Reptile Forum, Reptile Classifieds - CaptiveBred

Ailurus · Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2006 8:37 pm Post subject: making my own viv

i am thinking of making my own viv for my rankins dragon.

i want it to measure 36x18x15 inches.
is it cheaper to make your own?
where can the wood etc. be bought from?

any tips? or info about making vivs

cheers
_________________
Tom

Snakes: :Pantherophis: :Coelognathus: :Lampropeltis: :Heterodon: :Antaresia:
Lizards: :Rhacodactylus: :Pogona: :Goniurosaurus:

http://www.youtube.com/user/Ailurus27

GJ · Posted: Wed Oct 04, 2006 12:08 am Post subject:

You can use plywood or melamine. Unfinished ply and similar woods can be ugly to look at on the outside and you need to seal it on the inside as the heat, water or humidity will eventually bring out the toxins. Melamine has a plastic cover which seals the chipboard underneath and comes in a range of different colors to choose from.

I think melamine would be your best bet for a cage that size. B&Q normally sell 2x6 boards and will cut it to size for free.

2x melamine boards (2x6) =£20-25
1x back panel (2x4) =£5-7
1x glass runner (6ft L) =£5-6
2x toughened glass panels =£30+ (would need to shop around)
1x aquarium sealant =£10
Screws & plastic vent.

Plywood/MDF/particle board are cheaper then melamine however all need to be sealed on the inside.

Cheapest alternative to the above is to convert an old set of draws/wardrobe/tv&video unit or something similar into a vivarium.

I build my own vivs. I buy second hand aquariums cheap as possible then take them apart with a fillit knife to use the glass for sliding doors and viewing panels. I find homemade vivs cheaper then the ones in the pet shop or online, especially if you have to get it delivered. A professional joiner/Carpenter would probably charge yo the same.

GJ · Posted: Wed Oct 04, 2006 1:27 am Post subject:

Just to give you a general idea. This one is made out of plywood and measures 6ft long, 3ft wide and 3.5ft high, cost about £100 to make.

It houses 2.5ft bosc monitor.

beardie barmy · Posted: Wed Oct 04, 2006 9:07 am Post subject:

good effort mate nearly as good as my cham cage Very Happy

GJ · Posted: Wed Oct 04, 2006 11:09 am Post subject:

Cheers
I like your cham cage.

I always seem to be on a budget Mad

, especially with the the big boys.

Ailurus · Posted: Wed Oct 04, 2006 7:09 pm Post subject:

thanks for the replies and great viv mate, good job
_________________
Tom

Snakes: :Pantherophis: :Coelognathus: :Lampropeltis: :Heterodon: :Antaresia:
Lizards: :Rhacodactylus: :Pogona: :Goniurosaurus:

http://www.youtube.com/user/Ailurus27