In Progress Build: Dragonstrand Clear Cage with Custom Photo Background

[ricksli]

Working on my large dragon strand cage (24"x24"x48"). I decided to go with a photo background rather than deal with putting pieces together, silicone etc etc for a 3D one. Figured I'd keep things simple...and not have to worry about crickets getting behind a background either. This was printed and cut to the dimensions I provided.

Anyway, this is supposedly a photo from Eastern Madagascar. I've got plenty of vines and plants to put in still. I have an assortment of ficus, small "green fantasy" ferns that look like moss, and several bird's nest ferns to mimic those on the background. The long slightly ruffled leaves should work great for dripping/drinking water. Should make for a happy chameleon!

 

[pgr7]

Honestly...it looks epic! Awesome job so far,all looks tied together awesomely.

 

[MamatoElvis]

That's cool. What is it printed on? How did you attach it to the back wall?

 

[ricksli]

Thanks guys. Putting the vines/branches right now....

It's printed on a heavy vinyl...feels like heavy wallpaper. I laid the cage down, placed the background on the back, used some black electrical tape to hold it in place and hide any small gaps. Then I put a single piece of cardboard behind the background that I had saved from the cage shipping box. Then taped that in place to hold it firm.

 

[ChamieNewbie]

It looks really nice and adds a lot of dimension. What is the braided stuff attached to the dragon ledges???

 

[Venutus1]

I like this!
Great look!

 

[ricksli]

It looks really nice and adds a lot of dimension. What is the braided stuff attached to the dragon ledges???

It's dried jungle/curly vine.

 

[SocialNumb]

Looks awesome.

I've been wondering if Chams try to walk "into" these. If you know what I mean. lol

 

[Venutus1]

Dragonstrand cages are so awesome.

 

[ricksli]

Here's some progress. A few more plants and vines to go in. I want to make sure that the UV and Basking areas have branches available at several levels. Nothing touches the bottom of the cage.

Hard to tell from the photo, but the background remains largely visible...especially from the right side of the cage where I will tend to do most viewing while at my desk.

The small birds nest ferns should grow to a decent size and hopefully, as leaves die and brown, I will be able to achieve the look of those on the background. Some of the natural curves of the vines were great to hold some of the pots.

 

[pgr7]

Looks really good and we'll laid out
I used a few fake vines and plants to cover the pots of my plants,it also helped tie the look together and add extra spots to hide if he wanted.

 

[SocialNumb]

Wow! That looks fantastic. Where in the world did you get those jungle/curly vines?


Edit: I found some, I think.

 

[ChameLIonLover]

I too would be interested in a little more information on those vines. They look sweet, and I seem to have troubles finding branches to saw off in my backyard. Thanks!

 

[ricksli]

I don't know brand they are. They're just loose vines from a local shop.

Here's some updated photos and my light fixture. It's an Odyssea Quad T5 that came with 4 6500K Daylight bulbs. I ordered an Arcadia UVB 6% and Plant Pro from lightyourreptiles. Single cord, built in clock and timers. Each pair plus the blue led moonlights can be programmed independently and can be turned on/off manually as well.

There's plenty of levels under the basking light and UVB to choose from and plenty of space behind the ficus plants to hide.

 

[SocialNumb]

Beautifully simple. Really dig it.

 

[ricksli]

Moonlight anyway? LOL. I had the moon laying around. (It's outside the cage, mounted to the wall)

 

[ChamieNewbie]

I love it

 

[MamatoElvis]

Where did you get that moon light? My daughter would love that for a night light.

 

[ricksli]

Try Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Uncle-Milton-Moon-In-Room/dp/B000EUHKUE

 

[MamatoElvis]

Thank you. She will love it.