How to Build a Reptile Waterfall

28 14:18:09

How to Build a Reptile Waterfall

How to Build a Reptile Waterfall. Reptiles are immensely popular in the exotic pet trade, and many owners take great liberties in decorating their enclosures to represent the beauty of their natural habitats. Nothing can emulate the look of the rainforest better than a waterfall in your reptile's enclosure, which can be created with a few basic materials available at your local hardware store.

Things Needed

Rectangular foam block
Rubber tubing
Electric water pump
Litter pan
Screwdriver

Step 1

Twist the screwdriver up through the bottom of the foam block, creating a tunnel running vertically through it.

Step 2

Again with the screwdriver, make a horizontal tunnel near the top of the block that intersects with the vertical tunnel at a 90-degree angle. The hole you created near the top of the block will be the location from which water spouts.

Step 3

Run the rubber tubing up through the vertical tunnel in the foam block, leaving a few inches protruding from the bottom.

Step 4

Connect the end of the exposed rubber tubing to the output of the electric water pump. The output is where the water spouts from the pump after it has been sucked in.

Step 5

Fill the litter pan with water and place it within the enclosure.

Step 6

Place the waterfall mechanism, along with water pump, into the litter pan and plug the pump's power chord into an outlet. Water should begin flowing through the rubber tube and out of the top of the foam block.

Warnings

This is a very basic waterfall, so make sure to dress it up to better match its surroundings. Use a utility knife to carve the block into a rocky, more natural shape. Paint it with aqua-safe, non-toxic paint or even decorate it with plants and leaves. You can also cut out a portion of the bottom of the foam block to hide the electric water pump.

Warnings

Reptiles tend to defecate in their water, and the foam will act as a filter and soak up those organic chemicals, which over time could develop toxicity. Make sure to rinse your waterfall foam out over fresh water at least once a week to prevent the growth of any potentially harmful pathogens.