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