So i have been wanting to build a viv and wanted your feedback on this one. All together it is 48"long,72"tall 24" wide http://snag.gy/k5azp.jpg
It would be stack-able and made into 3 sections the vivs each their own section and then the cabinet underneath would be own section.
The tanks themselves would be 46" long 21"wide and between 13-15 inches tall. It would have 7 inches above for lighting with the lights recessed into the top. The glass doors would open out.
Do you think that size is proper or should i make the tanks a bit taller?
Also is there any certain woods or such you shouldnt use?
I like your plan, it's quite attractive. I have a 4x2x2 that feels too short and a 4x2x4 that is really tall - your height will most influence your furniture and light options after that it's more personal preference. For me 15" is too short, but I like to have vertical room for climbing furniture.
Also, you may need to consider heat transfer from the lower unit to the upper, you may need insulation or ventilation between them to keep the upper one from over heating.
It's advised to avoid pine, bht that can be pretty hard. Once it's sealed well it shouldn't be a problem. Polyurethane needs a week or two minimum to cure.
I can add a couple more inchs to the height of each viv. I was worried about them being too short. My house is unfortunately ridiculously short so 6 feet is the tallest i can make the whole thing but i can take 4-8inchs away from the cabinet underneath to give the vivs some more height. I didnt even think of sliding doors. They would work better considering i have a Italian greyhound who likes to run around the house like a little madwomen.
How are you planning on setting up the basking lights? I found that takes up the most space...6-8" for a flush mounted socket +bulb and another 6" min safe distance.
Amazon.com sells pastic runners for the sliding style doors.
Truly the lights i havnt really figured out. Im going to talk to my dad who has more experiance with lights and their fixtures but i have the 6 inches above each viv set aside for lights but if i need more i can cut more height out of the cabinet.