How to Build an Adult Chinese Water Dragon Enclosure

For all of you guys, this is the way to do it. I hope this video helps so those of you owning water dragons now know how to build a proper enclosure for an adult. Until then, I will see you in the next video.
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#ChineseWaterDragon #ChinesewaterDragonSetup #ChineseWaterDragonEnclosureBuild

[@peteford2434]

Nice to see somebody actually doing it right by giving them adequate space.

[@AlexsAgamids]

+PETE FORD Thank you!

[@bryankennemur2283]

Alex, I love your video and I built one using this video as a baseline. I just wanted to correct one thing in your video that I didn't catch at the time but it clicked and I realized the error as I was building a new vivarium to fix issues I didn't know or realize on my first one. The issue is that you suggest using water based polyurethane. That is a bad idea as "water based" is removed with water so the humidity and any moisture will actually be washing your protection off of the wood. I just wanted to let you know as I know you take pride in your videos and information being reliable and accurate.hope your doing well with university with Covid 19 issues causing all of us headaches.

[@GhurdD]

I’m building one right now and when I finish I’m gonna post a video about it. Your video has been a great reference for me

[@AlexsAgamids]

Glad to hear it! Thanks for the support!

[@danniemikeey579]

I didn't know some woods where toxic to them!! Loved your video! I'm getting ideas for my CWD. He's a juvenile

[@austinburton9247]

Awesome build man, looks great!

[@AlexsAgamids]

AWB12 EXOTICS Thank you! It was totally worth all the time and $$

[@TheHamsterHoarder]

awesome set up! Great job!

[@AlexsAgamids]

The Hamster Hoarder Thanks you!

[@chevyhurt21]

Nice work, very well spoken and explained

[@AlexsAgamids]

That you!

[@BigDaddyPoof]

HAHA nice way to sneak that in at 0:14 with your hand. lmao

[@BryceBroom]

the end product is awesome

[@AlexsAgamids]

Righteous Reptiles Thank you! It took a while to build, but it was definitely worth it!

[@BryceBroom]

+Snakedude1814 totally

[@WildLife_Perspective]

Beautiful enclosure hope he likes it

[@AlexsAgamids]

She did haha!

[@Christian-cq5ne]

Much cheaper than buying one haha and its a fun little project to work on

[@AlexsAgamids]

Christian 312124 Agreed! Way cheaper than buying one! And I personally like building because you can customize your tank to the way you want it. Not a commercial option.

[@Jonathan-lf2br]

Great video man👍🏼😊

[@AlexsAgamids]

DecimalFiend022 Thanks man!

[@emilyrasputin]

Loving how much aerial climbing space she's got. You clearly care a lot about her.

[@AlexsAgamids]

I try my best. I always want to improve though as the size habitat is considered the minimum. If I could’ve I’d have built a larger one.

[@NicksExotics]

im in love with that tank you did a great job! some things you should get is a filter and get more fake plants go to art stores, the best one is hobby lobby

[@AlexsAgamids]

Nicks Exotics Dorst off thank you! And yes, most of the large six foot vines I buy at hobby lobby. I am yet tote a filter for my water however I do change it out regularly, but I can't blame myself for needing one, as the pest moss gets kicked in the water often by her and makes cleaning more difficult. Thanks again for watching and I'll defiantly look into that advice!

[@NicksExotics]

awesome

[@GadziGang]

Omg great job!

[@AlexsAgamids]

Thank you!

[@geckogrant7916]

Awesome!

[@angrydragonlady9025]

Very cool. You did a great job. You have awesome parents as well. Lol. Love it.

[@AlexsAgamids]

Thank you!

[@sazzy6264]

This kid knows what he's doing. So helpful to a new dragon owner! Thanks buddy!

[@AlexsAgamids]

i'm always happy to hear my advice and techniques are appreciated! Thanks for watching!

[@sazzy6264]

@@AlexsAgamids I'm also interested to know if you sell any enclosures that you build. I tweeted you about it.

[@AlexsAgamids]

To answer your question. No. I do not sell enclosures.

[@sazzy6264]

@@AlexsAgamids ok. I'd love to know if you can recommend any good enclosure retailers. I myself am not handy at all lol, and I don't like the limited selection available at most of the large petstore chains.

