How to Build Homemade Tanks for Iguanas

The process to build a homemade iguana tank is simple but requires careful planning. Create a healthy environment that is suitable for your iguana. The tank should be water-resistant and secure with proper lighting, humidity and temperature control. Consider the types of decorations and mulch for the terrain. Clear plastic containers are easy to clean and offer visibility for your tank, as well. The container should have a lid that latches closed and side handles for easy transport.

Things You'll Need

  • Plastic storage container with latched lid
  • Mild dish soap
  • Under tank heating unit
  • Thermostat
  • Hydrometer gauge
  • Drill
  • Duct tape
  • Wooden or plastic pegs (for the legs)
  • Epoxy
  • Cord
  • Wooden branch
  • Silk foliage
  • Water dish
  • Substrate (newspaper, reptile bark, mulch)
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Instructions

  1. Prepare the Container

    • 1

      Clean the plastic container with the mild dish soap. Rinse completely and let dry.

    • 2

      Remove the lid from the container.

    • 3

      Place the container on one side lengthwise

    • 4

      Drill two rows of 5 holes evenly spaced down the side of the plastic container.

    • 5

      Turn the container on the opposite side.

    • 6

      Repeat Step 4.

    • 7

      Turn the container upside-down on the work surface.

    • 8

      Lay the under tank heater pad on the bottom.

    • 9

      Apply strips of duct tape along the edges of the heater pad to attach it to the bottom of the container.

    • 10

      Attach the wooden disks to the corners of the bottom of the container using the epoxy. Let dry according to the manufacturer's directions.

    Attach the Thermostat and Hydrometer Gauge

    • 11

      Turn the container right-side up.

    • 12

      Tie the thermostat to the inside of the container with the cord. Position the thermostat along the inside wall of the container next to the holes.

    • 13

      Wrap the cord around the thermostat and through one hole.

    • 14

      Insert the cord back inside the container through the next hole. Tie a knot in the cord to secure the thermometer to the side of the container.

    • 15

      Slide the cord through one of the holes and attach it to the thermometer.

    • 16

      Lay the hydrometer probe on the bottom of the container and secure it with duct tape. Insert the wire back through one of the holes and attach it to the hydrometer gauge.

    • 17

      Place the probe for the hyrgrometer through one of the holes in the container.

    • 18

      Slide the wire out through one of the holes and attach it to the hygrometer.

    • 19

      Secure the wires to the bottom and sides of the container with duct tape to keep them neat

    Decorate the Tank

    • 20

      Pour the mulch evenly across the bottom of the container.

    • 21

      Insert the small silk foliage and wooden branches in random positions in the mulch.

    • 22

      Place the water bowl in the container.

    Finish the Tank

    • 23

      Turn on the thermometer and hydrometer gauge.

    • 24

      Place the lid on the top of the container and secure it with the latches.

    • 25

      Position the light over the container and turn it on.

    • 26

      Test the the environment by letting it stand for three hours. Check the readings on the thermometer and hyrdrometer gauge.

    • 27

      Adjust the level of humidity by closing side holes. To do this, apply a small strip of duct tape over one hole and let the tank stand for three hours. Check the settings and adjust again, if necessary.