Preparation for a new Rhino Iguana

[reptastic]

So i have been thinking long and hard about this, i really want to get another Rhino Iguana but at the moment i just Cant, so i have devised a plan, i am going to get everything i need for one and keep everything in a storage facility(mainly the enclosure) in hopes of oneday owning one, heres a list of all the supplies im getting(if i left anything out let me know):

300 gal stock tank
1 160 watt repti glo mvb
1 100 watt repti glo mvb
few slate tiles
1 large filestone
a few large brick(im building a second basking spot higher up)
a few large drift wood pieces
subtrate will be dirt/sand mix(about 3-4" high)
and 2 large hides
i will construct a top that will be 2/3 plexi glass(to hold some humidity) and the rest chicken wire screen
what do you think

This is the stock tank im ordering:
300 gal stock tank

 

[Maro1]

I have seen these tanks many times. They seem pretty small for a Rhino unless you are planning on upgrading. They seem bigger then they really are as they slope inward some.

 

[reptastic]

Im debating on a custom enclosure, if i did go custom i have to find a new carpenter to build one and i want to go 6X3X3( i would prefer a lil hight) i havent seen the stock tanks in person, it does seem pretty huge(i also noticed the slope now that you mentioned it) the enclosure is my first and most important priority, then all the rest will follow

 

[james.w]

Look into the metal horse troughs if you don't want to have to have a cage built.

 

[Maro1]

Im debating on a custom enclosure, if i did go custom i have to find a new carpenter to build one and i want to go 6X3X3( i would prefer a lil hight) i havent seen the stock tanks in person, it does seem pretty huge(i also noticed the slope now that you mentioned it) the enclosure is my first and most important priority, then all the rest will follow

I can build you one. Just finished mine

 

[james.w]

Im debating on a custom enclosure, if i did go custom i have to find a new carpenter to build one and i want to go 6X3X3( i would prefer a lil hight) i havent seen the stock tanks in person, it does seem pretty huge(i also noticed the slope now that you mentioned it) the enclosure is my first and most important priority, then all the rest will follow

I can build you one. Just finished mine

Wheres the pics??

 

[Maro1]

I can build you one. Just finished mine
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Wheres the pics??

[/quote]

I'll take some pics tomorrow in the light. 6 x 3 x 3 Sliding glass doors on 3 sides

 

[reptastic]

Thanks, Ill check those out, james do you use dirt/sand with your rhino? I have heard its a great substrate for them,i dont want to use newspaper this time around way to much trouble changing it everyday

 

[james.w]

I do use sand/soil, just recently switched to it. Many people recommend using tile, and I have thought about taking the dirt out. My rhino seems to not like it very much, I'm not sure what to do at this point.

 

[reptastic]

Maro1 i would love to see those pics

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I do use sand/soil, just recently switched to it. Many people recommend using tile, and I have thought about taking the dirt out. My rhino seems to not like it very much, I'm not sure what to do at this point.

Aahh i see, i just want something easy to clean, it was a pain cleaning the newspaper daily with my rhino they way they poop, im not going that route again for certain

 

[Maro1]

I use tiles. It easy to just wipe clean in a couple of swipes with a good disinfectant. Rhino poop like Pugs!

 

[reptastic]

I didnt even think about slate tile as a sustrate, it would definately be more cost effective and easiest to clean

 

[teguboy77]

I'm going to build my rhino a cage,9x6x5 and might use pond liner as substrate.

 

[james.w]

For those that use slate tile, do you use grout or are the tiles just placed in the cage??

 

[herpgirl2510]

I don not use grout in my beardie cage makes it easier to remove. I had them cut to the exact measurements of the floor they fit together nice and tight. Interesting about the substrate for the rhino I use dirt/soil to add some humidity. My guy does not care for it either he never sits in it he loves being up very high like 6 feet. I love using th slate at lowe'sor home depot it is very inexpensive and looks natural. It is the kitchen floor I have always wanted.

 

[Maro1]

Adhesive Vinyl tiles are very good also. They fit tight together. Wipe clean easy and are VERY MUCH lighter than stone. Very durable as well

 

[james.w]

Herpgirl, do you know what the guy you got yours from used for substrate? My rhino sits up high as well ever since I switched to dirt, he jumps up on top of his flourescent light fixture.

 

[reptastic]

Im thinkin slate tiles are better, wouldnt vinyl be more slippery, i prefer something with a bit more traction to it, also i also thought about the enclosure and Im thinking 2' probably wouldnt work for me, i want a basking spot off the ground level and Im thinking, if i went 3' i could have a basking spot at least 18"-24" off the ground, that way he could climb and still be at a safe distance from the mvb bulb

 

[Maro1]

Im thinkin slate tiles are better, wouldnt vinyl be more slippery, i prefer something with a bit more traction to it, also i also thought about the enclosure and Im thinking 2' probably wouldnt work for me, i want a basking spot off the ground level and Im thinking, if i went 3' i could have a basking spot at least 18"-24" off the ground, that way he could climb and still be at a safe distance from the mvb bulb

3' is a good height. It would allow some vertical movement. Either type of tile is slippery. Stone or vinyl. I have used both. Neither surface is natural in that it does not provide much traction. But then they are not running or escaping from anything. The biggest value is ease of cleaning. Big Rhinos poop like a dog! Messy. With tiles either type just spray and wipe!

 

[reptastic]

Lol my rhino was only like 20-22" and pooped like a grown green iguana lol, i use these slate tiles in my tegus enclosures and they give great traction and help file down their nails too