planning diy tank

[Rainclaw]

So, if i get a beardie, instead of buying a terrarium, I'm planning to build my own with help from my dad, who's quite the builder himself, and am totally stumped on how I could secure the lights on BUT it being safe...

My plan so far is-
*A dark stained wooden frame with clear plastic panels in the gaps for viewing
*Width and height- 2 feet, length- 4 feet.... that'll make it 120ish gallons, right?
*In the front of the tank, there will be two sliding doors secured with a clampy-lock thing that will open most of the side of the tank
* Screen lid with hinges in the back and clasps to lock the lid on for safety

Wondering how I could properly get the uvb and basking lamp set up without resorting to laying it on the screen, I keep saying screen but it will probably be this metal wire mesh- not sure if link will work....

https://www.twpinc.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/640x/17f82f742ffe127f42dca9de82fb58b1/g/a/galv-welded-4_0250065awebready.jpg

I could add a sort of divider 1/3 from the back of the tank where there would be no mesh and attach the cover for the long light tube to the back, closing the gap and adding light....

OH, I also don't know where to find a cover for the light... don't know what they're called, usually black and important so light doesn't blind people from all directions? :|

Thanks,
Rain claw
:mrgreen:

 

[CooperDragon]

This is good. You will be able to provide much more space by building your own. The dimensions are a good minimum too. I'd build it a foot or two taller if you can. This is a walkthrough of a popular model https://beardies.dreamwidth.org/2145.html I would use glass for the sliding doors as that will be less likely to scuff over time. I would put a square vent down low on the cool side and up high on the hot side and not bother with the back vents. I would also use a T5 light and set it right next to the fixture for the basking bulb. In my opinion this is the best one out there right now http://www.lightyourreptiles.com/22-t-5-ho-fixture-high-output-with-arcadia-d3-12-ho-bulb/ It has clips you can use to hang it from a wire from the ceiling or screw it directly to the ceiling. I also suggest checking out the tank Taterbug made. Hers is taller than the crossfire and I think it's an excellent example of how to create different lighting zones and allow for lots of options. https://sites.google.com/site/thelizardmadness/photogradient

 

[kyleena29]

That wire mesh is called hardware cloth. I have built all 3 of my enclosures. 4x2x2. It was very simple and easy to make. If I were to make another one I would definitely put the cool end vent down near the bottom

This is how I installed my lights. I used the metal strips they use to tie down dryer vents. I have since changed to a light fixture that simply hangs by two hooks.

The first one I built does have a hardware cloth top. I set the basking light with a dome on top of the mesh and I used hooks to hang the light fixture inside.

 

[Rainclaw]

Wow cool they look great!
Okay I'll note that a vent should be near the bottom on the cold end...
alright, I'll check out the strips for dryer vents... or something like that!

Thanks a ton!
Rainclaw
:mrgreen:

 

[charmander16]

Look around in the DIY forum. I put my light on top with 1/2" spaced wire mesh, which basically doesn't obstruct the light at all. It's by far the easiest and most configurable way to go.

Check out my build for some ideas: viewtopic.php?f=75&t=233838

 

[Rainclaw]

Cool I'll definitely look through the diy fourm....
Very cool viv... like The shape of it

Rainclaw
:mrgreen: