| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| meesh505 |
Posted - 02/10/2010 : 23:01:25
I hope something in this will be useful to someone, never done this before so fingers crossed x
At all started with my 36"x12"x15" Aquarium leaking, it was old battered and no use for holding water, I took this opportunity to convert it to a viv for a cornsnake. 
Although its too big for a hatchling I justified it by promising to give loads of hiding places and cover to prevent stress and started the project.
As you can see I had plenty to do!
After stripping the old seals out cleaning it and removing damaged bits I resealed it and it was good to go! 
I used the following guide to help me do a good job, take care not to cut yourself on the glass like I did, even un broken edges are sharp! whoops 
http://www.aquarticles.com/articles/management/Spinelli_Resealing_Aquarium.html
I used a section of foam underlay I had left from the kitchen flooring for under the tank and cut out a section to fit the heat matt under the glass, this also allowed for the airgap required between the heat matt and the glass to prevent a heat fracture.
Once in place I added the thermometers (2x digital with prob) and mat stat thermometer to the tank, held in place by clear suction cups (aquarium stores online have these) some thermometers will have them attatched.
In addition to these I have 2 basic thermometers (the round stickyback ones for Aquariums) on the glass bottom but thats just me 
I then cut the polystyrene 3D background to size and fitted in the tank, it already had a section in the back to run the wires behind the background but due to the Aquarium I had to cut a few bits to shape, this just made it fit better it didnt effect the looks at all!
I decided to get a 1m x 10cm pole of bamboo which I cut to different length sections and drilled large holes in, once sanded down to remove the sharp edges and wiped clean I put them in the tank.
Be careful when cutting bamboo as it splinters and is painful if it gets under your skin, think fiberglass splinters 
I had bought a medium sized wooden log which went in next, a small and a medium hide, one for the hot end and one for the cool end and added hanging plastic plants which are long enough to cover big spaces and trail the ground for cover too.
I also had a 120cm length of plastic ivy so twisted this around the bamboo climbing hides (corns I hear are not big climbers but never mind lol) which looks really cool and hopefully gives the snake something else to hide in.
The water bowl is a med sized ceramic dog bowl, heavy so wont get knocked over, and the snake gets its own olympic pool lol
Once that was done I added the substrate, I went with aspen but its each to thier own, just make sure its not toxic like pine for example. More info on substrate by searching the forum.
I know your thinking why didnt i put the substrate in first! I have no idea!! 
As everyone says I put a thin layer at the hot end and a thicker layer in the cool end.
I bought a MESH vivarium lid that fits on my tank, I cut a small piece out the back corner for the cables to pass through but had to make the wires thicker (wrapped in thin foam) to plug the hole so the snake wouldnt escape.
The hood is thin Aluminium so is easy to cut and once filed smooth was ready for use.
I found really handy self adhesive child locks which are on each end of the tank and secures the lid VERY well
I then had a lighting kit to add, I used wire cutters to cut 1cm ish holes in the mesh and fitted moonlight leds in the mesh lid, was really easy to fit as its a simple nut and screw, I have to say it was well worth the money, it sets the tank off at night!
So much so that my other half who wanted the snake kept in the spare room, now wants it in the livingroom!!
Once all the temps were stable in went my new corn hatchling Shadow who has been in his viv for the week settling in and seems pretty happy with his new home.
;-)
Since the last post didnt work properly i can now also add a picture of shadow too. :-)
He scoffed 2 pinkies tonight, struck right away, the second he took before i could put him on his towel, didnt think he would eat while i was holding him.
Hope this works!
x
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| 18 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| meesh505 |
Posted - 12/10/2010 : 12:08:50
Hi sorry that link never worked lol
The viv lid cam from here
http://www.bitsforpets.com/mesh-covered-vivarium-lid-36x12-p-3726.html
Most of the stuff was from here
http://www.bluelizardreptiles.co.uk/index.php
Thier delivery is really good even to where I live.
I got the Child locks from Amazon, there are lots of different types to suit most needs!
