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Thread: Vivarium construction question

  1. #1
    100+ Post Member AbranV's Avatar
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    Default Vivarium construction question

    I build custom furniture for a living and have some thoughts I'd like to run by the experts on here.

    Could a person build a living vivarium like a piece of furniture? For example, cabinet grade plywood for the bottom, back and sides, then covered in a silicone layer, followed by the usual foam, silicon and coca husk. Glass front and screen or glass top.

    Would this setup work the same as a "normal" aquarium? with the exception of holding water, obviously.

    Another option would be to use acrylic sheets or glass to line the bottom, and 6"-8" up the sides, front and back. Acting like a tray to hold drainage layer and any moisture inside.

    If done correctly, it would be water tight, and hold heat and humidity well. Any thoughts on if this would work? Would it be safe for the animals inside?

    Thanks for any input

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    Default Re: Vivarium construction question

    There are ways to do this that would work. Others have done it and had success, I on the other hand have yet to attempt it.

    I would think using something else to create the water resistance would be better than Silicon. Silicon is a moisture repellent not a water proofer. I don't have a product in mind to waterproof the wood (hopefully others and Bill will jump in with suggestions), but I would waterproof the wood with several coats and then use silicone on top of that to ensure it would be resistant to the moisture a vivarium can have.

    Dart frogs require 80 - 100% humidity. That much humidity you will want to be 100% sure the wood is waterproof so you don't end up with a moldy rotten mess on your hands.

    One other thing to keep in mind. Water (namely moisture) finds it way into just about every space we don't want it. I would think you would want to test test test and just when you think you have it dialed in test more and keep tweaking things until you are more than sure you have it sealed.
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    100+ Post Member AbranV's Avatar
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    This is all new to me......building something to keep moisture IN.....

    I've thought about lining it all will thin acrylic sheets, or painting it with Drylock, or something similar. I would just be worried about toxins leaching out.

    I built something similar way back in the day when I had iguanas, but dart frogs are on a whole new level.

    I'm thinking it may be more work than its worth. LOL

  5. #4

    Default Vivarium construction question

    Wood enclosures are tricky, due to what Paul said of water finding it's way everywhere. This is where you get into the difference between a sealer and a sealant. I would use marine epoxy to seal the inside of the wood where the actual vivarium would be and at the very least, spar urethane on the exterior. Silicone in an excellent sealant, but it will only cover and protect the surface. It won't penetrate the wood like epoxy would. All you would need is 1 tiny defect in the silicone, and it's game on. Water vapor will get behind the silicone and the rot game will begin.

    As far as the base, you can seal the bottom with some pond liner for added protection. I have also seen fiberglass mat and poly resin used for this section.

    I could really go on and on about this kind of build. I have been gearing up to build a wooden enclosure for years. I have it planned, just haven't decided to actually build it yet. I hope this gives you a glimpse of what you would be in store for. It is by no means cheap to build, as you can imagine. But you would have a really beautiful piece of furniture with life in it


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    100+ Post Member AbranV's Avatar
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    The designer in me can't help but imagine some crazy furniture type Vivarium piece.

    The craftsman in me wants to kill the designer, because he knows the amount of planning, prep, and work involved in building such a piece.

    I'm going to have to compromise and build a cool stand and lighting system AROUND an aquarium. Or maybe build a rimless tank seamlessly into a stand or surround.

  7. #6

    Default Vivarium construction question

    Here's a thread you may be interested in:
    http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/sh...d.php?t=481314


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    100+ Post Member AbranV's Avatar
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    Bill, that thread was helpful, but I have another thought stuck in my head.

    I have an empty 29gallon that I was going to use for the next project.

    How difficult would it be to add front opening doors? Basically a DIY exo terra or zoo Med type of tank. Not a vertical build, but replacing the front glass panel with double doors or fold down door.

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    Default Re: Vivarium construction question

    In the vivarium section is a Sticky thread from me that shows how I converted a 40B aquarium to a vertical tank with a swing open door. Could use that to get some ideas.
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    0.0.4 - D. Tinctorius 'Leucomelas'
    0.0.4 - Terribilis 'Mint'
    1.1.0 - R. Ventrimaculatus 'French Guiana'

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    100+ Post Member bcreps's Avatar
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    Default Re: Vivarium construction question

    im slowly doing the same thing to a tank that had a cracked front.

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    100+ Post Member AbranV's Avatar
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    DP, I checked out some of your YouTube videos and they were very helpful.

    bcreps, how far along are you in your process? I'm getting ready to start today so I'm sure there will be a lot of posts coming up from me soon. Keep in touch with your progress and I'll do the same.

    Another couple questions for everyone.

    How important is the black trim on an aquarium if its not going to be holding water?

    Glass, Lexan, Plexiglas, or Poly carbonate for the doors. Are there any pros/cons for using one material over another?

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    Default Re: Vivarium construction question

    all i need to do is get those tracks for the doors. i already have everything waiting but im in no rush. heres a thread i asked alot of the same things your wondering. http://www.frogforum.net/vivarium-te...nk-before.html

    the plastic trim can be removed and re siliconed. my top frame is cut at the two front top corners. use glass on glass, im doing the european style ventilation linked in that thread. youll need a razor with the scraper and remove all your silicone seams. its a project alot of people wouldnt bother but i like a project and hate wasting

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  14. #13

    Default Vivarium construction question

    Quote Originally Posted by AbranV View Post
    Glass, Lexan, Plexiglas, or Poly carbonate for the doors. Are there any pros/cons for using one material over another?
    That's entirely up to you. Lexan is just a trademarked name for lexan. Plexi just isn't really a viable option. At the thickness you will need for a door, you will lose a lot of clarity in the doors. Glass obviously will be clear, but have some weight. You can use a thinner sheet of poly versus plexi and it will have much more clarity. It will be lighter than glass, but also twice the price.


    Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela
    1.0.0 Oophaga Pumilio 'Black Jeans'
    0.0.10 Phyllobates Vittatus
    0.0.3 Phyllobates Terribilis 'Mint'
    0.0.3 Dendrobates Tinctorius 'Patricia'
    0.0.5 Dendrobates Leucomelas
    0.0.2 Dendrobates Tinctorius 'Powder Blue'
    0.0.2 Ranitomeya Variabilis 'southern'
    0.0.3 Epipedobates Anthonyi 'zarayunga'
    1.2.0 Phyllobates bicolor
    0.0.3 Dendrobates tinctorius 'azureus'
    0.0.1 Avicularia Avicularia
    0.0.1 Gramastola porteri
    0.2.0 Canines
    1.0.0 Tabby/Maine Coon Mix
    2.1.0 Genetics Experiments
    0.1.0 Bed Bully

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