Custom Vivarium Build Log

[VicSkimmr]

Thanks! What size Exo Terra did you end up with?

[itzjezze]

12x12x18. Its much smaller than I thought it was gonna be XD but I think its a good start, im going to put a pair of thumbs in it.

[VicSkimmr]

That's the size I was going to build too but I decided it was a bit small for what I wanted. It'll be great for a pair of thumbs though

[itzjezze]

Well you picked a good size, everything fits in there very well.

[VicSkimmr]

Well, I made an in-viv air circulation system over the weekend and took some pics, but this thing doesn't move much air at all. I'm not sure if it was worth it considering how much room it takes up. I guess I'll just wait and see if it has any effect on the plants.

Here's the guide I started with
DIY Air Circulation | GlassTropics

Naturally I had to mod it a bit because I'm crazy like that.

So here's what I used


Right to left: 1/4" to 1/8" brass nipple, 1/2" PVC coupling, 1/2 plug x 2 (only 1 shown, I changed my design halfway through), 2" to 1.5" reducer, 2" to 1" reducer, power supply, 40mm PC fan.

This design requires no silicone at all, so it can be completely disassembled and rebuilt if something breaks. The pics will probably speak for themselves

Step 1 - Drill hole in 2" to 1.5" reducer (for wires)


Step 2


Step 3


Step 4


Step 5


Step 6 - drill a hole just large enough so the brass nipple screws into it in one plug, drill a hole in the other large enough to feed wires through


test fit


Step 7 - Insert plugs in both ends of coupling (not pictured)

Step 8 - Glue coupling/plug contraption to fan housing

Step 8 - drill hole in tank (i had to use the mesh)


Step 9 - feed wires through through the nipple, screw in place


Step 10 - wire the fan to the power supply (see original link for instructions)

Done!

[DonLisk]

Now that is awesome. My 20 long dart viv can definitely use this and you made the walk thru thorough.
Thanks Vic.

[VicSkimmr]

Sweet! It took about half an hour to put together and I found everything except the power supply (monoprice) and the PC fan (newegg) at Home Depot. Total cost was about $20 I think.

I wish it moved more air, but to do that I'd need a bigger fan which would require bigger PVC parts and it would take up too much space. There might be a way to overdrive the fan but I don't know how to do it.