Alfie's New House

[perspex]

After moving house last year I thought it only fair that Alfie was treated to a new home too. So, whilst he's been in hibernation, I've been tinkering!

Removed from the fridge this morning, Alfie is already off exploring his new surroundings (and eating the tops of all the grass shoots that were starting to sprout, grrrrrrrrrrrr).

After reading a few posts on various reptile forums, I decided to have a go at making a mountain for him to climb, with added caves to hide in. Then I got carried away and decided to include working waterfall that makes sure his water bath is always fresh and topped up! A lot (and I really do mean a lot) of work with expanding foam, grout, paint, among other things, and here's the result.

I do still plan to add some plants to brighten things up, but thought I'd post up a few photos anyway. Just so pleased to see the wee dude out of the fridge and marching around again!!!!!!


alfie05 by perspex, on Flickr


alfie11 by perspex, on Flickr


alfie04 by perspex, on Flickr


alfie07 by perspex, on Flickr


alfie08 by perspex, on Flickr


alfie09 by perspex, on Flickr


alfie03 by perspex, on Flickr


alfie10 by perspex, on Flickr


alfie06 by perspex, on Flickr

alfie01 by perspex, on Flickr

[gwenq]

oh my god!! I love it!!! Lucky alfie!! Lovely tort as well. what age is he

[perspex]

Thanks! Alfie is 3.5 yrs old. He might be a she, lol, but either way I'll stick with the name. Really should take some pics and post in the sexing forum to find out!

[gwenq]

yes post some pictures, we like to guess!!

[Merlin M]

That is so cool!! where did you get the "mountain"? it looks fantastic!

[Anita Sayles]

Wow from me as also definitely worth the effort with the set up, very natural looking. Love the background with the cloudless sky the water feature. Well done!

[perspex]

A bit more info on 'The Mountain'......


alfie build by perspex, on Flickr

Started with a thin plywood base and 2 sheets of polystyrene for the 2 back walls.


alfie build by perspex, on Flickr

The first level was cut from a piece of foamex (solid foam board). The water dish was set on top of a large tupperware bowl and then surrounded with expanding foam. The tupperware bowl acts as a reservoir and hides the pump. When the water in the dish gets to near the top, it flows out a small cutout, and into the tupperware bowl reservoir underneath where it can then be pumped back up the hose to the top of the waterfall.


alfie build by perspex, on Flickr

The second floor made same as first, with thick polystyrene at the front to be carved out later.

Step by step photos was the plan, but most of the time whist working I was covered in glue and foam, so the phone stayed in the pocket!


alfie build by perspex, on Flickr

After added a ramp to the first level, I gradually build up a thick covering using expanding foam. This was then carved into with a kitchen knife to create rock shapes. I wish I had taken a pic before I started carving, because it looked like a big messy pile of foam!!!

When I was happy with the overall shape, I started the grouting procedure. This took forever! The idea is to build up lots of layers of grout to cover every surface of the foam. This seals the foam, and as the layers build up the structure gets stronger and more rock like. After a few weeks of adding grout the whole thing drys rock solid and is ready for paint.


alfie build by perspex, on Flickr

Numerous layers of sealer, primer and paint and it looks like this.

I added a fence to ensure Alfie cant fall from the top. Wooden dowel rod cut into lengths, 6 holes drilled in each, painted black and glued into holes drilled in the structure. Then I threaded steel wire through to make the fence.

Set it in his table, wired the pump, throw on some soil - job done!

[Catwoman63]

Wow thats fantastic......making any rocks to sell??? Xxx

[kkenny]

Unbeliverable deication here, put me to shame. I am just imagining his outdoor enclosure!

Lucky tort.

[TDB]

This is fantastic!!!! I love it well done you