Cheap enclosures or DIY?

[bassclgirl92]

I have my dragon in a nice glass tank, 36" L X 24" H X 18" D, I believe. He's grown and is always getting agitated by his reflection, so I am interested in putting him in a 4' X 2' X 2' PVC or melamine enclosure. I love the various critter condos, lizard lounges, and all those stunning cages sold on various sites but I absolutely cannot drop over $200 on one right now. Craigslist has nothing, either. I'd sure love to pay someone $100 to configure one for me since I cannot for the life of me figure out how to do it myself, but I doubt that is realistic, so I guess I'm wondering what people have done, how much it's cost, and if they had detailed step-by-step instructions.

Pleeeease!

 

[CooperDragon]

That's actually not a bad size. You might first try putting up a photo background and see if that helps. If you have a high res photo you can have a print shop make one to needed size. Aside from that it will be difficult to get a large custom enclosure for under $200. Even if you build one on your own it will be out around that range. This is one of the more popular builds. I'd build it a bit taller though if you can. https://beardies.dreamwidth.org/2145.html

 

[Terry15]

Petco is having a 1$ a gallon sale, they also have some other tanks on sale too.

 

[Terry15]

I really like this one someone made out of a old dresser or dining buffet.

 

[Taterbug]

That's actually not a bad size. You might first try putting up a photo background and see if that helps. If you have a high res photo you can have a print shop make one to needed size. Aside from that it will be difficult to get a large custom enclosure for under $200. Even if you build one on your own it will be out around that range. This is one of the more popular builds. I'd build it a bit taller though if you can. https://beardies.dreamwidth.org/2145.html

Depending on what you can reuse from your current setup lights wise, and if you can get deals on wood a crossfire can cost as little as 100$ and the plans are pretty easy. If you aren't super fussy about final dimensions you can have a lumberyard cut the plywood for you.

I built a crossfire and one based on it but twice as tall. My current setup (middle) cost about $500 including lights and glass. The old one (left) cost about $150 including lights and glass.

 

[bassclgirl92]

That's actually not a bad size. You might first try putting up a photo background and see if that helps. If you have a high res photo you can have a print shop make one to needed size. Aside from that it will be difficult to get a large custom enclosure for under $200. Even if you build one on your own it will be out around that range. This is one of the more popular builds. I'd build it a bit taller though if you can. https://beardies.dreamwidth.org/2145.html

Depending on what you can reuse from your current setup lights wise, and if you can get deals on wood a crossfire can cost as little as 100$ and the plans are pretty easy. If you aren't super fussy about final dimensions you can have a lumberyard cut the plywood for you.

I built a crossfire and one based on it but twice as tall. My current setup (middle) cost about $500 including lights and glass. The old one (left) cost about $150 including lights and glass.

The one you have your TV on, is that a crossfire as well? That's what I'm looking for!

 

[JessPets]

I got my melamine for free from Craigslist, so always keep your eyes peeled. Look in the free section for bookcases (though they're not usually deep enough), dressers, cabinets, and other wood type things. A little TLC can go a long way! Lowes is awesome, and if you buy glass from them they will cut if for you for free. Tile is a great substrate, and pretty cheap. I use shelf liner, and LOVE IT! Works great, super cheap, and looks amazing! For tracks, they (Lowes) actually didn't have what I was looking for, but they ended up having something better - window framing! I used styrofoam and GreatSuff foam for the background


Here is is!

And make sure to check out this thread - it's awesome! viewtopic.php?f=34&t=66704&p=1785906#p1785906