Entertainment center viv.

[limited279]

I'm building an entertainment center viv for my sons beardie. She's about 8 months old and has outgrown her 20 long tank. I haven't got the lighting figured out quite yet, but the rest is mostly figured out. It's gonna be 6'x4'x2' with the viv area about 2.5' high. I'm using 1'x2' tiles for the flooring and a 2'x4'x1/8" piece of plexiglass that I'll cut in half for the doors. I'm not a carpenter so il just winging it and hoping for the best!

The plans.

The materials so far.

The side panels cut.

I still have a few more cuts to make and then I'll start assembly.

 

[limited279]

Got all of the main parts put together. Still need vents and lighting though. Any suggestions will be grateful! Here are the pics, a couple of progress and a couple with Kalos in her future new home.

Looking like a cubbord

Looking like a desk

Now we're getting somewhere

Kalos looks so small in there!

 

[bjosephs]

Looks really good if you ask me. Definitely better than the 4X2X2 I started over the weekend. Keep us updated.


-Brian

 

[nycmedic]

Looks nice, cant wait to see the end result.

 

[mcclure91]

Looks great can't to see it finished

 

[limited279]

I haven't done much on this until today. During the week I used putty to fill in the nail holes and fill in some gaps. A table saw would really have helped cutting a straiter edge but with what I have it ain't to bad. After a bit of sanding I was happy with the result. I also changed my idea of using the channel I found at Lowe's and ordered some sliding door track. after a quick google search I found this http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=2275&site=ROCKLER I did order it through amazon and got it in 4 days! The packaging was way more than I expected, the rails were shrink wrapped to a piece of wood then wrapped in cardboard. $25 and change shipped, not bad since I couldn't find it locally. I decided to go with glass since it is going to be the same price as plexiglass and will last longer and not get scratched up as easy.
Today I started the "rock" ledge. I saved the scrap pieces of styrofoam insulation I used for my garage door. It is thicker than I think most use but I think it'll work. I did have to take off the aluminum and plastic backing, but meh, it was free! It took me quite a while figuring out how to set it up and get a look I liked. I'm really picky and not very artistic so thats probably what took so long. Over all I'm pretty happy with the results. Tomorrow I will grout the first coats of the non sanded grout I got, then a couple coats of sanded grout on Monday. honestly I really don't know what I'm doing so if you see mistake or errors please point them out so I can fix them!!! Anyhow on with the pics!

First look at the ledge/basking area,

I thought it was a bit to high so I took a layer out And I'm much happier with how it looks, I also added a "rock" to the top to give it a bit more texture.

I did use some bamboo skewers to hold the legs and a couple in the ledge for more support. I picked up a 24" reptisun 10.0 that I will have about 16 " above this ledge. If this isn't right please let me know so I can make changes as needed for the health and well being of this little guy. I also need to add some ambient lighting as well and am not to sure as what to use. I will have what ever watt light needed to keep her basking area 95ish. I'm thinking a less wattage bulb on the cool side will do the trick. I also will run a ceramic heater off of a rheostat controller at night on the warm (ledge) side of the viv. I'm hoping she will sleep under the ledge, but I reckon she'll decided where she lays her head for the night!

 

[Colesdad]

lurking

 

[limited279]

Got the first coat of grout on today. We got grey to go with the tile but it kinda looks like concrete bricks. I plan on giving it a bit of color after the final coat before the sealer goes on.

Kalos being weird and wanting a bigger home soon!!!

 

[SonicsMomma]

Oh Gosh! This is going to be amazing! I have a glass display case that I want to convert into a new home for Sonic, but I am not quite sure how to get started. He has a nice size tank right now, but he needs a mansion!

 

[limited279]

^^^^Thanks! It's turning out alright I reckon. I just looked at a bunch of vivs on here and figured what worked best for what room I had to work with. I figured an entertainment center wouldn't take up much space and double usage is a plus. Also when he moves out he can take it with him. The work isn't hard and I used the K.I.S.S. method. You can do it!


I got the final coat of sanded grout on and used a bit of OD greens and black spray paint to give it a bit of color. Next is the sealant and painting of the viv.

 

[Beardieluvr1]

This is amazing! Can't wait to see the final product! Kuddos to you! :notworthy:

 

[limited279]

Yesterday I picked up the lighting and vent stuff I'll be using. Also ordered the glass for the doors. I got tempered since it'll be do close to the ground. The glass will be done on tues and the background is suppose to come in on tues also. I just ordered an aquarium background for now to see how we like the viv setup. I figure we could get different tile color, new background and build another platform to give her a change of scenery every so offen.
Here is what I got for the lighting.

Under counter LED kit for ambient lighting. 410 lumens no extra heat and only 9 watts!

Finished up the basking/CHE fixture. Found this a Lowe's, I think is for outdoor flood lighting but it'll work awesome for what I want! Basically it's a electrical box with different covers and separate light sockets. I got the 2 socket kit and the box with 2 10' repair extension cords (extension cord with only one end). I wired each socket separately, hopefully it'll work out as good as I think it will!

 

[limited279]

Got the outside painted and the inside got a few coats of polyurethane. Also got the light fixtures all mounted. All I have left is background, doors and cutting the tile. Should have it finished up in the next day or two.

My son doing the painting.

Painted.

The light fixtures.

 

[limited279]

Got it finished up and put in my sons room. Had to move the light fixture to get a better bashing temp and I still need to do a few touch ups on the paint. Turned out pretty good I reckon!

 

[Lumpdog450]

Looks amazing! Great job