Plans? 4x18x18?

[flnatv]

I am wanting to make my own viv... the only one i have found that I like so far is the ExoTerra 36"x18"x18", but I really wanted something a little bigger.... more like 48"
Don't mind purchasing one like the exoterra, but haven't found one that is affordable.
Does anyone have any plans with specifications, materials, etc to build my own?

THanks in advance.

 

[RowenJade]

If you're going thru the trouble to build your own viv, you might as well make it a little bit bigger to ensure the proper amount of room for an adult dragon. The minimum size some say would be a 40 gallon for an adult, but even this is a little small to me. I recently followed most of the instructions to make a Crossfire Viv, with doing my own twist. It still needs doors and decor is in the mail, but it is a 4x2x2. You can use melamine like they did or I used pressed wood coated with a nice latex paint color (I hate white and I wanted the viv to have a natural feel when decorated.) I used ceramic tiles for the floor instead as well. The 4x2x2 is said to be the minimum size a beardie can live comfortably in, so why spend the same amount of time and virtually the same amount of money making a smaller one? So far all the supplies have ran me about $140 and I would have spent close to that for another screened 40 gallon without lights. (This is without decor and including all parts including the doors which haven't been put on yet.)

This isn't the latest picture but it works (I can't get photobucket to work)
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1760535371540&set=a.1711891035462.2095613.1183731943

I also have these pages bookmarked for reference and followed the guidelines mostly for the building and wiring of the lights. (Again with my own twist. Personalize yours, get creative! It was actually really fun to do.)

Crossfire Enclosures
http://www.freewebs.com/crossfireenclosures/

Crossfire Made Easy (More detailed descriptions in case you have trouble with building instructions or where to order parts if you can't find them at your local DIY store.)
http://www.beardeddragon.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=71756

Good luck and share pics when you're all done!

 

[flnatv]

Thanks... have located a base... an old coffee table in the barn.... about 54"x 24" ... guess that is how big I am going to build
Will purchase new legs for it as I want it taller... but it is very sturdy and will make an awesome base. Now to just start looking at materials

 

[flnatv]

Okay... Lookie what I have gotten myself into... This is my 1st attempt at a 54"x24"x24" viv for my baby beardie. Guess it will be a while before I can put him in it... he isn't very big and it will swallow him whole... lol.
Going to put sliding doors in the front. Still have to lay the tile and add something to the inside walls... any suggestions?
Also still trying to figure out how I am going to add the lighting. Already have the plans for the vents
Can't believe I have done this in about 2 hours!!! Give me a few weeks and this will look AWESOME!!!! The neat thing is all the parts are recycled. I even have some rough sawn barn wood I am going to sand down... can I use cedar or hickory? I think there may be some pecan wood out in the barn as well. I know I read not to use pine... guess I need to go investigate.

 

[RowenJade]

It looks awesome so far!! and in 2 hours?? Wow...we had to cut all the pieces and nail them together and make sure they were square and all that so that took a couple hours in itself. Great work so far and keep the pictures comin!!

Btw...I don't know about the type of wood. Mine was pressed wood but im not sure about anything like that...someone else might have the answer if not i hope you find it

 

[dannyharrison1]

my advice is to paint the inside with a heat resistant paint as some woods can let of fumes when heated due to the glue in the wood

not all woods you might be ok just my view

 

[flnatv]

I was going to paint, but the wanted to add laminate or fake stone or something to the inside... Just don't know what is best... I like the marble look or something that looks natural.

I will ask the reptile store next time I go to Nashville what they suggest.... that is unless someone has a specific paint they recommend to seal than I can put the cork backing or something similar up on the inside.

My biggest challenge is going to be the sliding doors... never done that before... but never build a viv before either But NOTHING stops me from trying and if I mess up...I just try again.

Here is a pic of the cat and dog checking things out... the dog is a 55lb blue heeler I think my sons 85lb lab can fit WITH her ... LOL

And my poor baby Wizard is oblivious to everything going on... she just wants to sleep.

 

[dannyharrison1]

The doors are easy go on eBay get some runners for them you could laminate it that would be ok

 

[flnatv]

Couldn't resist sharing this one... she looks like a miniature!!!
You must look VERY VERY closely to find her... may need a magnifying glass..

 

[flnatv]

Just thought I would post some updated pictures...
I have the "roof" on her house now... decided to keep the front half screen with a hinge lid. Don't know why other than I thought it felt too much like a box without the screen on top.
Will search for runners, vents, and go by the glass company maybe tomorrow. Then I will think more about mounting lights.
I'm done for today... as school starts back for me tomorrow... going to miss my baby while I'm gone... but hehehehe... the advantage of being a biology teacher is I can sneak her to class....
If you look really close and get out a magnifying glass you can see Wizard on the top of the viv.... lol... measured her today and she is 8.5" long.

Anyone who wants to give me advice on how to finish the inside walls... all ideas appreciated. I am going to tile the bottom on 1/2 and repticarpet the other half.

 

[dannyharrison1]

Build a false wall as many on here have done it looks great and gives your beardie loads to climb on

 

[flnatv]

This is what I have to date.... have measurements for the sliding doors and will have them cut this coming weekend.
All else I lack are some vents, lighting and decor. The whole thing so far has cost me $5.00... yes... you saw that right $5.00. The doors are going to eat most of my budget, since they need to be big they are going to run me around $40. Haven't priced the vents and lights yet. I am also going to put tile down as the flooring... actually 1/2 tile and 1/2 repticarpet. I am excited to get it finished next weekend (we have 3 days off).
The front half of the top is a hinged screen, the back half of the top is solid to mount lighting, etc.

The only problem is my son is taking this project away from me. I will have to start building another one next month But happy he likes it enough to replace the old glass aquarium for something a little easier to access.