[@AlexsAgamids]

I would highly suggest AP cages (apcages.com). They make great PVC enclosures. Their 4’x2’x6’ model would be more than sufficient for a lone adult Chinese water dragon.

[@teresayoung4209]

Listen man you help me from spending 500 dollars just for some crappy cage but this cage is awesome thank you so much

[@AlexsAgamids]

Glad to have helped! - Alex

[@stimulatetheclint3234]

Wicked information, getting a baby tomorrow!

[@AlexsAgamids]

Good luck! They’re a lot of work, time, and money. But if you’re willing to commit. They’re a lizard that is worth it!

[@570exotics9]

Great work brotha I ended up buying a 3x3x6 for my green basilisk

[@AlexsAgamids]

If you can: go bigger. A good friend if mine breed B. plumifrons and doesn’t go any smaller than 4’x3’ for a single pair. He houses all of his breeding groups in 8’x2’x8’ outdoor enclosures to provide even more space. Basilisks like plenty of room to run!

[@570exotics9]

@@AlexsAgamids I only got a single male brotha I ain't doing a pair

[@AlexsAgamids]

Then aim for a 4’x3’ floorspace. Male basilisks will easily reach 3’ long from nose to tail. You wanna make sure it has room to stretch and not touch the ends of the enclosure. 👍🏻

[@jcexotic2380]

go to goodwill and get those big wardrobe glass door things and just add aquarium sealent since the wood is already finished so it will resist the humidity

[@VigorMortis413]

jc's exotic animals how will you know it is safe for the animal? They could have used toxic things!

[@brucesanchez2940]

Totally gonna do this

[@ninja_wolfofficial]

Finally got mine built I'll be uploading soon😎🌴🌴🌊🦎🦎🐉🐉

[@aBatwoman]

I would say more foliage it's expensive but it look really good.

[@AlexsAgamids]

Beauxty Oh she has more foliage now. It was just the setup after I finished to give a representation. If you check some of my latest videos. You will see she has a lot more than from this first setup.

[@aBatwoman]

Needs more I saw. lol

[@Chainspike101]

I have a lot of extra wood laying around and I think I am going to try to build this. The only thing is you should have finished the outside and stained it, I think it would have came out beautiful.

[@AlexsAgamids]

+Chainspike101 Good luck building! I would've finished the sides. However leaving the bar parts open makes transportation easier.

[@JasonDeals84]

Wassup snakedude1814. Awesome video very inspirational. Just wondering what specific polyurethane and caulking did you use to do the inside of the enclosure. Also what would you suggest to stain the outside of the enclosure? Thank you for your time. Keep up the good work

[@AlexsAgamids]

+J&J Tran The polyurethane I used was water based. The water based type was for the humidity and the amount of moisture in the enclosure. I do not know the exact brand. I did not stain the outside of the enclosure because that section of the habitat would not be exposed to crazy amounts of humidity and water. So unless you live in an area with crazy high humidity, there really is no need to coat the outside of the habitat. Thanks for watching! Good luck!

[@anneke77891]

I just finished building a large enclosure for my male Chinese Water Dragon, and was wondering, what wattage of light bulbs do you use? My enclosure is about six feet tall, so I was curious what wattage would be best to keep it warm towards the top, but also not too cool on the bottom. Thank you so much for your channel, it's been very informative and has helped me provide great care for my dragon. There are not many video resources on caring for CWDs, so I am very grateful your channel exists.

[@AlexsAgamids]

For a six foot tall enclosure it’ll vary depending on where you live and whether or not your lights are mounted on the inside of the enclosure, or you have holes cut out to for your designated lights(like my enclosure). I wish I could tell you the “exact” wattage. But sadly everyone has a different wattage that works for them. I may use a higher wattage for my enclosure than say someone in Florida. But someone north of me may use even higher wattages due to cooler temps. Again; I wish I could give you a straight answer. But truth be told that’s where the part of “experimenting” comes into play. I wish you the best of luck with heating your enclosure for your male Chinese water dragon. And if you have any future questions that I may possibly be able to answer. Do not hesitate to ask. My comments on my videos and message inboxes on the channels social media pages are always open

[@MorteTheSkull]

I know this is a late response, but my recommendation would be to get a dimmer, and buy the highest wattage you can reasonably afford, and just dim it if it's creating too much heat. With an enclosure this tall, you may also want to consider some heat from below; a lot of people use a small heated aquarium rather than a tub to keep the water warm for them.