Just want to say thanks again for all the comments!
xx |
| meesh505 |
Posted - 11/10/2010 : 19:01:03
quote:
Originally posted by ZicoZ
quote:
Originally posted by BHAFC72
super thread mate and it's given me food for thought.Where did you buy the mesh lid and runners?
AS above , can you put a link to the place you got your "mesh lid" ?
Hi, here is the link for the mesh viv lid i bought, they have them in other sizes too! ;-) |
| HannahB |
Posted - 07/10/2010 : 23:20:44
i might have a go at the bamboo thing sometime when i have the supplies 
great work - gorgeous little snake aswell! |
| ZicoZ |
Posted - 07/10/2010 : 19:46:33
quote:
Originally posted by BHAFC72
super thread mate and it's given me food for thought.Where did you buy the mesh lid and runners?
AS above , can you put a link to the place you got your "mesh lid" ? |
| stotty01 |
Posted - 04/10/2010 : 18:34:47
fantastic viv! lot of effort put in there as we can see :D i would of done one more thing though, lined the sides with some 3mm ply to keep it insulated better as glass is not a good insulator, but other than that mate, cracking job! |
| drchino |
Posted - 04/10/2010 : 10:17:27
Nice viv I really like the bamboo, great idea! |
| Kellog |
Posted - 04/10/2010 : 03:48:15
quote:
Originally posted by meesh505
........I was really worried about the Viv being too big and that stress is hard to see but Im about 98% that it doesnt seem to bother Shadow if anything he's getting more relaxed, I totally understand what you mean about the dog bowl, but after I watched him climbing over and in the water I was happy he has no trouble getting in or out of the bowl or getting a drink, Im watching him like a hawk and noting any and all behavour changes and keeping an in depth log everyday! Please dont think im dismissing your concerns thought, if I need to change anything I will even if it means downsizing!
When he had finished the first pinkie he slowly started to move off his towel so gentle moved him back while getting the second pinkie ready, I put the pinkie down and had to bring Shadow back to the towel, he took it before I could put him down he wouldnt let go of my fingers lol
I took loads more pics and a couple of videos too while feeding but not sure how the videos came out yet!
Cant thank everyone enough for all the help, Im so proud to have Shadow!
xxx
Please dont think I was being critical Meesh , it is so obvious how much research and work you have put into creating a fantastic living environment for Shadow....and I have absolutely no concerns that all you care about is that he is happy .
I am glad that he has his usual 'haunts' where you can find him ....he could play a lovely game of hide and seek with you in there if he wanted to !
It also sounds as though the dog bowl is working well. Its interesting that he is going in the water....I have offered mine water bowls big enough for them to take a dip in and neither of them have ever shown any interest.
I thought my record keeping was overdoing it a bit but it sounds like you are keeping a log of his every move !
Thanks for explaining about the feeding, I still cant get over the fact that you got to experience him eating that 2nd pinky while you were holding him ....an amazing experience for you and it shows how confident and safe he feels that he was happy to do feed like that .
There is a video section as well as the photo section where you can upload your videos of him feeding, which we would love to see. Dont ask me how to do it, I have only done it once and had to have my hand held all the way !! But I am sure someone will be able to advise you....I THINK it is the same as with photos, you load it onto Photobucket and then copy and paste onto the forum???
You have done a fantastic job and I agree that this is a great guide for anyone wanting to transform an aquarium into a viv. Thank you.
xxx
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| meesh505 |
Posted - 04/10/2010 : 01:47:23
Thanks for all your comments, glad you like my setup too!! :-)
I have loads of ideas for setup designs and love making thinks, same with my aquariums too, always end up going for a natural look though lol Do'h
I can post links to the online stores I got stuff from but wasnt sure if thats alowed or not?? Or if I need to post it in a specific forum etc?? I got most from one place, the service was brilliant, 2 days to deliver, normally an iternity where I live!! really chuffed!
