Constructing a Euopean type Vivarium Step by Step

[ChrisK]

These are awesome and if I had the space and tools I would probably be making tons of them in large dimensions so don't get this question wrong because it's just out of curiosity - but other than making a custom size, what is the benefit of making these instead of getting an exo terra or zoo med and throwing some glass on top?

[Morgan Freeman]

Right. I'm just made a small glass viv as a kind of practice, it's actually much easier than you would imagine.

At some point I am definitely going to try this! Great journal.

[ChrisK]

So you're saying you do see a noticeable benefit other than custom size to building one of these instead of an exo terra or zoo med?

[Tran2la]

Thanks for taking the time to post this.

[Landon]

Originally Posted by ChrisK

So you're saying you do see a noticeable benefit other than custom size to building one of these instead of an exo terra or zoo med?

Id say there is the advantage of air flow control (from below the front door), which can be altered biuld to build, size adjustaility (make them the ideal size to fit your space perfectly), and sliding doors. IMO, its easer to FF proof sliders than the exo doors. On top of those, if you have the capaicity to drill glass, you can place drains and misting nozzle holes throughout the tank prior to assmebly.

Also, for some folks finding glass is cheap. Ive found a local wholesaler who has awesome deals on glass. A friend of mine and I built a 48x18x36 viv with side opening doors for under $200. Its been a while, but I think it was actually closer to $150. That was for 1/4" glass, and Im sure you could get away with 1/8 or 3/16 with the typical size of breeding cubes.


I wanted to say Darryl, this is one of the most comprehensible build threads that I have seen. Your detail is incredible, and the finished products look great as well!

[Swords]

Hey you guys in the US who need plastic E profiles for sliding glass doors there is easy access to them at Rockler Woodworking shop. I got a 44" long set (you can cut them and make several setups) for under $20:

4 Foot Plastic Sliding Door Track - Rockler Woodworking Tools

Darryl what more can be said? Your tutorial is astounding!

[Swords]

Hey you guys in the US who need sliding glass E profiles here is Rockler Woodworking shop I got a 44" long set (you can cut them) there for under $20:

4 Foot Plastic Sliding Door Track - Rockler Woodworking Tools

If you do an ebay search you can sometimes find them in 72" lengths for even less!

[jimmyc]

hello is there to be more posts on this subject this is the most detailed build i've seen , i've even joined the forum to keep up, with this is very cool, im involved with two ther forums, and havent seen any thing like this before, thank you so much for all of your effort your the man

[jgibeau]

I have noticed alot of folks looking for the track, and the different shapes. You can get alot of this stuff from Tap Plastics, here in Seattle. This place,
4 Foot Plastic Sliding Door Track - Rockler Woodworking Tools

Sells the track in different colors and finishes.

Hope this helps.

[RMB]

Last I checked I can get 1/4" glass for about 2$ per square foot, 1/8 is significantly less but I don't use it so I don't recall. Good luck on your builds.