Constructing a Euopean type Vivarium Step by Step

[Darryl]

Originally Posted by 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

Jimmy, what additional info are you looking for?

[ChrisK]

Originally Posted by Darryl

Jimmy, what additional info are you looking for?

I think he likes it so much he doesn't want it to end

[Darryl]

Originally Posted by ChrisK

I think he likes it so much he doesn't want it to end

He... Hee.. The next step would be to make a video series... :?

But probably the next best thing is to actually try and build a viv or two to sate his appetite for vivs.

[jgibeau]

False bottoms are NOT for the recirculation of the water. I would never recirculate this water back onto the frogs; this water has filtered it's way through dead insects, rotting vegetation, and whatever is in the soil or whatever you are using as substrate. I would be willing to bet your next clutch of anything that some if not all of your frogs have girardia or coccidia or both, and you just don't know it. (Some of us medicate our frogs every couple of months...)

A false bottom does a few things. It makes the tank lighter, and easier to move around. It allows you to mist the tank for a far longer time without removing this water. When you do remove this water, inserting a small tube into a corner of the egg crate will allow you to siphon it out amazingly easy.

I am not sure how accessible the old frognet archives are, but I submitted a post on a frog sewer, or drain. I drilled the bottom of each tank in the back left, just big enough for a piece of PVC to fit through, and stick out the bottom. While the silicone to hold it in place was drying, I had it raised on four other pieces of PVC. When all done, I had constructed a PVC drain and attached it to the back of the rack, with a "T" where the PVC pipe siliconed into the tank extended down from the bottom would fit loosely down inside of. A sump pump with a float sent all water outside into the garden when it got deep enough. We then hooked our home made misting system into the house itself, jerry-rigged a garbage can with a toilet float, hooked it all up to a timer for three times a day, and voila! Didn't have to touch it again. (I am joking, I had to mess with it constantly, but it worked.)

Try to make everything you do for the frogs in your life as automated as possible. Anything that becomes a hassle, will become something you do not do as often as you should, which is not good for the frogs.

These front opening tanks with the vents and what may seem elaborate parts and pieces, are actually nothing more than automation designed to make sure that your frogs are healthier and happier.

[Leidig]

This really is the best example of how to build your own Euro Stlye Viv. Thank you for sharing this.

[Darryl]

I have now completed a set of instructions for the construction of a backward sloping front Viv.

These instructions will only be sent out by request.

[DendroDanny]

wow, looks great. i have some glass laying around, i'll have to try this sometime

[train crash]

why do you americans call it euro style viv because yes lots of europeans use them but our major company (at least here in jolly old england) is exo terra and they make front openingdoors.
but also awsome designs when i get the money(here comes the EMA) i may make one

[andyrawrs]

Originally Posted by train crash

why do you americans call it euro style viv because yes lots of europeans use them but our major company (at least here in jolly old england) is exo terra and they make front openingdoors.
but also awsome designs when i get the money(here comes the EMA) i may make one

Frankly this is a generic (but awesome) variation of what I personally would call a Euro viv; my personal opinion is one that has front opening doors (sliding or hinged) and a low plate of glass that keeps water in can be called a Euro viv. For example, the Exo's are marketed as "European" design, at least here in the states. Most of what is available here besides "european vivs" are terrariums or aquariums. Otherwise we'd need to get custom acrylic or glass tanks.

[Spectre66]

I'm strongly considering building a few 18inch x 18 inch x 24 inch euro vivs outlined in this thread and I have a question. how much space should I allow for the joints on the inside pieces of glass like the door strut?