[@leahg5028]

Do you happen to have a material list for building this tank. This looks like such a good tank and I’m going to build it for my Chinese water dragon.

[@AlexsAgamids]

Sadly due to being busy (You’re not the first to ask) I haven’t been able to compile a list of supplies. It is on my to do list, just gotta retrace all my supplies I did.

[@riseclxpped1667]

what do you recommend I clean a old salt water talk out with before putting my giant day gecko In it

[@AlexsAgamids]

I would suggest using a deep cleaning with F10. It’s an animal safe disinfectant and can allow you to deeply clean and kill all bacteria and nasty materials inside that could harm your gecko.

[@Christian-cq5ne]

Ya im aware they get big, about 3-4 feet. Ik they need a big custom enclosure im looking to build a 5w by 3d by 6h

[@AlexsAgamids]

5'x3'x6' would make an excellent enclosure size for an adult Chinese water dragon!

[@henrylosada9525]

quick question with out the electronics how much did it cost just in wood products ? and which type wood did you use for the enclosure for the dragon?

[@AlexsAgamids]

For decor and wood I spent about $140. For the large branches, I got them outside and treated them via a deep cleaning solution. The wood is oak.

[@arcticwolf1599]

hey I couldn't catch it in the video but what is the polyurethane that you used for this project:) great video btw can really tell you care for the cwd a lot.

[@AlexsAgamids]

+Leviath R T It's okay! I think I didn't mention the exact brand. However it is "water based" polyurethane. The water based type helps prevent the wood from molding due to the high humidity environments required for Chinese water dragons.

[@LittleHollow96]

Loved the vid man, looks awesome, what wood did you use ?

[@AlexsAgamids]

Ply wood made of oak!

[@tylerheight8777]

Alex’s Agamids what did you use for the 1x4 and 1x2 what kind of wood for that?

[@AlexsAgamids]

The 1”x4”’s and 1”x2”s that made the frame of the enclosure were made from oak wood. They come in eight feet long rods that were then cut to the needed size.

[@riseclxpped1667]

for as far as the doors go what do you use so they don't come out? I've heard not to use glass with Chinese water dragons. and if I get one rufly small is it ok to get a octagon tank for it or does it need a big box tank

[@AlexsAgamids]

The doors are only glass for the “window” part of the door. However the glass is not ground level in the enclosure. Thus, the Chinese water dragon can’t see out the glass. As for a hatchling water dragon. I would suggest you avoid using an old fish tank. These lizards grow very quickly! Start with a smaller wooden enclosure and then build a larger one. But DO NOT use a fish tank.

[@VSci_]

So my dimensions are the same except its 7ft tall. I am building a 40 gallon aquarium into the bottom for a full water feature and I had a question about the ground area. With the tank installed I will have a 5"x48" land area along the back wall, and a 12"x24" stretch along one side wall. Do you think this is enough land area? There will of course be extensive climbing area.

[@AlexsAgamids]

Yup! That should be plenty sufficient!

[@VSci_]

@@AlexsAgamids Thank you. Ill post videos showing what he is moving from, and the enclosure he is moving to. Both of them bioactive paludariums 🙂

[@stevenanderson652]

Hey bud. Just built my enclosure, I do have a question about your water area, I know you used just a plastic tub which is what I'm doing & changing it out daily but I'm curious what do you do to keep the water temp up if anything. Thank you! Great Video! I built mine based on your video.

[@AlexsAgamids]

Hello Steven, As long as your enclosure is maintaining proper ambient temperatures, the water will remain the temperature as the air in the enclosure. No heater needed! (after all, there's no heater in wild streams!)

[@McDennisis]

Nice Work Looks very good. Mine has exaxtly the same size. Can you please note the lights you use in the description? Would be very helpful for me. Sorry for my bad english. Sub ;)

[@justinswag168]

Would a 62hx42wx15d cabinet work in the long-term? I plan on converting an old cabinet into a CWD enclosure.

[@AlexsAgamids]

That would be too small. These lizards grow to be 36” long. 15” of depth is hardly enough room for it to turn around.

[@timmymiller4143]

What Type of plywood did you use

[@AlexsAgamids]

Compressed Plywood, made from Birch.

