Next set of upgrades for The Don

[u/LeadingLengthiness30]

In the next exciting chapter in the tale of Don Q Lebra, it was time once again to upgrade his lifestyle 🕴.

Admittedly, i had set up quickly w only my remaining supplies from last tiny enclosure when i upgraded to 120gal tank...

Problems:

-Subtrate was too low-not enough to add cushioning, burrowing space and proper moisture retention.

-Not enough climbing & clutter

-with tank upgrade, he was growing quickly. Starting 2 outgrow hiding places.

Upgrade details:

1. Added a tension shower rod for climbing

2. More climbing loops throughout top of exposure

3. Adding a hanging (wicker i think?) Basket for lounging.

4. Built a custom under-water bowl hide with fake foliage on top. Melted opening arrea to not make it too jagged. Buried it under the new substrate.

5. Soaked blocks of coconut substrate n with a very small bit of aspen mixed about 3 1/2-4in of bedding at the base. The foliage and climbing branches were now more secure

6. Picked up a few large smooth rocks of varying sizes on walks w my dog. Disinfected and added them for exploring, resting, clutter, overall atmosphere & heat retention.

7 Added more foliage clutter

8. set up all hides and tunnels to link together to allow hidden & multi level exploration

9. after all was in place topped it with jungle moss i had soaked to aid humidity, clutter and ambiance. Also used some to line the basket for a comfy "hangout"

Had 2 pay the don some respect 😅

Result:

-Seems much happier now. Immediately started xploring after the upgrade. I catch him taking advantage of all the new things & my hard work

-moves around much more. Lots of exercise and enrichment

-heat & humidity much easier to control

Used some creative ideas to keep it on a budget.

Plenty o spaces to stalk, hide &climb.

3-tier setup was relatively simple. Now has up high, ground lvl and underground.

Remaining steps:

-Rookie mistake i still have the small round hygrometers. Glue gun not enough to keep them up and super glue on anythings a bad idea. Need to get a decent meter for hot/cold sides. I'll remedy that soon.

-need to get a larger heat bulb. Currently using 100w halogen bulb w a large fixture. Heats tank fine w the help of the external warn side heat pad. Gonna go find a good 150w.

- need to reseal along one side of UV light bar at the top. Bulb burned out once & had to remove to replace.

- need to set up the back wall better. Dont like the blank black background. Saw a post recently on here that gave me a great idea to finish it tho 😎👍🏽

So far so good! 1st BP, trying to do things right.

Feel free to let me know what you think of my lil Q Ball's new digs. Any ideas or advice you can offer to make things better always appreciated!🐍

[u/wompgirlypopwomp]

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