New enclosure coming next week!

[jdheff1982]

Getting excited about how I want to setup the new enclosure. I really want a mini pond at one end. Maybe something like a 6" x 24" x 3" with a mini water filter/pump in it. This is the enclosure: https://zoomed.com/50-gallon-low-boy-breeder-flat-terrarium/. The one I'm getting has a sliding screen lid. I also asked the pet store to order 3x Exo Terra light brackets (depending on how the screen slides). They adhere to the sides of the enclosure.

I'll get pics up once it is all setup.

[DerpyHerpLover]

I have the exact same tank. After looking around for enclosures for our new scale puppy, we finally decided on this one. It gives a lot of floor space, which they need. Here is a couple pictures of our setup. We are still deciding on adding some more foliage for cover, but Grendel doesn't seem to mind.
We use cork flats to line the back and side walls. This increases the privacy and also insulates the tank. Even with the screen tops, the hot spot on the right gets up to about 95-100°F on the slate and the cool side stays around 75. The basking slate is raised up on PVC pipes cut to 3" and the cool side slate under the water bowl is raised up to 2". She uses the hide under the basking slate to sleep under as it stays warm even after the lights go off on their timer.
We use a 50w halogen for the heat lamp and have a 48" T8 in a reflector fixture across the back for UV. Bedding is a mix of Aspen shavings and Cypress for humidity.

[jdheff1982]

I have the exact same tank. After looking around for enclosures for our new scale puppy, we finally decided on this one. It gives a lot of floor space, which they need. Here is a couple pictures of our setup. We are still deciding on adding some more foliage for cover, but Grendel doesn't seem to mind.
We use cork flats to line the back and side walls. This increases the privacy and also insulates the tank. Even with the screen tops, the hot spot on the right gets up to about 95-100°F on the slate and the cool side stays around 75. The basking slate is raised up on PVC pipes cut to 3" and the cool side slate under the water bowl is raised up to 2". She uses the hide under the basking slate to sleep under as it stays warm even after the lights go off on their timer.
We use a 50w halogen for the heat lamp and have a 48" T8 in a reflector fixture across the back for UV. Bedding is a mix of Aspen shavings and Cypress for humidity.

Awesome! Glad to know someone else has that tank. Can you tell me how the front screen slides? Does it slide over or under the rear? I cannot find that info anywhere. I even email Zoomed. Still awaiting a response.

I'll probably get black plastic tubs to use for the hides. I, too, will be using slate on the hot side. I just hope there is enough room for a mini pool. I want one big enough to use a mini submersible filter in. Maybe I could turn it into a tiny fountain?

Thanks!

[vana]

Looks like a great skink cage- how much do these go for?

[DerpyHerpLover]

JD,
The screens slide forward to open the top. There are two locking pins to keep it closed. With the front screen open, its very easy to get your skink out or move things around. We are very pleased with it overall, but would have liked it to be 12" high instead of 10". We needed to raise the UV a few inches which you can see in the pictures. The only time I remove the back screen is for the "big clean" when I take everything out and sanittize the whole tank.

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Vana,
I believe the tank retailed for $200 but I got it on sale for around $140.

[jdheff1982]

Vana, Mine will be $149.99.

Thanks for the info, Derpy!

[jdheff1982]

@Derpy: Did you glue the feet to the slate? If so, what did you use? I found 2' x 1' slate pieces at Lowe's for $4. A box has 8 pieces. I plan to build a hot and cold side hide like yours and line the bottom with the remaining pieces. This way, when Rosco gets dig happy, he'll self manage his toe nails.

Thanks!

EDIT: Also, where did you get the cork and how did you adhere it to the glass?

[DerpyHerpLover]

JD,
The cork is ZooMed cork background tiles.
[url] https://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-Natural- ... B0019IW0IM [url]

These tiles are listed as 18"wide x24" high, but are actually a bit narrower, more like 17.5". I bought two of them and cut them in half lengthwise to make four 8.75"x24" pieces which fit perfectly in the tank. One on each side and two across the back. They fit snuggly enough that adhesive is not needed. I was going to use aquarium silicone to stick them to the glass, but I like it better that I can remove them and sanitize the entire tank every other month. The slate hide platforms keep them in place pretty well.
The cork gives a nice background that Grendel can rub against to help with shedding, they hold moisture well to help keep the humidity up and resist mold.

The feet on the slate is PVC pipe(2" diameter I think). I cut the pipe to two and three inch lengths then my wife used a hot melt glue gun to stick them on. I let them dry for a few hours to make sure there were no fumes from the glue then placed them in the tank. The hide on the right is 18x18" and the one on the left is 12x12". Both pieces of slate came from Lowe's an only cost a couple dollars apiece.
We decided to make the platform under the water bowl a bit shorter to give Grendel enough room to climb into the bowl when she wants to go for a dip. The combination of the slate platform and tall sides of the bowl means she doesn't track substrate into the water so it stays cleaner. She seems to have no trouble fitting under the shorter hide. That may change as she gets fully grown. But for now, she has plenty of places to burrow and explore.
If you have any other questions, just ask!

[jdheff1982]

Thanks again, Derpy. I think I will pass on the cork ($30 for a single 12x18 piece, yikes!). Instead, I'll go to a pet store and get enough black aquarium background and mount them to cardboard and cut them down to size at work. It's one of the perks working for a print shop. I even thought about finding a background on the internet that would emulate Australian nature, but finding something that will work has been a difficult process.

Thanks again!

[jdheff1982]

Enclosure came in Wednesday and picked up Thursday. Picked up 3 Exo Terra light brackets, too. I haven't set it up yet. Trying to decide on a cheap bulk substrate that wont cost a lot. Considering cypress mulch. I am also considering lining the interior with slate. I havent fully decided yet. Hopefully, the new enclosure will be up and running tomorrow.

[jdheff1982]

Got the new enclosure done! I love the layout! I used 2 14" planter bowls for hides and cypress mulch for the substrate. I used 3 Exo Terra light brackets to hang the fixtures.

Mr. Skink is tucked away in the left hide for now.

[jdheff1982]

Here are a few more pics, including his "break in" poo!