How to turn a 55 aquarium into a tall viv?

[Heatheranne]

Does anyone have any tips on turning a 55 gal tank into a tall vivarium? Mostly, how to create the front door and front top screen? And do I have to modify it to hold it's own weight in that position?

Thanks!

[DonLisk]

Here are some links to some of my vertical builds on the forum:

http://www.frogforum.net/vivarium-te...cal-build.html

http://www.frogforum.net/vivarium-te...d-journal.html

I would use Good Plexi-Glass for the fronts anymore. The glass I used in the 15 build has some shapeness to the edges and it is such inexpensive glass that trying to get the edge off only results in it cracking or becoming worse. The Plexi-Glass is crystal clear and easier to work with, plus much lighter on the hinge I used in the posts.
Read through the 15 since the front was eventually changed where the screen is to a better version.

Have fun :-)

[Heatheranne]

Awesome! Thanks so much Don!

[DonLisk]

I think my best advice here is to let you know that when you tip the tank up on it's side, you really need to have a good silicone seal inside the tank where the plastic lip of the tank is sealed and test for leakage. Over time my 15 began to leak and the only fix is to tear it down. My 20's have near leaked and I learned to get that seal thick and dry before finishing the tank.

[Heatheranne]

That's the part I'm worried about... I hope I can get it right. I appreciate the help.

I remember reading your threads. Very nice and easy to follow . You make beautiful viv's! You taught me how to make my first false bottom and it works great...thanks!

Do you think the 55 gallon is strong enough on it's side with it being so long? Or should I say tall, when standing?

[Heatheranne]

My other option is to convert a curio cabinet, but I'm looking at nearly $300 more to do it. I've been watching craigslist for quite some time.

[DonLisk]

The 55 will be just fine. I think the issues come when moving them a long time after it was built. I never had issues with leaking until I moved recently and I think the carrying of the tank with it full caused the inside silicone (the silicone I put in) to separate from the glass.


I forgot about this tank i did for my RETFs and the plexi-glass door (not pictured) is attached with with velcro in multiple locations but on a larger tank you can use window screen clips. I would replace the clip screws with either shorter ones and then you just put clips at bottom and top.

This tank has ventelation at top and bottom for good air flow.

[Heatheranne]

Very pretty . I see, I think I can do that. Looks manageable.

Too bad Petco doesn't have the $1 sale on 125 gal's .

[lilblack94gt]

Don, your tank builds are incredible!!! I have a 20gal long that I am thinking about converting into a vertical tank. I am looking to get either RETFs or some gray/green tree frogs. I am very excited to try my hand at the build. In the build for your 20h, you didnt post much info about how you made your vents or the door. Can you post more info? Like how you mounted the door to the tank, and how you made and installed the vents.

Also, I was wondering, If I do plan to do RETFs, do I need a water area or would it be a suitable enclosure with just a misting system? and would you recommend one vent located at the top or 2? (one at the top and one at the bottom)

Thanks!

[Heatheranne]

Okay Don, any ideas on this one?

I purchased a china cabinet that will be delivered on Thursday. I plan to waterproof it first. Do you think the silicone will stick? Is great stuff waterproof?

I'm not sure if it's a possibility to convert it, but I'd like to try.

Thanks!

[nos187]

Hey don, you dont have any problems with plexi-glass warping? I made a lid for one of my vivariums once and it warped terribly. Is there a certain type of plexi-glass that you use?

[DonLisk]

Hey don, you dont have any problems with plexi-glass warping? I made a lid for one of my vivariums once and it warped terribly. Is there a certain type of plexi-glass that you use?

I never did a top with Plexi since it probably would warp with any heat source (lights) placed above it. I think having a nice piece of glass cout would be better... as your finding out.

As for doing the doors with the plexi-glass, I use magnetic strips along the edges to keep it pulled in tight and not warp. The strip come in a roll for about 6 bucks and can be cut with scissors.

[nos187]

I never did a top with Plexi since it probably would warp with any heat source (lights) placed above it. I think having a nice piece of glass cout would be better... as your finding out.

As for doing the doors with the plexi-glass, I use magnetic strips along the edges to keep it pulled in tight and not warp. The strip come in a roll for about 6 bucks and can be cut with scissors.

Oh i see, your just doing the doors. Interesting that the magnets keep it from warping. I may consider trying to make a door out of plexi glass then. Haha yeah i learned my lesson for the lid about a year ago. No more plexi glass lids!

[flybyferns]

Hi Heather,
You will be able to a screen place make a custom frame/front.
The top screen area and bottom glass or plexi area could be all one piece within the custom frame.
I used glass on my 40 conversion. I was worried about the heat emitters w/ plexi. But you could get around that. If glass was used it might also add some rigidity? It would be heavy , though?

I had a glazier drill a hole in the top of my 40gal conversion to pass wires and mist tubing through.
Plus this added a little extra ventilation.

You could seal off the bottom /front w *silicone and a piece of glass, positioning it against the inside of the tank frame. The edges of the glass can be sanded smooth by the glaizer.

Then when you remove the custom front frame ( to feed and clean) , the interior* bottom glass stays in place at all times to hold back the water and false bottom.

The custom frame would sit in the outer lip or the rim of the tank.

Hard to explain.

[NatureLady]

Okay Don, any ideas on this one?

I purchased a china cabinet that will be delivered on Thursday. I plan to waterproof it first. Do you think the silicone will stick? Is great stuff waterproof?

I'm not sure if it's a possibility to convert it, but I'd like to try.

Thanks!

Heather,
So are you doing the 55 gallon or this? This china cabinet would be an amazing undertaking, but the results would be amazing!!!

[Heatheranne]

Great idea Lynn! I'm trying to picture it. There is a glass cutter/supplier business just 5 minutes from me. They've cut basic sheets for lids for me before. Perfect!

Amanda, I was originally going to get a 55 gallon and flip it vertical, but then found this . I'm going to try it. It's perfect for holding supplies too.

I will have to place a tightly fitted screen to hold my lights on the top level of where the first shelf would sit. That way I don't crack the glass with lights sitting on it. It'd be like a regular old screen top. It will also keep them from getting up to the light fixture that's built into it at the top. I'm sire it can only hold a minimal wattage bulb, or I'd just use the fixture for heat and make a smaller screen cover. Not sure yet.

My goal is to make them a viv with plants or mini trees tall enough to have nice supportive leaves. The plant stores never have smaller plants that are strong enough. I will either buy or make them a self-contained waterfall. I'm thinking about manipulating one of those large patio ones. Depends on how wide they are.

I want to create a live wall background like many others here, so there is plants streaming down for them to climb. And, perhaps some side wall planters like Lynn's awesome ideas (inspired) . Thanks, Lynn!

I hope it's as fabulous as I picture it. I'll start some sketches soon.

I think I'll split my current 55gal for my female pacs when I'm done , maybe.

[NatureLady]

What about cutting into the top of the cabinet and making a swinging screen door top. It would support your lights, give you some venting options, and top access if needed for cleaning. I love this idea and can't wait to see your vision come to life!!!

[Heatheranne]

True, that may be easier.