The feeding videos I took turned out pretty good, not sure if anyone would want to see them or if/where I can post them!?
Still another 24 hours till I can handle him again, cant wait!!!
The great thing about doing this viv is that people sell aquariums that are water tight, they get rid of the ones that leak!! ;-) A bargain if you can do the work!
xx
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| BHAFC72 |
Posted - 03/10/2010 : 18:12:28
You can get the lights off ebay or off a seller on another snake forum. |
| mrsT |
Posted - 03/10/2010 : 17:50:23
Wow!thats a fantastic viv,well done - I wish I was that creative
where did you get your moonlight leds?They look really good |
| Sta~ple |
Posted - 03/10/2010 : 17:40:24
Looks very well packed out. I love the Bamboo. Maybe this could be sticked since so many people ask about glass viv's but no-body really seems to know how to set them up :P |
| rachiepotatoe |
Posted - 03/10/2010 : 17:14:50
Thats what I call a set up!
I love the bamboo idea, they look fantastic!!
Well done |
| BHAFC72 |
Posted - 03/10/2010 : 15:33:09
super thread mate and it's given me food for thought.Where did you buy the mesh lid and runners? |
| mowdid |
Posted - 03/10/2010 : 15:12:49
Hi Meesh
well done... what a great job, we did exactly the same with an old fish tank that we got given only 2ft though
ive just added a couple of pics in the show us your set up thread
ps: you just gotta love those blue lights ( ive just ordered some online ) to add to our tank |
| herriotfan |
Posted - 03/10/2010 : 14:14:21
Wow that's an awesome viv. I love it....do one for me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
| meesh505 |
Posted - 03/10/2010 : 13:45:57
Kehhlyr Thanks for cleaning up my mess the post looks sooo much better now.
I tend to find Shadow either in his cool hide or climbing up the plants I was really worried about the Viv being too big and that stress is hard to see but Im about 98% that it doesnt seem to bother Shadow if anything he's getting more relaxed, I totally understand what you mean about the dog bowl, but after I watched him climbing over and in the water I was happy he has no trouble getting in or out of the bowl or getting a drink, Im watching him like a hawk and noting any and all behavour changes and keeping an in depth log everyday! Please dont think im dismissing your concerns thought, if I need to change anything I will even if it means downsizing!
When he had finished the first pinkie he slowly started to move off his towel so gentle moved him back while getting the second pinkie ready, I put the pinkie down and had to bring Shadow back to the towel, he took it before I could put him down he wouldnt let go of my fingers lol
I took loads more pics and a couple of videos too while feeding but not sure how the videos came out yet!
Cant thank everyone enough for all the help, Im so proud to have Shadow!
xxx |
| Kehhlyr |
Posted - 03/10/2010 : 11:54:43
Fixed the OP and tidied thread, well done Meesh. |
| Kellog |
Posted - 03/10/2010 : 05:31:00
You have done an amazing job Meesh and there is so much involved , well done .
I am concerned about having a hatchling inside such a large viv, the problem is that you wont know whether it is going to be stressing Shadow until it is too late....and I dread to think how you find him and catch him in that!! This thread may be of interest to you as it discusses Vivs too big.
My only other comment would be that the water bowl is very big and high sided, have you seen him drink from it? Just trying to imagine how he gets near the water to drink without falling in ! But pics are deceptive so it may not be as big as it looks. For a hatchling you are looking for something the size of a coffee jar lid, I think (as I have only dealt with adults....and I dont think their water bowls are as big or deep as yours is).
I love the bamboo with holes in, fantastic idea . Also like the lighting you have, think a few forum members have the same and it does look stunning.
Shadow is beautiful (but then I am biased ) and suits his name. So glad he ate so well for you and it must have been amazing having him in your hand while he ate the 2nd pinky....although it did make me wonder where he was when he ate the 1st pinky!
Well done for keeping such a good visual 'diary' of what you have done with the fish tank to turn it into a viv, I am sure it will be very helpful to others wanting to do the same thing.
xxx
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