[@cindygillam3456]

I'm getting ready to convert a entertainment center into a water dragon enclosure. One question about ventilation... should vents be added to each side near the top, or are the cutouts at top where lights go (it will be similar to what you did) be enough ventilation?

[@AlexsAgamids]

In an entertainment center. You’ll wanna have vents on the side so that air flows through both the top and bottom. This’ll allow air to circulate throughout the entire enclosure by having vents on the side.

[@corbenbryant2389]

How many coats of polyurethane did you use? And did you just wait till it was dry before adding in a nether coat?

[@AlexsAgamids]

+Corben Bryant What i did was apply three coats directly. I didn’t wait for all of it to dry. Pretty much I would cover the whole interior. Then once I did one while covering. I did it twice.

[@joebesmehn2466]

what kind of wood did you use?

[@AlexsAgamids]

+joe besmehn, I used birch wood for this build. As a tank made out of cedar or pine wood can cause fumes that are toxic to reptiles.

[@tylerheight8777]

What thickness plexi glass did you use?

[@AlexsAgamids]

It was 1/4” thick plexiglass.

[@jonahbienhoff]

What wood, glue, did you say was safe for reptiles?

[@AlexsAgamids]

The wood glue used to hold all pieces together was just your standard wood glue. As the reptile won’t be coming into contact with it. For the interior corners. I used 100% aquarium silicone.

[@lifeoftony2361]

What brand thermostat do you use

[@AlexsAgamids]

Zoomed’s Hygrotherm. It controls both temperature and humidity , and allows for a night time temperature drop.

[@puppiesarethebest4223]

Is a 5 ft tall 3 ft wide 2 ft deep enclosure good for a Chinese water dragon

[@AlexsAgamids]

If you can, make it a bit longer. These lizards can grow up to 3ft long! So an enclosure measuring only 3ft side to side will cram an adult. Aim for 4ft or more in length. Otherwise, 5ft of height and 2ft of depth is plenty sufficient.

[@jessicastefanick1605]

Hey I’ve been watching your videos. I took your dimensions and sent this video to someone to custom build my enclosure, I’m curious as if you could send me a link/ links all equipment (lights uvb/uva, with which wattage) needed for my water dragon that’s needed inside the enclosure of this size :)

[@AlexsAgamids]

Check out my latest video "Chinese water dragon Enclosure Costs". It has a more "updated" build and I have links to everything needed in the video description!

[@littlevillagepythons9636]

What wood did you use? All wood sold at Lowe’s is pine?

[@AlexsAgamids]

I went to The Hone Depot and purchased oak plywood in 8’x4’ sheets and then used a frame of oak 1’x2’s and 2’x4’s for the skeletal structure.

[@eveespinosa9455]

I know someone's probably already asked this question, but where did you buy your wood supplies to make her enclosure? I have a female CWD who's going to need an upgrade as well.

[@septicturtle0465]

Eve Espinosa farmers lumber yard

[@eveespinosa9455]

Cool, thanks!

[@burudice6281]

What type of phone are you using

[@AlexsAgamids]

In this video. It was filmed with an old camera recorder. Not sure on the model.

[@scampyboyXD]

How often do you have the fogger going on

[@AlexsAgamids]

I don’t use a fogger anymore. Instead I just heavily spray down the enclosure 2-3 times a day and that suffices perfectly.

[@brandonbradley9463]

What is the measurement Are you wearing closure

[@coopsreptiles2588]

nice work man looks good and such a cool species we can only keep Australian water dragons. check out some of my enclosure builds if you like keep it up!

[@AlexsAgamids]

Coop's Reptiles Thanks and awesome! I will totally check out your channel as I hope to own Aussie water dragons in the future!

[@lorafox317]

What type of glass

[@AlexsAgamids]

Precut Plexiglass.

[@TrueBeelzebub]

It it okay if I use a large wooden dresser as the inclosure but change it a little

[@AlexsAgamids]

That can work. Just make sure it’s the correct size needed to adequately hold and adult Chinese water dragon.

[@TrueBeelzebub]

Alex’s Agamids good to know! it’s definitely the right size. I have two questions. At what age do you think it is okay to move a Chinese water dragon into a large inclosure? And should I be concerned about the stuff they put on the dresser wood to make it nice and smooth? Sorry about this there’s just not a bunch of information on Chinese water dragons online My water dragon was an impulse buy then I did my research and realized “oh man I ducked up” but I’m not willing to give her up and I’m committed to give her the best possible life in captivity

[@AlexsAgamids]

Once they’re around a year old and 12” long is when they’re best to be placed inside a proper enclosure. As for the worry of what’s in the wood. I’d suggest sealing it with 100% Water Based Polyurothane to remove and cover up an nasties that were there previously. Using the Polyurothane will also seal the wood and make it humidity resistant.

