Habitat - Indoor :: Few questions about my new setup.

[superkeener]

I've got everything I need now for Emily's new tank.
50-gallon Rubbermaid Tub
AquaClear 110 Filter
water heater
lighting
I just need help with a couple more things before I can move her into it. I bought some PVC pipe had it measured and cut to help prevent the tub from bowing. But i think becasue my heater is not fully submersable (correct me if im worong) Its a jager 150w I believe heater. What would be the best way to cut the tub to insert the PVC piping.
Also my other question.... a basking area. Is there any ways for me to build one besides using PVC and tiles I dont really want to do that sicne Im not too 'crafty' and other suggestions that are effective and cheap.

Thanks Yet again!!!!

[superkeener]

anyone anyone anyone?

[sarah]

You know, you may not need the heater at all. My water stays at a constant 78 degrees....Our cold water comes out at 78 so I don't even have to leave them out of their tank ha.
Then again...I am in Tx and it's always hot.
Just see if you need the filter or not. You don't want the water too hot either.
And I just bought a suction cup dock for a basking area. But I don't know if that'd work if you aren't using glass.
Wish I could help more.

[DanielRES1180]

Don't know on Jager heaters, so I can't help you on that one.

You can use corkbark, alls you have to do is cut a nice chunk that can fit in the tank, you can wedge it in the tank between the sides and it'll do from what I've heard.

sarah, where in Texas are you? I don't imagine TX getting that hot exept the western part.

[sarah]

way down south. by the border of Mexico.

[DanielRES1180]

The border is waaaaay long. Where exactly. I've only been to El Paso and the suburbs.

[sarah]

ever been to *? It's pretty close to El Paso

[superkeener]

ok I have solved all of the problems, except for the basking area, the tub is almost complete, just needs a baskign area, water and emily!!!!! she will be so happy with all this room

[DanielRES1180]

Searching through all the junk in my house, didn't find anything. Is it along I-10? I've never been to towns more than 5 miles away from I-10 in Texas.

[sarah]

I'm not sure. haha.
I just know it's close to El Paso. and it's hot ...

[DanielRES1180]

Wow, it is really far from El Paso in my terms. Especially with gas stops every 100 miles along Interstate 10 (I-10).

[sarah]

haha. When you live in nowhere land half way across the country seems close :p

[steve]

How big is Emily?

I think most Ebo Jagers are fully submersible, do have a pic of the one you have? I'd keep the heater in, besides it can help heat up the water when you are doing water changes. To make holes, I think a Dremel might work (I'm not a tool guy)... what did you use? A PVC basking area is very cheap, easy and strong. All you really need to do is cut the PVC with a saw

You might need to support the bottom of the Aquaclear so it's weight does not pull on the tub. Good luck!

[marisa]

Superkeener, I'd put the Aquaclear on something (I have mine on stacked 2 X 4s). It's hard to get it level if it's not on a regular tank, and if it's not level, there's a good chance a lot of water is going to wind up on the floor...

The Ebo Jager boxes say they're not to be fully submersed, but I've used one totally submersed and have had no problems with it as have others (I think the mfgr put the warning on them to limit their liability).

[superkeener]

ok thanks for all the help, I have the tank completed I used this plactic dismantable shelf for the basking area, I got it weighted down good, and check all areas for possible plaes for emily to get stuck. Is working fine for the moment. I've got the heater placed and is working fine Emily is loving her new home I'll put some pictures up in a bit, thanks again for all your input and advice