I am working on something big...

GartenSpinnen

Arachnoprince
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I had the coolest freaking idea ever. It came to me while trying to figure out a unique way of housing and rearing thousands of baby Argiope aurantia (for the fun of it) indoors. My fiance didn't exactly love the idea, but I was persistant on doing it, and I knew I could invent something that allowed as much webbing space as possible and still did not take up huge amounts of room.

And I got it. I figured it out.

I don't think anybody has ever done this before, so it should be interesting to see what happens. Will post my invention as soon as I get some progress into it :)
 

GartenSpinnen

Arachnoprince
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I do not think there is any way of explaining it without spilling the beans...

And if I am going to spill the beans I much rather do it with pictures lol

:)
 

GartenSpinnen

Arachnoprince
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I am trying to find some kind of dried root or piece of driftwood that is large and shaped like a branching tree. Kinda hard to explain, but even harder to find.

The plan was to create this thing like a hang on the wall enclosure that allowed a large view and area for the web building species that like to create larger webs. I wanted to put the driftwood mounted within the center, then create the frame out of wood with plexiglass on the front for viewing. Trying to get the weight down on it, but also trying to figure out what I could use that would fit the idea of the centerpiece driftwood tree.

Kind of hard to explain I guess, but I am gonna get started on it as soon as I can. Pics will follow and we will see what happens.
 

Travis K

TravIsGinger
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You could use that wired jungle vine they sell for Chameleons.
 

GartenSpinnen

Arachnoprince
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So this is a really bad example, but I want to create something similar to this that will be an enclosure. The tree will be driftwood (preferably as much like this in looks as possible), which will be center display mounted within the enclosure.

The enclosure will be flat and hang on the wall similar as to a shadow box. So you kinda get an idea where I am going with this lol



The depth of the enclosure is going to be approximately 3" I think, but I would like to push for max size to allow plenty of web space. I was thinking 3' x 3' >:). The only issue is again the weight, but I think I figured that part out now.

The frame of the enclosure will be made of wood, which I plan on painting black. I want to use thin plexiglass to relieve the weight of the enclosure as much as possible. I would also like to incorporate ventilation through screen, but the enclosure itself will flip open allowing full access to the inside for maintenance.



Its a start...
 
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Silberrücken

Arachnoangel
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Feb 17, 2010
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875
I think this is a GREAT idea!!!! I was thinking of using a very small closet as a recessed enclosure...the only thing I need to figure out is ventilation. As a matter of fact, maybe I just figured that out too... :D drill 2 small holes into wall that is the outside too, and use PC fans for intake and outtake circulation.

Keep us posted on your progress, as I would LOVE to see your finished project! That is a very cool idea, like a "living picture" type of thing. :clap::clap::clap:

Good luck with this, and I hope it is a complete success!!!! :D

S.
 

GartenSpinnen

Arachnoprince
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I think this is a GREAT idea!!!! I was thinking of using a very small closet as a recessed enclosure...the only thing I need to figure out is ventilation. As a matter of fact, maybe I just figured that out too... :D drill 2 small holes into wall that is the outside too, and use PC fans for intake and outtake circulation.

Keep us posted on your progress, as I would LOVE to see your finished project! That is a very cool idea, like a "living picture" type of thing. :clap::clap::clap:

Good luck with this, and I hope it is a complete success!!!! :D

S.
Thank you :)

Living picture is exactly what I was going for, I thought a giant living picture on the living room wall featuring some nifty driftwood design covered in Argiope's was the closest thing to true spider porn I could come up with :D

I was pondering the ventilation issue on my side as well. Computer fans sound like a fantastic idea for this! Maybe if I put one in the top left hand corner as an intake, then another at the bottom right hand corner I could mimic natural air flow to some extent.

I was also wondering how to add lighting, but decided that I would just choose my placement wisely for this purpose. I did not want to add too much electrical components, but then I got thinking again, and maybe I will get some moonlight LED's to install in the top. Then I will place a switch on the side that operates the fans and LED's. When it is night time the display will be lit up as to resemble moon light.

This should be an interesting project indeed :)

Kind Regards,
Nate
 

Silberrücken

Arachnoangel
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Feb 17, 2010
Messages
875
Hey Travis, that is also a great idea! :clap::clap::clap:

I think this would be a great addition for the back "wall" of my enclosure. Plenty of places for spiders to jump, hide, etc.! :)

S.
 
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