A few DIY accessories

lauraleellbp · #1 12-08-2011, 07:53 PM

As my Crestie collection continues to grow, I keep experimenting with various DIY ideas I run across to bring down costs.

Latest and greatest is using pipe insulation to make climbing branches, perches, and feeding stations. Here's the finished product:

I bought some pipe insulation from both Lowes and Home Depot today, and found that the stuff from Home Depot is a little more rigid plus has adhesive so you can close up the slit if you want. Six feet long for under $2. The ones that don't have sealing edges are under $1 each.

I really like how it's working- no suction cups needed and it should be really easy to clean. I might look for some of those foam swim noodles down the road so I don't have to worry about cleaning the hollow insides, but the ones that are sealed up shouldn't need cleaning anyways...

I could only find 1" diameter, but if I can find some 2 or 3" inside diameter I'll also make some hides out of them.

I cut out holes to insert the little melamine teacups that I use to hold CGD and water (around 25 cents each at my local Asian market). I really like these as they have rounded bottoms so are easier to clean (CGD doesn't get stuck in corners) and are dishwasher safe.

I use big, deep Gladware food storage containers filled with either shredded coco fiber or sifted all organic peat for humid hides/layboxes. I cut off a corner of the lid for access.

I've also started using small plastic plant saucers from HD for water dishes. 89 cents each, and I can also put these in the dishwasher.

And the lovely mellow model herself, Kako. Going- "Um, I was SLEEPING here!!!"

Hannibal · #2 12-08-2011, 08:52 PM

Very interesting idea! I may have to check into this as I am upgrading 2 juvie Sikoraes & 2 juvie gargs this weekend. But this may work for my Ebenaui grouping as well, I'm having to redesign their enclosure due to them falling off the bamboo branches after misting.

lauraleellbp · #3 12-08-2011, 11:49 PM

I'm considering giving these a try for Phelsuma laying tubes as well. That way I can find the eggs and since they're so cheap it's not a big deal to cut them up to get to the eggs out, to incubate them somewhere else.

Hopefully I can get the Phelsuma to use them...

Now that I think of it, I probably should have put this thread in the DIY forum too LOL

raiderchick · #4 12-09-2011, 03:52 PM

aww how cute!
I love the leaves, but I hate paying for overpriced "reptile leaves",
Do you have any tips on buying safe leaves from craft stores? Like things to avoid and to look for?

lauraleellbp · #5 12-09-2011, 04:48 PM

I got most of my silk plants from Walmart. I just soak them in water first to make sure that they're color-fast and check that there are no wires sticking out anywhere.

I know a lot of people get their silk plants at Hobby Lobby, but there's not one close to me.

l-i-z · #6 12-09-2011, 07:45 PM

lol I like the pool noodle idea for food dish holders, I'd put some eco earth on it for a more nature look, but other wise I like it

Kristy · #7 12-09-2011, 09:33 PM

Seems like some of the suction cups on reptile vines dont always stick well. I got an 8 pack of 1 1/2 inch suction cups from target to hang my vines on. You can bend the vine to stay tight on the little hook. Michaels has good fake plants and sometimes the dollar store!

l-i-z · #8 12-10-2011, 09:08 AM

Yea i saw that micheals had some good plants, i was like whats the difference? Cheaper when you think about it

**Riverside Reptiles** · #9 12-10-2011, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lauraleellbp

I got most of my silk plants from Walmart. I just soak them in water first to make sure that they're color-fast and check that there are no wires sticking out anywhere.

I know a lot of people get their silk plants at Hobby Lobby, but there's not one close to me.

I run mine right through the dish washer on the top rack. It works great and then you're insured that the water got hot enough to actually kill any bacteria, etc.

lauraleellbp · #10 12-10-2011, 12:11 PM

Ethan, do you ever have issues with the dishwasher getting too hot and loosening the glue that holds the leaves? I'd thought about running plants through the dishwasher before, but I was afraid all the leaves would come off (I had a vision of opening my dishwasher to a pile of loose leaves LOL)

I use a big plastic bin in my shower filled with warm water for soaking plants and branches. It's also how I wash the plants during enclosure cleaning; I just add a little Dawn dish detergent to the water and rinse really well afterwards. Though I wash most of the rest of the accessories in the dishwasher...