Help with *big* vivarium project

Tomjak · #1 (**permalink**) 08-01-2008, 09:27 PM

Hi everyone- We are Newbies with a big glassed in enclosure, used to be an aviary, now we want to change it to vivarium. It's roughly 8 feet wide, 9 feet high and 40 long feet on one side, 20 feet on the other (kind of rainbow shape)
We called our San Diego zoo for consultation, but their people all wanted way too much money. :roll:
I've been looking through these boards and what great info!! Only thing is, most of the threads have to do with smaller projects. I don't know how much applies to bigger scale- but I'm guessing quite a lot??
The more we can do ourselves, the better the budget but I also don't want to mess up and have to rip it out and start over. We were thinking a big waterfall would be nice too...and tropical theme with lots of plants. We need to redo the lighting, plumbing, etc. It has a cement floor.
I was wondering if anyone out there had any experience with this sort of big area? We really want it to look natural. Probably won't keep anything too touchy, want low maintenance etc. Aside from that, we're open to suggestions. I sure would appreciate any hints, tips, advice, websites, or product descriptions, experts in San Diego County area- anything. Thanks!! _Thomas and Jackie

divingne1 · #2 (**permalink**) 08-01-2008, 10:29 PM

There are a lot of talented people on this board who designs some beautiful vivs. Can you post a picture of the glass enclosure so us imagination challenged people can get an idea of what you are starting with.
Candy

holidayhanson · #3 (**permalink**) 08-01-2008, 11:34 PM

Here is a big one, which is more like a room. He can probably give you some pointers or just read this thread:

http://www.dendroboard.com/parts-con...it=medicineman

maverick3x6 · #4 (**permalink**) 08-02-2008, 03:24 PM

That's a silly amount of space! If you haven't done so already check out variancedesign.com. Looking at the photos may give you some ideas, or you could call them up and get a quote. Enjoy!

Tomjak · #5 (**permalink**) 08-03-2008, 06:47 PM

Hey thanks for all the great suggestions!! One thing became perfectly clear as we looked at the URL's and other threads you gave- we need to find someone who knows what they're doing to draw us a detailed plan. I think right there, we saved ourselves a lot of money and headache- knowing when to ask for help! So thanks a bunch- we'll see how it comes together. :wink: