Would this make a good Viv?? :D

[Jess]

So, I was out looking for some used furniture to convert into a viv for Dudley, and my mom was like "Why don't you just use your dresser?" and I think it would be perfect! I need a new dresser anyways, so this one can be sacrificed LOL.

It's 5 ft long, and 17" wide on the inside, and about 20" tall (w/o the legs). I know it's a teeny bit on the narrow side, but I'm thinking the extra length would make up for it? Dudley seems more concerned with running up and down the length of his cage than the wideness of it anyways, and he can easily turn around in 17" of space.
I'm not sure what wood it is make of, but it is very dense and heavy... My mom thinks maybe Oak? Is there any wood it can't be?

Her is a pic. It's from my phone and I had to lighten it up a ton to be able to see it well, but you get the idea LOL.

With some sliding plexiglass doors and a few vents cut in it, I'm thinking it would make are rather large and fashionable viv!

 

[jpjohnsr]

I just finished making one from an entertainment center. Be sure you seal everything well. I used three coats of a water based primer to seal the wood. I keep seeing people say they are using plexy for the doors. I do not understand that. Glass is cheaper and less likely to scratch. just my humble opinion.

 

[Jess]

OK, thanks! What primer did you use?
And with the plexiglass, I wanted something I wouldn't be able to break LOL! I'm pretty clumsy, and I'm not sure I trust myself with large sheets of sliding glass. I'll look into both of the options though of course! I could get either pretty easily.

 

[jpjohnsr]

I used Kilz, water based latex. Be sure to do this in a well ventilated area.Even the low fume stuff makes me ummm

 

[bitzo]

i think it would be perfect i am in the middle of making one out of an old armoire myself furniture is always better fitting in the room.

 

[Jess]

Thanks! I'll be doing it in my garage, so we can probably keep the garage door open and stuff.

Yeah, I like furniture conversions too... I'm not ashamed to have my lizard cage be the center of the room! Haha.

 

[TASTIGER]

i think that is a great idea deffinantly cheaper than starting from scratch just make sure he can get close enough to the UVB

 

[Jess]

Yup, I plan on making a new DIY basking platform for it.
Speaking of UVB... What size would I get? I'm guessing my current 24" light is too small. I might have a hard time finding a 36" or 48" fixture though!

 

[TASTIGER]

homedepot thats where i found my fixture

 

[Jess]

Ok, thanks! Would you mind telling me how much it cost?
I'm already saving up money to re-do it. I'll need some tracks for the sliding doors, 2 plexiglass or glass panels, a bigger light fixture (I think I'll just use my current 24" one at first, and order a longer ReptiSun and get a new fixture when it needs to be replaced in June), 3 ceramic light fixtures... And I'm pretty sure we have the primer paint and stuff for sealing the corners and stuff?
And I would just need a big sheet or foam and some more paint for my new DIY rock.

I'm not sure what I would do for the background though? I don't want to make an entire foam background. Maybe I'll just have to paint something pretty on it.

 

[TASTIGER]

it was in the 18$-24$ range

 

[Manwitdragon]

plz!! post pics of during and after this project!

 

[Jess]

Oh, that's not too bad then. Thanks Tastiger!

And don't worry, there will be plenty of pics. I won't be able to start it until probably the beginning of April though, cause I'm in Florida from the 16th - 24th, and I have to find a new dresser before I can use this one.