i have finally gotten around to building an addition for my 2 water dragons. i built a top to sit on top of my existing 75g long(48x18x20). the top makes the dimensions 48x18x52. my first question is do I HAVE to seal the knotty pine wood I used to construct it???? i like the raw look!!!!

my second question is do I have to mount my lights inside now?? i am currently using a 48" reptiglo 10.0 uvb . for heat I have been using a sunglo 75w. are there bulbs that will do the trick without mounting inside the enclosure?????



thanks

mike

If you have the proper humidity in the enclosure, yes, you must seal the wood or else it will rot away in no time. Keep in mind that they are only found on the edges of streams, canals and rivers within primary tropical forest (which have very high humidity levels).

UVB lighting is touchy. The further away it is from the reptile, the less effective and less intense the UVB radiation is; you must look into the specific characteristics of your specific light to see what the effective range is. If your UVB lighting is outside the enclosure and passing through screen, the UVB output will be reduced ca. 50%; if the UVB lighting is passing through glass, no UVB will be entering the enclosure.

From numerous observations of Physignathus cocincinus in the wild, you want to set it up with a thick branch originating from the land portion, leaning over the water. Water should be of a depth deep enough that it can drop into the water and not get hurt. When I have kept them in the past, they were often taking a quick dip in the water throughout the day. Dry foraging area should be available on the ground. In the wild, they forage on the ground near their favourite tree near the water from early to late morning.

You'll need to research some water based sealers to see what is available in your area that will be non-toxic. This is especially important wen it is to come in contact with the water. When you find something ask about it to ensure it is the proper product to use. Just because it's water based doesn't make it safe. Lots of marine-grade products are unsafe because of the chemicals put in to resist mold. On a large scale these chemicals are of little concern, however in a small enclosure they will slowly poison your WD.

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Mike
"Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time, and always start with the person nearest you." - Mother Teresa

well I was hoping to mount the lights on the outside and cover the hole with chicken wire. i guess I am just asking what kind of high power(at a reasonable price) bulbs are out there. from where the lights are to the bottom of the tank it is 4'. i dont think I have found a light that will project more than 26"!!!!??????

are heat emitters of any use to me in this situation???

as far as the wod goes, i was hoping to not have to seal it but I was expecting I would have to!!!


thanks alot
mike

If the wood will not be in contact with the water I would use a simple waterbased polyurethane. Its clear so your wood will show thru and if you use a satin finish it wouldn't be excessively shiny.
And chicken wire is not good.
That stuff is famous for causing the loss of toes!

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Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!

here are a few pics I took today and yesterday........quick fix to give em the height they need......

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here is what it looks like right now......except I put the screens back on the original tank and put the lights as they were.......need advice on lighting!!!! i know what I am working with right now is not going to be sufficient but not sure what I should be looking at......



thanks

mike

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since they are arboreal, they will climb to the top to reach the basking bulb. Just be sure you give them lots of new climbing spots.

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My name is Liz
Do what's best for the animal, not what's best for you.

yea I have lots of driftwood and large branches to choose from!!! its just the placement that is the hard part to settle on. i was also thinking bout putting a hanging basket or two in there as well.