few 1x2's across the top (front to back) to support the thin frame and also provide support for the fluorescent lighting strips.
@nairb19977 - cleaning is pretty simple and not demanding. I remove uneaten salad greens daily and sift the sand maybe once/month.
@ImBoone - The glass doors were intended to be opening/sliding. I used aluminum J-molding for the track for the glass doors. I don't open them - the uros tend to get sand into the tracks anyway. There are tracks specifically designed for the purpose and also wheels/rollers to allow the doors to slide smoothly.
looks awesome man, but i was wondering, most lizards have sharp claws and could shred the foam then possibly injest it while eating how do you stop this from happening? and how do you keep the bare plywood from getting saturated in urine?
Very nice!
@Deano75ful - Depends what supplies you mean - lumber, glass, grout, hardware at a home builder's/DIY store; grout coloring and sealer at a crafts or art supply store; and reptile substrate, decor, lighting, at a pet supply store...
You are the man!
O cool I didn't know that thanks for the info , do you think I need to put one in my viv? :)
awsome! congrats!
I think this is awsome!
Of course, this would be ideal for bearded dragons. The more space the better!
thank you very helpful
very cool, nice job on it. just goes to show how simplicty works without spending an arm and a leg from the Dealers out there.
@21trial21 - I don't think you need a nest box in your viv, but make sure you have hiding spaces. Depending on what you keep, a moist nest box could be beneficial.
i want this enclosure for my bearded dragons! It's amazing!
real nice!
Love this!
Ahhhh! The foam rockwork was adhered to inner back and end walls of the enclosure using Liquid Nails - Paneling, for wood and foam molding. I used the caulking gun method. Very important - be sure that the adhesive is foam safe! Otherwise it can dissolve the foam!
@edjorthebeast - The clean-up is simple - remove dried/uneaten plant matter; sift the sand substrate; spot-clean the droppings. Really no big deal and worth the minimal effort.
Thanks for the comment, but no idea what you are talking about-???
@landofthefreemyass - Thank you. Nice screen name, by the way.
what kind of tracks for the glass doors,what type of grout,and sealer and color would be nice thank you
Agreed. Thanks.
@AttackOfThePros - not trying. Some people talk like this.
How did you "color" the rocks???....Covered everything in grout!??!?....please respong i actually have an enclosure me and my dad built, 2'x2'x6' ...lol almost the same thing but ours is a little more heavy duty...Please Respond!!
Awsome
WOW!! like it alot heh i got a CWD n just a juvenile right now but gets bigger im going custom lol not buying a 1000 or 4gran from online..
Awesome)
@ScaryThingsGoRAWR - pretty much did this one as a personal project; too much time and effort to sell...
how about a update on this?
@klakey - Update just posted - check it out!
breeding uromastyx? one of the many unusual animals to breed
The color added to the grout comes in browns and reds, and other colors. Ummm - not sure why you are asking about fish....?? This is a reptile habitat.
thanks I'm going to due that
So you didn't have to use a varnish on the rocks?
I always ask this, but how would you clean this cage?
I must have brushed on four or five layers, maybe.
how do you get them to stick to your glass?
where can i get supplies to make my habitat
i mean what kind of glue did you use
Eaves fine geckos
what colors you use, and what do you cement that does not bother the fish thanks :)
how hard is that to clean?
How many layers of grout?
how many can go in there?
Stealing this when I go to build mine :p is the frame 2x2s or 2x4s
Whats grout? Very crafty btw
Dang, 12 years
Still kicking!
Yessir!
How will the foam do under the heat lamp? Does the grout become a barrier?
Yes, very much so, there's been absolutely no issue with the foam under the heat lamps, definitely layer up the grout though, and be wary of the positioning of the heat lamps.
Appreciate the feedback. Fantastic work and creativity.
@@productofchange thanks! There are a number of channels out here with amazing habitat builds.
What type of lighting do you use? I can never figure out which UVB lights will produce enough for the Uromastyx to be healthy.
+Pikesburgh Alternate Channel - I like to use fluorescent fixtures by Current. They are low profile an accommodate two or more tubes. Some come with cooling fans. The one I am currently using holds two HO T5 bulbs. So I keep a 10,000K bulb (for daylight brightness) and also a reptile-specific bulb for UVA/UVB levels. I also have a 150 watt standard basking bulb.
Wish I knew what you meant (?)
Do you sell tanks??
lol its look perfekt for fish
Cool ima do dis btw 100 comment LOL
Really unbelievable you'd even bother to make a comment like this. Try recording a video, first try, without a script while trying to provide an informative narration. Who the F cares. Are you a speech coach? Now please e-mail me directly if you wish to discuss my approach to producing a useful video to keepers of reptiles, and let's not hijack the comments, 'kay? Thank you.
Very nice!
Nikko F, thanks, it was a labor, but worth the result.
AndyMahnFL411 -Great job.