[@TrueBeelzebub]

Alex’s Agamids Thanks for the tips :)

[@sebastianarcila5604]

building it with black melamine works also?

[@AlexsAgamids]

Sebastian Arcila Yes that will work as well!

[@jamessindaco7998]

But what if the wood grows mold since you have to spray the tank to keep humidity high? Will it harm the lizard?

[@AlexsAgamids]

The wood is sealed with three coats of Water Based Polyurothane. Even since this video. With the wood being sealed there is no mold or mildew that has grown with how often the enclosure has been sprayed.

[@tambereverlith4452]

Can you give me a list of all the supplies? I want to build this exact same tank for my water dragon. Please

[@AlexsAgamids]

I’ve been trying to find and recollect all the supplies I used for it. When I’m able to type out a list I’ll put them in the description.

[@tambereverlith4452]

@@AlexsAgamids thank you

[@davemacinnh]

What wood do you want to stay away from?

[@AlexsAgamids]

Pine & Cedar!

[@bernadetteramos1940]

How much for the materials

[@AlexsAgamids]

Total this cage cost me $460. $120 of which was the cork background.

[@markammons6206]

Is there any way I can pay you to build one for me

[@haileyjohnson6532]

Snakedude1814 about how long did this take? how much was it for everything you used? I'm thinking of making this in advance for a CWD I'll be getting and this seems like the cheaper option to some of the others I've seen

[@AlexsAgamids]

+hailey johnson It took me about three weeks to build or so. The cost for everything the enclosure needed was about $260 (USD). That was for the cage alone. When I added the background that added up the cost to $360 total. Which may seem a bit pricy. But in terms and comparison of a $1,000+ custom cage, it's a pretty good deal.

[@xxdapperwolfxx1930]

Can I just start off with this big of an enclosure? Or do babies require a smaller tank?

[@AlexsAgamids]

You can start off with a larger habitat like so, however such a large space can lead to a baby having issues finding food and warmer and cooler areas of the habitat.

[@emilyrasputin]

You could always keep the baby in a smaller tank like a used aquarium, and work on the bigger one while it grows.

[@madamicequeen]

How much cork bark background did you use?

[@AlexsAgamids]

I used six of the 18”x24” Zoomed “Forest Tile” backgrounds to cover a majority of the back.

[@AlexsAgamids]

Steph Eastwood, they are screwed directly into the back of the enclosure.

[@Cowgirltough90]

Hello, where and how does that work with buying the glass?can you just buy the size you need or do you have to it to size? And is it real glass or plexy glass?

[@AlexsAgamids]

Usually if you stop at a local home improvement store, like I did, we were able to get big sheets of plexiglass and have it cut to fit the needs of the doors for the habitat.

[@Cowgirltough90]

Snakedude1814 ahhh ok thanks

[@AlexsAgamids]

You’re welcome.

[@ninja_wolfofficial]

Where did you get the glass bro. Please lemme know

[@AlexsAgamids]

For the doors I got the glass custom cut at a local hardware store.

[@Venus_7319]

Alex’s Agamids do you remember what the measurements were for it?

[@AlexsAgamids]

I believe it was around the lines of 35.5” x 18” for the glass panes that fit the door frame.

[@emmavinson6864]

How much does something like this cost to make??

[@AlexsAgamids]

This setup with all the supplies was just around $600. However, with the increased cost of wood. You will probably be paying more today.

[@sadiewayne5954]

Can I build this for my young CWD? He’s about 11 months old, so is that old enough for this enclosure??

[@AlexsAgamids]

At 11 months. It’ll be the perfect age to be upgraded!

[@sadiewayne5954]

Snakedude1814 Thanks so much!! I’m so excited to build this now!

[@eSeRh1nO]

I have a old china display cabinet that is 55" tall 72" long and 16" deep would this work for my adult female

[@AlexsAgamids]

The height and length are great! But 16” in depth is pretty skinny. I’d say aim got an enclosure that is around 24”-48” in depth to make sure the lizard has ample room to turn around and not whack its tail against the sides of the enclosure.

