Possibly planning on building a new viv?

MomoStark · Aug 26, 2016

Hi there, so I recently bought a tank for my juvie that will soon out grow him (its approx 22 gal). So, I am wondering if building my own viv is the way to go since I am assuming it would be less expensive than buying a 40 gal tank.

So anyways, my plans are:
40 gal tank
openable from top
mesh top
glass windows
melanine edges

If I am using melanine would I have to be using any finishes?

Should I use screws or a staple gun?

I am super excited to get started on this :blob5:

. I haven't built something since junior year of high school through the tech crew.

Gormagon · Aug 26, 2016

I know you think 40 gallon tank would work but in the long run you'll be better off going ahead and building 2 by 2 by 4 vivarium. In the long run it will save you money because you have to build one like that anyway when it's all said and done. It would be best to go ahead and do that now instead of having to build 2 vivs.

CooperDragon · Aug 26, 2016

I agree. Building is more cost effective and you can build something big and customized. Here's a walkthrough of a popular model to give you some ideas but get creative with it if you want =) https://beardies.dreamwidth.org/2145.html

MomoStark · Aug 26, 2016

Hmmm okay. I would probably have to buy another light fixture since I only have an 18" UVB, if I am truly considering this adventure.

If I did do this do you think it would be better to do melanine or a plywood that is oak? I have read that melanine doesn't really hold moisture well.

Aaaaah people are posting so fast.

I was actually looking at that one and kind of modifying it a bit to my liking to make sure it fits where his current tank is.

CooperDragon · Aug 26, 2016

If you have the money I'd go with oak for durability's sake, but you can seal melamine with some polyurethane (let it set for a week or two before move-in day) and it will work fine. Save room in the budget for good lighting. This will work well in most setups and should be mounted about 12'' up over the basking area's high point. http://www.lightyourreptiles.com/22-t-5-ho-fixture-high-output-with-arcadia-d3-12-ho-bulb/

MomoStark · Aug 26, 2016

I am still debating on this, but it is nice to hear about the process to let me know that I probably cannot afford this anymore with my two jobs. For a minute I thought that 75 bucks for one bulb I was about to go sell my kidney, but then I noticed it came with the fixture.

CooperDragon · Aug 26, 2016

Lol yeah it's an investment, but it's an excellent bulb and is worth it. The one I have has been going strong for well over a year, while the T8 bulbs need replacement every 6 months or so.

MomoStark · Aug 26, 2016

I bet! Wow that is a really nice investement if it lasts over a year!

CooperDragon · Aug 26, 2016

The output is higher too. Even at 12'' it puts out around 5 UVI (close to mid-late morning sunlight) vs a T8 at 6'' puts out about 3.5 UVI (early morning sunlight).

Possibly planning on building a new viv?

MomoStark

Member

Gormagon

Extreme Poster

CooperDragon

BD.org Sicko

MomoStark

Member

CooperDragon

BD.org Sicko

MomoStark

Member

CooperDragon

BD.org Sicko

MomoStark

Member

CooperDragon

BD.org Sicko

Members online

Latest resources

Latest posts

Latest profile posts

Forum statistics

Share this page