Pimp my vivarium...

[BeardieG]

Hi to all -

Having recently accquired our Beardie - an adult named Godzilla (for our 10yr old son) - complete with his own vivarium - which having read/recieved various bits of advice may be a wee bit small -he's about 15" - his pad is 35x24x15 "

We also feel he's maybe hinting at a larger environment - due to 'air swimming/climbing ' moves up the glass doors/back...we're (okay the other half to be specfic) thinking of building a longer and slightly higher one -

Questions /Ideas

With possibly another UV Fluroscent (may mount these on the ceiling - as opposed to the back wall) / moonlight - should we have a gentle air flow timer controlled - say to come on at night (as opposed to static vents?)

Is it okay to furnish with some 'live' foliage - thinking about some bamboo (the 'Good luck' variety) - or any other recommendations - as a lot of sites only offer artifical ones...?

Also thinking of putting tiles on the base an a line a bit above floor level - then creating a rocky side/back as his rock wall - obviously away from light sources ! - with water running down on this on one of the sides - into a trough (but that would be more decorative than neccessity - as it could end up making it too humid ....? aware natural habitat is the hot outback - but as he's probably a CB one and never been there ...thoughts...)

Will also be thinking about new substrate product seen - RubbStrate - Re-useable Reptile Substrate -anyone used it/thoughts ?
Seems like a good idea - maybe more cost effective in the long run....

Any help/ suggestions welcome - also what substances are safe to build 'rock' features(seen mention of expanding foam) and seal them ? (kind of thinking coating with a sandy texture - bit like masonary paint type thing...)

Oh and another thought - possibly making a run (daft I know) - but as we do get sun in the UK with warm temps (honest!) - rather than risk loosing him out in the garden - thought this might be a good thing -however should it have a base or just the grass (we've a sandy soil) - as he make take it upon himself to get in-touch with his inner Lizard and respond to gentic coding instincts of 'burrowing' ?....if they do indeed dig ...

Looking forward to thoughts - Cheers
BeardieG