[@eSeRh1nO]

@@AlexsAgamids thank you

[@yungbless9383]

How much was all this

[@AlexsAgamids]

Around $800 total

[@RRIA_America]

Did you use screens on the front of the enclosure or glass?

[@AlexsAgamids]

I used glass for the doors. Screens would be useless as this species needs high temperatures and relative humidity. Thus: glass was the only viable option given its ability to retain heat and moisture far better than screen.

[@RRIA_America]

Alright thanks. Great video im going to build this for my water dragon.

[@AlexsAgamids]

You’re welcome! Best of luck to you and your enclosure building process!

[@2umissreznor]

@@AlexsAgamids would plexiglass not be a good option instead of glass?

[@AlexsAgamids]

Plexi glass will work. I used Plexiglass in the build for the doors ONLY. You have to have a solid sided enclosure or else they will nose rub. You can’t prevent it.

[@tylerheight8777]

What do u recommend for a fogger?

[@AlexsAgamids]

I don’t use foggers anymore. I would suggest is you’re looking for humidity control that you invest in a misting system such as those manufactured by MistKing or ProMist. A lot of the foggers on the market break easily and require distilled or R/O water to run.

[@tylerheight8777]

Alex’s Agamids oh okay that’s good to know thank you!!

[@badboumrmemph]

What type of wood do you use

[@AlexsAgamids]

3/4” Plywood.

[@badboumrmemph]

@@AlexsAgamids just normal ol plywood or is it a special type of plywood I have a bunch of plywood at my construction site that I can use and seal with sealer and I was wondering if that would be okay for my Chinese water dragon

[@AlexsAgamids]

Standard plywood. You can easily use the left overs from your site and seal to build a functioning enclosure 👍🏻

[@badboumrmemph]

@@AlexsAgamids thank you very much appreciate your advice

[@getoutside6648]

what kind of wood did you use for the frame?

[@AlexsAgamids]

1”x2”s of oak.

[@getoutside6648]

did you also use oak for the doors?

[@AlexsAgamids]

Yup! The entire habitat is made of an oak frame. Then plywood for the larger pieces.

[@Oczarka]

Hey what product do you use for your humidity timer I just finished my 5 by 5 by 2 feet deep enclosure for my juvenile male CWD an its huge and im painting the polyurathane on tmr also how much of the wood forest background did you get for that tank?

[@Oczarka]

Also what did you use to attach the background

[@AlexsAgamids]

Hello! So for my "humidity timer". I am actually using Zoomed's HygroTherm. I have ot set so my humidity stays at 80%RH. The unit then turns the fogger on every time the enclosure drops below 80%RH and turns if off after the enclosure exceeds 80%RH. For this enclosure being 4'x2'x5' (L'xW'xH') I used a total of six 18"x24" Zoomed Forest tile background's so cover 4.5 feet of the background. This gave me a 6" lip to allow a deep substrate (Since my dragon is female, she needs a deep layer of dirt to dig in for when the time comes she deposits infertile eggs).

[@Oczarka]

@@AlexsAgamids Thanks for the quick response. Im planning on breeding eventually so I will also do that with the substrate but do you have a link to the HygroTherm I cant seem to find any on amazon or atleast I want to know its trusted by a CWD expert haha

[@Oczarka]

@@AlexsAgamids nvm I found it, that thing is expensive $114 jeeez!

[@AlexsAgamids]

To attach the Zoomed Forest Tile background I just screwed it directly into the plywood back piece. The "Tile" is just flattened cork bark sheets, so it's really easy to drill into with a screw and get it secure to the enclosure back.

[@EdmundiumHitting]

Is it movable

[@AlexsAgamids]

It’s moveable. But it sure was heavy. The finished unit probably weighed around 400 pounds. And we moved it up a flight of stairs to the reptile room! Easily a 4 person job.

[@EdmundiumHitting]

Snakedude1814 ok because I am thinking about making this and I am moving in 2 years and we need to be able to move it into the truck Thx for the info

[@AlexsAgamids]

You’re welcome. Good luck!

[@madamicequeen]

Isn't plywood bad? Also how many qt's of Polyurethane did ya use? Sorry for all the questions, just tryna get my project in order now.

