Temp Gator Tank

[BWSmith]

Of course, this is just the temporary enclosure for the gator, but I thought I would share. It is a 150 gallon Rubbermade Stock Tank (not that easy to find).



It basically just had a drain on it. So I headed to Home Depot to harass the employees until they gave me a solution for hooking a hose for drainage. (I am the only one I know that electrocuted myself doing plumbing to the point of going to the E.R.).



And in a rare moment of foresight, I added casters. You can see that I also elected to have a flat hose handy for filling and draining (otherwise I would leave it outside)



I also am using an external 5 level canister filtration system rated for 200 gallons. Since the water level is low at the moment since it is a temp enclosure, this will do. Once the final enclosure is finished, I am adding another of the same model.



For the land area, I have a flat, long piece of Cypress driftwood balanced on the lip. To secure it, a length of PVC is screwed to the bottom and a hollow log mounted over that. There is also a driftwood stump (on the right, can't see it well) that is mostly submerged and acts as a ramp to the basking area. I have double lamps for heat and UVB. They are situated on an old 30 gallon screen top screwed to the top of the stock tank.


The water is a little dark due to the tannin in the water coming from the cypress wood. May be a good thing actually since it more closely matches the water composition of the swamps in the Okefenokee. Gators can jump forward, but not up very well, so it is secure without a top. Plus, there is nothing for her to grab on to. I have a 400 watt water heater with a built in thermostat, but I elected not to install it right now. The water stays at about 75 degrees. I have jumped in the Okefenokee before, and that water cannot be more than 65 degrees. So I think that the water temps are about perfect.

Of course, anyone who knows me knows that I abide by my dad's philosophy of "there is no doing like overdoing". Soon I am expanding the enclosure so that the entire 150 gallon tank will be just the pond. I am building a new enclosed land area that will attach to the pond. No more details, you will have to wait and see it.

	Ultra Violet Radiation B Ultra Violet Radiation B

[John_White]

Well done!

[Ghroller]

Nice BW...

[redtail1]

Originally Posted by BWSmith

No more details, you will have to wait and see it.

TEASE... LOL
Can't wait to see the pics

[LoraJean]

really cool, so what do you do when it get's huge? I mean I know they are smaller than males, but are you going to have to build a backyard swamp or what?

[BWSmith]

Technically, i already have an outdoor enclosure in place for an adult gator. I would just have to take the Koi out of it and fence in one side (already fenced on 3). The outdoor pond is about 8' x 12' by about 2.5' deep. I also have the square footage to easily accomidate an indoor enclosure.

[toker]

Very impressive!!!

What is the noise level like on that filtration system? I know its a moot point but its one of those things I ponder when I see indoor setups.

[BWSmith]

It runs almost silent. Well, at least I think it does. The gator is set up in the hot room, so I can't hear the filter over the rattling

[Ace]

Dude that is a cool setup. I can't wait to see the final setup.

[trinitywolf]

Very nice Brian.

[MTB Mamba]

That's awesome, gators are one animal that fascinates me, but that I will probably never own. I guess I'll have to find a Utah BW and visit all his hots and gators...

	Venomous Reptile A term commonly used to refer to a venomous reptile. Most commonly used in reference to venomous snakes.

[brownsfan222]

[quote=BWSmith] I would just have to take the Koi out of it one side (already fenced on 3). to QUOTE]
Do u think the koi would mind to share their pond with an adult gator? lol

[PythonGuy24]

COOL. I love working with crocodilians. I had a dwarf caiman and i loved him. Nice job.