Criptic's Page On Herps

Make sure to draw out your plan for the enclosure from building the structure, to landscaping. Always draw the enclosure from the top and front. Draw the substrate layers. Then draw in the background, stratification layers, basking rocks, and shelters. Finally draw in plants. Make sure to take your plan with you when you go shopping for the materials you need. They will be invaluable in helping you make decisions on everything from rocks to plants. The plan will also help you in putting everything together once you get it home.

Make sure your design is designed around how your animals will utilize the areas for activity.

Basic steps for setup:

	Placement	Decide where you want to place the enclosure. Keep in mind that once you have it together, with all the gravel, soil, landscaping, and plants, it will be very difficult to move. Never place in direct light. There is a danger of overheating both the plants and the animals.

	Stand	Put the stand in place and make sure it is level.

	Enclosure	Put the enclosure on top of the stand, make sure it is secure.

	Drainage	Add about 1-2 inches of gravel for the drainage layer.

	Filter Material	Place either air conditioning material, or a double layer of plastic screening on top of the drainage layer.

	Landscaping	Arrange the main landscaping. If any can fall over, make sure to silicon in place.

	Growing Medium	Add the growing medium around the landscaping and on top of the filtering material.

	Plants	Add the plants either directly to the growing medium, in pots, or in plant pipes.

	Top layer	If you want to use a top layer such as sand, add this on top of the growing medium around the plants.

	Smaller Landscaping	Add smaller landscaping items.

	Adjust	Adjust the plants and landscaping items aesthetically. Keep in mind how your animals will utilize the areas.

	Lighting	Add the lighting and heating elements. If you are using heat cable, add prior to placing the enclosure on the stand.

	Timers and Monitoring	Add your timers, thermometers and hydrometers. Be sure to monitor the high and low end to assure a temperature gradient.

	Observe	Observe the enclosure for a day or two to assure it is aesthetically pleasing and functional for your animals. Adjust as needed.

	Animals	Add your animals to their new home.

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