COST EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES
DECOR ON A BUDGET
There are many reasons that my vivariums are heavily decorated plants, rocks, branches, water areas. The fact of the matter is that I keep over 60 animals in a 1200 square foot area in our main rooms, on our main floor. In a 100 year old house that has no heat in the upstairs except the master bedroom and hallway. Secondly, I also keep integrated tanks. When doing this I have created many levels and paths so that each may have his own "comfort zone". There are species that will bask side by side, others are shy and need cover to stay near the zone that most suits them. This is a very busy space. The lizards are more relaxed when they have cover on 3 sides and foliage to hide behind as nature intended for these very shy creatures.
ROCKS ~ I purchase all my slate at garden centres. Best prices: late fall or spring sales. Sometimes you can pick some up in the classifieds as people change decor in their yard. Farmers fields will have them piled in the corners. (ask first). 10% bleach solution will sterilize them.
PLANTS ~ Find a dollar store that has a good variety. Once or twice a year I go in and buy 10 to 20 dollars worth - the price I would have to pay for one large one in a pet store. They are not as well made, admittedly. I have tried live plants in some of the vivariums but have found them more responsibility than I would like to add in to the mix here. I will also watch the local classifieds site for silk trees. I use them whole or wretch branches off.
Find the bargains at the end of season at the garden centers has also been brought to my attention.
BRANCHES ~ you guessed it ~ I get it straight of the yard or when I see one I like on a road side or beach. I understand that I am taking a risk but haven't had any problems either in 7 years. There are ways to treat wood. (Suggestions would be appreciated) I also use leaf litter in the tanks in the fall of each year. Our trees are mainly ash which is safe. I need to add that I live in Ontario and your location may prove to have a very different variety. Some people bake branches or stumps or driftwood for a couple of hours at at lower temp., or boil if it is small enough.
Even when you are first buying your little buddy. Try to think for the long haul so you can minimize your purchases and the damage to your wallet. (Saying that in my own head ...50 times over so I remember to follow my own advice.) I am always AMAZED when I hear...I don't have the time to take care of a reptile. The maintenance time for a well done natural setup is much less work. Much easier with living earth substrates than with desert environments. Also much easier to accomplish with smaller species than with beardies or iguanas.
One of the most important are your choices for pumps for running water features. Remember you are thinking health of the water ~ filtering capacity in the mind set that you have a Bearded Dragon not a guppy eliminating in the water. Amonia or equivalent is important. Charcoal and filter or the filter will have to be cleaned very often. I also occasionally use a drop or two of GSE (Grapefruit seed extract) to control bacteria. The pond can go 6 weeks in between cleaning the pump and 3 to 4 months on cleaning the filtering system even with 8 turtles and 10 larger fish. The fluval 3 on the hexagon only needs to be cleaned every 2 months.
EBAY ~ I have purchased a few items from ebay. I have found problems with buying out of the states. No. 1, I have lost 2 shipments due to no tracking after reaching the border (totalling 350, ouch). No. 2 reptile supplies can be hit pretty hard with duty ~ one order cost $45.00 on a 120.00 purchase. Be sure to check the shipping amount in advance. What appears to be a good deal can go sour quickly after adding additional charges to the purchase.
www.kijiji.com is a great free classified site for buying locally. www.craigslist.com would be another...just beginning in Ontario......if in Canada... www.reptilescanada.com has a well developed classified section as well.
Click here: www.reptileforums.net - A Penny Saved, Is One More to Spend on Another Rep ~ JacqueTurtle has a great deal to say on a number of specific areas, saving on foods, on enclosures, alternatives for food bowls, hides, water areas.....check it out! And think outside the box the pet industry is providing.