BleuSaphir
Chameleon Enthusiast
Are the ledges easy to install when the cage is already assembled?
I am finding it hard to screw into the aluminum frame….
I am finding it hard to screw into the aluminum frame….
Dragon Strand Ledges
- Thread starter BleuSaphir
- Start date
maggie311
Member
Do you have access to a drill? You can drill pilot holes first. I just installed mine but did it while putting together my ReptiBreeze. It really helps to tape the ledges in place first. I'm a bit of a dork and made a YouTube video of me putting it together, if you want to check it out. You can fast forward to the installation of the ledges. If you're interested, my channel is DIY Maggie.
BleuSaphir
Chameleon Enthusiast
It is a nightmare with the cage already assembled.
I do have a drill, I tried to drill a hole. It seems not as easy neither! LOL
I’m going to check out your videos.
maggie311
Member
I hope it helps. My drill didn't go through easily, either. Just using the pointy screw with force worked best. The drill did help mark the spot, though.
BleuSaphir
Chameleon Enthusiast
I actually was watching your video earlier. I went to rewatch everything. I might just have to take down the cage and assembled it again.
maggie311
Member
Oh, man! That would be a lot of work. It'll be worth it, though. I love the ledges! I'm so happy with the way the enclosure came out!I actually was watching your video earlier. I went to rewatch everything. I might just have to take down the cage and assembled it again.
BleuSaphir
Chameleon Enthusiast
Yes, but I’m might just try to see if I can just take one panel off at the time. Cause’ I’m going to be loss at assembling back the cage if I just undo everything.
You can attach the braces with an assembled cage by just using masking tape to hold them in place. You can use a knife to cut out the mounting hole locations in the tape. Then use a drill to drill pilot holes which are holes half the diameter of the screws going in. Then screw the screws in halfway, remove the tape and screw the screws all the way in. The only real challenge in putting Dragon Ledges on an assembled cage is the one in back. That is a two person job because it is hard to screw the screw from the outside while holding the ledge piece on in the inside.Yes, but I’m might just try to see if I can just take one panel off at the time. Cause’ I’m going to be loss at assembling back the cage if I just undo everything.
BleuSaphir
Chameleon Enthusiast
Thank you everyone who took the the time to write back. I’m still going though my time. I will share the final look soon.
BleuSaphir
Chameleon Enthusiast
I have one side setup. I would definitely recommend to have that tool to let you know if things are leveled. And instal the ledges upon building your cage. My top ledge is not aligned straight. LOL
But the bottom layer ledge is aligned straight. All done free style.
But the bottom layer ledge is aligned straight. All done free style.
BleuSaphir
Chameleon Enthusiast
I have to admit, I was overwhelmed with drilling the aluminum frames.
Almost finished. I have to setup the back panels.
Almost finished. I have to setup the back panels.
BleuSaphir
Chameleon Enthusiast
My Ficus tree and Star Jasmine are losing their leaves. Kinda concerns me. I just bought a new Pothos for the cage. Now I have to install the tree pouch and the cage stand before reporting the main plants. Still need to buy more plants. Get the rest up installed with extra light fixture for uvb and extra LED lighting.
But all five ledges are installed. Upper ledge by the door is not leveled correctly. All others including the back are actually leveled. Bottom ledge facing the door is leveled and was free styled like the one above that not leveled.
Motherlode Chameleon
Chameleon Enthusiast
The plants dropping their leaves is probably a combination of lighting and watering requirements. You may want to experiment to figure out what is best for your plants. I have had similar problems with keeping new plants indoors.
Fertilizer is a consideration.
Best Regards
Jeremy A. Rich
Fertilizer is a consideration.
Best Regards
Jeremy A. Rich
BleuSaphir
Chameleon Enthusiast
Perhaps
IrohtheVeiled
Established Member
They go back together pretty easy actually - if you know where the door/latches/hinges will be when it’s reassembled it’s nbd. But if youre just adding dragon ledges yeah one side at a time would be fine, it takes time to install, at least it did for me being super careful to not punch the long screw too far through the cage frameYes, but I’m might just try to see if I can just take one panel off at the time. Cause’ I’m going to be loss at assembling back the cage if I just undo everything.
BleuSaphir
Chameleon Enthusiast
You should read how my complaint of assembling the cage. It took more than 8 tries to do it. I threw away the zoo med paper instructions.They go back together pretty easy actually - if you know where the door/latches/hinges will be when it’s reassembled it’s nbd. But if youre just adding dragon ledges yeah one side at a time would be fine, it takes time to install, at least it did for me being super careful to not punch the long screw too far through the cage frame
Clementine
Member
You'll want to keep the ficus soil consistently damp, but NOT soaked. The Star Jasmine, water when the top couple of inches of soil is dry. Ficus tend to drop leaves easily, especially when they're moved. I agree with Jeremy that you may need to fertilize. I use the Fox Farms Big Bloom every two weeks in the summer. It's organic. Make sure not to get it on the leaves, as it can burn them. Water it in after with some plain water, so the fertilizer isn't on top of the soil where it could hurt your cham.View attachment 357402View attachment 357403
My Ficus tree and Star Jasmine are losing their leaves. Kinda concerns me. I just bought a new Pothos for the cage. Now I have to install the tree pouch and the cage stand before reporting the main plants. Still need to buy more plants. Get the rest up installed with extra light fixture for uvb and extra LED lighting.
But all five ledges are installed. Upper ledge by the door is not leveled correctly. All others including the back are actually leveled. Bottom ledge facing the door is leveled and was free styled like the one above that not leveled.
BleuSaphir
Chameleon Enthusiast
Thanks for the input.
