Getting ready for Littlefoot.. (New Baby Sav)

[infernalis]

Overhauled the Sav enclosure.

Improvements made, all have been discussed and evaluated by seasoned keepers.

I installed a 4 foot UVB light, the frame is from an aquarium light hood, so the humidity will not hurt it, I also used a cord from a Christmas light string with the tiny fuse in the plug so that if anything goes wrong the fuse will blow quickly...



Installed ground fault circuit interruption in case of faulty grounding.



Applied acrylic wood sealer to all exposed non treated (and some treated) wood surfaces to prohibit mold growth.



underground drain pipe hide, partially filled with loose moist soil, The monitor will have to clear out some dirt to make a tight fitting hide.



I dumped in some forest floor.



And made a basking platform with a ramp, he can hide under it or sit on it.





Mid cage readings, the hottest is the basking platform.



small water feature.. The dinginess is not rust, it's light reflecting off the water.



If any moisture is evaporating out into the room, it's of no benefit to the Monitor. Right now my cage is sustaining a 70% humidity level with the basking lights blaring and the dirt in there is staying nice and moist.





Placed established meadow sod on top of the damp dirt, this will not only improve humidity retention, but add to air quality as well.

The cave openings are circled... I have till next week for those roots to bind together, once it grows into a solid patch of sod, he can dig a tunnel, but it won't hardly hurt that grass.





To ensure healthy grass....



getting greener..









and for behavioral observation without scaring the monitor...

[TheSnakeEye]

Hands down greatest setup I've ever seen. You really went all out. I can't wait to see him in there.

[aldebono]

I was about to start yelling "6500K!!!" but you got it!

I had T12 in 6500K and my plants were not thriving, switched to T8 in 6500K with a double bulb fixture and it is the best lighting I have tried next to saltwater coral lighting. Double bulb T8 is better than the spiral screw in bulbs in my experience too.

What I am trying to say is, if you aren't happy with your plant lights, don't go buy something expensive just yet, just try different size bulbs and fixture. I got mine at Lowes or HD.

Very nice enclosure! I would call it vivarium worthy.

[wolfy-hound]

Very awesome.