[@AlexsAgamids]

Nope! As long as you make sure it isn’t made out of pine or cedar. It won’t harm the reptile at all!

[@madamicequeen]

@@AlexsAgamids Okay! How about the polyurethane, how many quarts of it did you use?

[@AlexsAgamids]

I just bought an entire can and used all of it to apply three solid coats to the interior. I can’t recall exactly how many quarts I used. But the more you use. The more humidity resistant the wood will be!

[@joelballin3220]

Is there a way you could possibly make a checklist for us?

[@AlexsAgamids]

I’ll have to write one down. Then edit it into the description!

[@joelballin3220]

Snakedude1814 thank you! I just thought it’ll be great and more clear how much materials and length of everything is written down. I keep coming back to your video trying to get everything written down to my own checklist but one from you would be very very helpful

[@AlexsAgamids]

Sounds good!

[@boredmon8221]

I agree cause I'm not the best carpenter and really could use it. Let us know when you do

[@boredmon8221]

Snakedude1814 is this all the lumber I need to actually build this enclosure?? Lol it just seems like a lot of wood in the video compared to what's on the list?

[@sydneyjahns7955]

what type of wood are you using here. i’m wanting to build one but no to sure what kind of wood to use.

[@AlexsAgamids]

The frame is made of Oak wood. The plywood is made of oak as well.

[@sydneyjahns7955]

what other kind of wood is non toxic to them ?

[@AlexsAgamids]

@@sydneyjahns7955 Birch is another known one. Just avoid pine & cedar at all costs.

[@sydneyjahns7955]

okay . so i’ve read that it’s okay to house multiple water dragons together ? is that true ?

[@AlexsAgamids]

Sadly it is not true. These are VERY territorial lizards. They do not want and or need friends, while my later videos do show myself having a female and male together. This was only for breeding, otherwise he is kept separate most of the year so he doesn't kill the female, and so she doesn't kill him. Sadly there's too many bad videos out there showing two Chinese water dragons being kept together, and it should not be done! Even females will go at each other. If you're not intending to breed the species, then you must not consider keeping two water dragons together. It's for the longevity of the animals life. Simply put: no It's just not worth the risk and danger of them killing each other.

[@jiangxina9566]

How much money did it cost???

[@AlexsAgamids]

Joshua Thomas For just the tank it was about $350. Which is a really good price compared to a custom built tank by a manufacturer that is usually about $1,000-$3,000!

[@JMcKee253]

what type of fogger do you use??

[@AlexsAgamids]

The Zoomed ReptiFogger.

[@JMcKee253]

how often do you have to fill it up

[@AlexsAgamids]

Everyday. That ensures the humidity stays at 80%.

[@dabieisiofia2058]

Would a 60 h “ 48 l” 24 d”

[@AlexsAgamids]

Yes that would work for one or a pair of water dragons.

[@savagehitta2788]

Nice build. Yo do water dragons scratch their heads and bodies?

[@AlexsAgamids]

Yes. They’ll scratch themselves whilst shedding. Typically they do so when soaking in their water.

[@savagehitta2788]

Yea I seen them do it out of water also. And in the water they sometimes dip thier heads in and out da water.

[@savagehitta2788]

Mine just ate a single small thin piece of coco husk now I'm worried happened this morning. Hope no inspections may u help

[@AlexsAgamids]

As long as your enclosure has the proper temperatures and your dragon is kept well fed and healthy. Passing a bit of coconut fibre won’t be an issue.

[@savagehitta2788]

Alex's agamids. Ok thank u so much can I use repti calcium with d3 in it to dust food. Or without d3?

[@imsam1974]

How much was this?

[@AlexsAgamids]

$460 to build the cage and have the lighting and cork background. I spent about $800 total on cork bark, bedding, and all the decor in total.

[@maxmakesit8157]

If I used melamine would I still have to waterproof it?

[@AlexsAgamids]

Nope! Melamine is already water proofed. So as soon as you built an enclosure (out of melamine), all you’d need to do is install the lighting, decor, and heating. And then your Chinese water dragon will be good to go!

[@maxmakesit8157]

@@AlexsAgamids Thanks so much! I really enjoy watching your videos! You put out some very high quality content.

[@ordinaryman5006]

What is the total cost of all of the materials and tools used to make this and how long did it take? I’m trying to decide between purchasing a custom made enclosure vs making our own. Very informative video. Great job.

