The low budget viv!

[Blind]

I went to Lowes yesterday and picked up all the stuff I need for my new viv, and it came up around $70 :mrgreen:!

It is a really good looking plywood. It will have screened doors and vents(A LOT cheaper than buying glass and vents).

I am about to go back to Lowes for a new drill (mine decided it didn't like me anymore ). I will get some pictures when I get back. So far I have cut everything that needs to be cut and sanded everything that need to be sanded. Next is drilling the vents and holes for the lights. Then I can start getting it together.

Here is a list of all the materials and prices (can't remember all of them so I am kind of guessing).

1 - 4x8 3/4" plywood
$32
5 - 4'x3"x1" plywood
$3 ea.
1 - Roll of screen
$4
1 - Light fixture
$10
2 - Door hinges
$1 ea
1 - Door latches
$2

I had a basking light and fixture and a stand for the viv, which still isn't much. I made the stand out of cinder blocks and shelf boards(doesn't look bad at all) for about $12.

Hope this helps someone and will keep you updated as I go.

 

[haleygirl272]

That's AMAZING! I could afford that, and im 12!



So what are the dimensions of the enclosure when it's finished?

 

[Blind]

Sorry, 4x2x2 :mrgreen:

Sending pics from my phone now.

 

[Blind]

Pics :mrgreen: (sorry about my crappy phone)

Side:

Front:

Top:

And my girl

 

[haleygirl272]

She's a real heartbreaker! But that viv isn't a budgetbreaker? THE VIV IS INCREDIBLE!!

 

[Blind]

Thanks :mrgreen: Nope, the viv is $75... I feel really ripped to. I bought a 75g acrylic for $115 :?

 

[Fuzzy]

Thats a good looking VIV. I just finished mine up last weekend. Roughly same dimensions. Went with vents,1/4" sliding glass doors, light fixtures excluding bulbs and tile floor. Roughly about $140.00 total. I do have just about enough material to build additionl Viv except for glass and light fixtures. You really did good with building your Viv for the price that you did.

 

[Blind]

Thanks for the complements!

 

[Blind]

Put the first coat of stain/sealant on it. Will put second on later tonight or tomorrow. Then I will be able to add the screen and light fixtures. I need to go back to lowes and get some more wood because I messed up on the doors. Hopefully I will be done sometime next week.

 

[Dom3rd]

I would be carful with screen i had that at first and then my girl decided it was cool to climb it and that freaked me out the first time i came home and she was on the screen and had climbed to the top!!!!

 

[haleygirl272]

I would be carful with screen i had that at first and then my girl decided it was cool to climb it and that freaked me out the first time i came home and she was on the screen and had climbed to the top!!!!

Spider Dragon?

 

[1happymommy]

Just a FYI. I would be careful with the screen too. The glass doors help keep the temps up. I notice when I open the glass door to do something in the viv the temps drop way below 100. I just wanted to share so you don't waste time trying to redo everything to add glass later. It looks good so far.

 

[Blind]

I figured out a cheap way to control the temps if that happens, thanks for the input. I'm at a bit of a stand still right now. I haven't had a chance to go back to lowes for the door. I just started this semester at school today so I will be busy the rest of this week. I am hoping to finish it up this Sunday.

 

[dolphinsilversea01]

I am presently debating making Spike a viv or purchasing a new tank. I am weighing out the costs, so far it seems like making it will end up cheaper, but only by about $50 so far.
I am curious as to what type of plywood you are using. I read in another thread that cedar and pine can cause respiratory infections, and from my understanding those are the cheaper plywoods, everything else gets a bit more expensive.

 

[RioReptiles]

I just finished this one which I am donating for a rescue. This is it Kristin!! Total cost was about $90 for everything except sand paper I already had

4x8 22mm Sandeply $35, Plexiglass $24, Polyurethane $10, 2" Trim $16, 1x2s $3, Vents $4, Nails $1

If this was inappropriate to post here, I apologize, I was just agreeing with you on building a viv and not spending a ton of money.