mantarium A-Z construction part i - Page 2

GOLDENORFE · #11 (**permalink**) 30th July 2009, 22:45

wonderfull, i take it this species of

does not need much ventalation.

could you have constructed entirely from perspex instead of glass?

kirobella · #12 (**permalink**) 31st July 2009, 13:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by GOLDENORFE

wonderfull, i take it this species of

does not need much ventalation.

could you have constructed entirely from perspex instead of glass?

Yes i suppose a perspex construction would also suffice but i don't know what the heat matt would do to the base if i did construct one. also i suppose the perspex would have to be much more rigid so therefore thicker and since the perspex i was using cost £13 from B&Q for a sheet i think the cost of the other stuff was like way more expensive - £30 - £50. I guess a wooden frame would support the structure best but i do not see why a good aquatic silicone would be as good just like constructing a glass viv. I made a huge glass viv - but i dont think it was as cheap as having one ready made by the experts to my own specifications. A good tip is to see what size tanks a local aquatic store stocks and ask them if they can make a similar size one but open fronted without the usual black plastic strip or glass ledges etc. I suppose if you just fancied a 36X12X12 which is a standard size the cost should not be more than £35. Really i find that the glass is good - clear visibility and adequate for humidity. Ventilation - i have drilled adequate holes in the perspex and due to the hinged door there is infact a 2mm gap between it and the top so infact the door isn't flush tight against the divisions apart from at the base. There are sufficient ventilation holes at the bottom end of the perspex too to allow good air supply. I have had no trouble whatsoever with this design and the paradoxa mantids are well - females laid a profussion of ooths - more than any of the other mantids infact and i guess this species i am told needs a higher humidity level and good ventilation requirement than most other mantid species. If this were, as a hypothesis, put down to their small size - body mass ratio to oxygen intake then i would also welcome you to view the Hierodula membranacea (Giant Indo Malay) which has outlived several other species and is i would say happy as pie. My digital thermometer and humidity sensors indicate a suitable temp/humidity factor. I did actually purchase an air supply pump initially to feed oxygen into the units but it was too darn noisey - even at a distance and at low frequency - but that was over a year ago now and the mantids are doing well. I never observe them frantic gasping for air or due to some mean light/heat supply.
I would rather have a nice big display downstairs for a paradoxa community and am looking at Andie's and Gurd's designs for this.
In the heat of the Summer i usually use a fan anyway for air circullation between the upstairs rooms and this again circulates good air quality. Thankyou for the inquirey.

kirobella · #13 (**permalink**) 15th March 2010, 00:36

A good idea would also see that a glass strip (say 5cm high) be silconed to the very inner front of each unit at the base so as to prevent substrate from spilling out of them. If you look at the construction picture - 'stage 12' you can see I initially overcame this by placing pebbles at the front of the units but really a glass strip would be far better. To date I have not implemented the idea in question but when the Summer turns and I can place the mantids outside on a tree etc then I hope to do as said and be mindful that the fumes from the silcone effuse and will not interfere with the wee beasties before I can reintroduce them back to their individual units.

mantid ed · #14 (**permalink**) 22nd April 2010, 08:22

my mantids would love one

spitfire12 · #15 (**permalink**) 22nd April 2010, 21:55

mate, thats brilliant!... i want one

i intend to make my own glass tanks soon using UV bonding.

this has inspired me lol!

kirobella · #16 (**permalink**) 23rd April 2010, 15:43

Goodluck spitfire mate - I would strongly recommend a lip in the front to stop substrate and other such debri falling out. Like to see some pics too once you are ready. always here to lend some advice etc. Thankyou all once again for the feedback.