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Random project...thoughts and suggestion hunting

Started by zpyder, May 17, 2011, 10:49:11 AM

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zpyder

So...the entomologist at work has asked me to look into a "Domestarium"...or in other words, a tank to house a colony of Domestid beetles with the purpose of defleshing animal remains. I'm curious if people have any tips, thoughts or suggestions on how to go about this, suppliers of suitable containers and the likes, as it's pretty much a case mod of sorts...so here's the brief and what I have so far

It's likely to be a DIY job, on a tight budget (~£100). I was looking for dimensions approximately 4'x2'x2'. The requirements are:


  • Airtight/sealable to prevent bugs & smells from escaping and other bugs from getting in
  • Waterproof
  • Controllable Temperature, lighting and humidity
  • Easy access


This is what I have so far:

For the container this company has a cheap box which hopefully should be sealable, and leaves enough budget for the rest of the stuff.
"Monster Extra Tough Long Plastic Storage Trunk" (halfway down the page here: http://www.solentplastics.co.uk/big-boxes-large-plastic-trunks) - £25

I was thinking of using some large case fans with a thermostat or dial to control temperature. They could be cut into the plastic box and sealed in, with a fine mesh to prevent them from chewing up the bugs. These could even be ducted to a wall vent to channel smells out of the building. Lights would be typical reptile lights attached to the lid. I was also thinking of cutting a small panel and replacing it with some clear plastic that could have a cover, to allow for inspection without removing the lid.

Any thoughts guys? 

Clock'd 0Ne

#1
Surely some sort of lizard enclosure is the obvious choice, or are they all prohibitively expensive?

Maybe something like this, or is it too small?

http://www.bluelizardreptiles.co.uk/housing/plastictanks/015561223102

Maybe something like this?

http://www.bluelizardreptiles.co.uk/housing/glassterrariums

zpyder

Too small really, and not controllable enough, would need to cover all the sides and seal the hinged joins better to prevent flies etc from getting in :(

Eggtastico

you should get a 2nd hand vivarium/terranium cheap enough. We used to have Iguana's - that needed tempertature control + they came with a lid.
If not, then its easy enough to drill some hinges & a perspex lid.
You can blank the glass sides with some sort of background

Bacon

I was going to suggest something like Egg, but here's a tip, do a search on Ebay for nearest first and look for items that are collection only, not only will you save cash because those items tend to be cheaper, but you can also haggle the price as your not competing with the bulk of bidders who expect delivery.
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