[@AlexsAgamids]

Hello! So the cage itself (not including lighting or the cork background) was about $350 in materials. The cork background cost me an additional $120. So for the care tank with the background it was around $470. For light fixtures and bulbs I spent about $50 for the two UVB hoods, and then the domes were around $20 or so "used" from a friend of mine. Lighting was about $36 for my linear UVB lights, and roughly $8 for a Par20 outdoor floodlight basking lamp. The "Jungle Mix" substrate is $29 a bad at my local store, and any and all plants were between $13.99-$20.99 The water basin was a 28qt tub for like $6 at a Walmart. The one hollow cork tube cost me around $60 at a reptile show as large cork pieces are hard to comeby. The rest of the driftwood used was from branches I got outside and washed and bleached throughly. Overall, everything was around $800 plus a little extra in the end. While it's still going to be expensive more or less depending on who you purchase a cage from. These lizards simply put: "Aren't cheap".

[@tylerheight8777]

For that size cage what watt basking bulb did u go with?

[@AlexsAgamids]

As of now (2020). I have changed my lighting from what you see in the video. To provide the proper temperatures. I have two 90 watt Par38 outdoor halogen floodlights (one in the single left dome. And then in the right double dome I have a halogen and a compact florescent UVB bulb)

[@tylerheight8777]

Alex’s Agamids do the 90 watt par38s put out enough heat? Do u think I could do one of them and a 150 watt ceramic with my 10.0 34inch t5? My cage is roughly the same size.

[@AlexsAgamids]

The two halogen floodlights put out more then enough heat. Ceramic heat emitters dry out the air. So I wouldn’t suggest using them.

[@tylerheight8777]

Alex’s Agamids do you leave the halogen flood lights on all the time or do u have them on a thermostat

[@AlexsAgamids]

All of my lighting is on a timer. The floodlights and UVB bulbs are on for 12hrs and then off for 12hrs.

[@MinecraftRex16]

I love to copy the cage for mine do you remember all the measurements ?

[@AlexsAgamids]

4’x2’x5’(LxWxH)

[@MinecraftRex16]

Snakedude1814 what kind of wood did you use where did you get it my Home Depot doesn’t carry any non pine or cedar wood and I can’t find a store or a site to order from

[@AlexsAgamids]

I got my wood fro, Home Depot and asked for no pine. They took me to an isle that had oak & other woods that wouldn’t be toxic to Harriet.

[@MinecraftRex16]

@@AlexsAgamids last question did you use 1x2 for the doors?

[@AlexsAgamids]

Yes. The doors are constructed via 1x2’s. They meet at a 45 degree angle to form the rectangle. Afterwards they are coated with 100% water based polyurethane and then left to dry. Once dry. Plexiglass was cut to fit the inside of the door frame. Plexiglass being a more plastic type material was able to be screwed into the frame.

[@random191]

I just gotta build me one of those enclosures, male Water Dragons get too big man.

[@AlexsAgamids]

+Random Electronicszzz Tell me about it! Lol! A three foot lizard is a pretty big deal!

[@random191]

Snakedude1814 Do females only get two feet?

[@AlexsAgamids]

+Random Electronicszzz 2ft is average. My female (shown in the video) is about 2 and a half. So they can get bigger. But 2ft is average.

[@hamstergirl01]

Snakedude1814 ik this is late but do they get 2/3 ft with tail or without tail length counted?

[@AlexsAgamids]

They get roughly two to three feet long with the tail. Females staying closer to two feet with the tail. Whereas the males are usually three feet long with the tail. There are always exceptions with some individuals of both sexes being larger and or smaller than average.

[@ohdearinpubs417]

Cost?

[@AlexsAgamids]

OhDearInPubs $350 total. That was with the Zoomed Background tiles. However just for the plain enclosure (meaning wood & screws/nails) that was only $250.

[@BobMossNox]

Is that Walter White's old neighbourhood?

[@AlexsAgamids]

Nope! I definitely DO NOT cook Meth to support my reptile hobby ;)

[@BobMossNox]

@@AlexsAgamids 😂

[@BobMossNox]

Cool build 🤘😎🖒

[@jessicarakks7409]

Can you just make me one? I’ll Cashapp you lol

[@AlexsAgamids]

I do not make enclosures for resale. You’d be better off buying a custom option if you cannot build your own.