question from a newbie

Discussion in 'Enclosures, Heating & Lighting' started by coldbloodedkeeper, Jul 4, 2004.

  1. coldbloodedkeeper

    coldbloodedkeeper New Member

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    131
    i read something today about making your own aquariums. how is that done, and is it cheaper than buying? also is wood glue safe to use for making a wooden enclosure? and my dad told me to keep my tank from getting to hot outside to dig a hole for it, and pile the dirt around the sides so that sun would come in from the top, sincde glass magnifies the suns rays or something. would that be a good idea?

    i feel kinda bad for hounding everyone here with allmy questions but i am just now actually expieriences the things i read about and do not want to make mistakes. thanks :oops:
     
  2. JEFFREH

    JEFFREH Administrator

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  3. Jhoss22

    Jhoss22 Member

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    839
    i made my own enclosure for my anoles. i think that it was batter then buying one. it cost me about $20. it is about 35 gallons but fits into my room perfect. the best option for makeing the fram of a wooden enclosure would be to nail or screw 2 by 2s together toget the shape u want. after that just attach the plexi glass to all sides. make a lid u can get into and your done. don't listen to your dad about putting it in the ground because that dirt is goin to get extremely hot and literally bake your herps like an oven would bake a cake. your best bet would be keep the tank in your house. not only is it safer for your herp but it's easier for u to access. good luck.
     
  4. JEFFREH

    JEFFREH Administrator

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  5. Ksqrd

    Ksqrd New Member

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    I have just bought most of the supplies for the enclosure I'm making for my Bearded Dragon, and so far it has cost me about $60. The enclosure is going to be about 37 inches by 37 inches by 18 inches high.

    From what I have seen, I cant come close to that buying already made enclosures.

    I agree with jhoss22 about not putting it in the ground. Bring it inside so you can enjoy it more.

    Don't worry about posting questions...you should see the goofy ones I post :)

    Good Luck
    Ksqrd
     
  6. JEFFREH

    JEFFREH Administrator

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  7. coldbloodedkeeper

    coldbloodedkeeper New Member

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    thanks...and the aquariums are rediculously expensive. i will try to bring them inside but i dont know if my familyu will let me:{. i want to make a beautiful setup for my room but right now dont have a room. how do you get plexi glass so cheap? and where, that would be a HUGE help.
    thanks ksgrd, i was wondering if i was getting on peoples nerves.
     
  8. JEFFREH

    JEFFREH Administrator

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  9. Jhoss22

    Jhoss22 Member

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    839
    well i just went to home depot and got the right size sheets of plex glass and 3 2 by 4s. i ripped the 2 by 4s into 2 by 2s with a table saw. i thought that the plexi glass was expensive but thats just me.
     
  10. JEFFREH

    JEFFREH Administrator

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  11. Ksqrd

    Ksqrd New Member

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    Plexi can be very expensive...I think I paid about $9.00 for a 18" x 24" bit. Well actually that was lexon, a bit stronger then normal plexi, and not really necessary for a tank, but it was only a buck or so more then regular plexi.
    How are you joining the plexi? Are you physically bonding it, or are you attaching it to wood?

    Got about 1/2 way done with mine this weekend..hopefully I will finish this week. If it does not look like total crap, I'll post a few pics when done :)
     
  12. Dylacat

    Dylacat Member

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    555
    This isn't a good idea either. The glass actually filters the beneficial rays of the sun, and makes the heat more intense...like leaving a dog in a locked up car.

    Why won't your folks let you bring it in? I would definately try to talk to them.

    Rebecca
     
  13. coldbloodedkeeper

    coldbloodedkeeper New Member

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    131
    okay then im glad i didnt do it, except it gets sooo hot here and humid i worry and shade them at about 4 oclock every eve. to make sure the sun doesnt heat them too much. my gramma wont for 2 reasons 1. we dont have room at this time, 2. she doesnt want them getting loose in the house. here soon like in dec. she and my aunt are moving out so i will have ALOT more room......of course they will probably get brought in around sep. or oct. due to cold weather.

    and my dad used to make aquariums the size of sliding glass doors when he could get the glass, i have been talking to him about dividing the living room and kitchen with a bunch of aquariums it would be so pretty and he seems to go for it so im hoping.. plus his girlfriend really likes decorating aquariums and such so she can help me persuade him;} i am going to check and see about getting plexi glass and making my own i think that would be best for me.....since im low on money. however can i make like a wooden aquarium? and is wood glue safe for them?
     
  14. froggystyle34

    froggystyle34 New Member

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    96
    here you go

    http://duboisi.com/diy/BNdiytank/bndiytank.htm

    here you go but honestly i dont think you are ready to keep herps. if you think the tank is bad what are you going to do about a vet bill, or better yet, babies if they breed?
     
  15. coldbloodedkeeper

    coldbloodedkeeper New Member

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    131
    right now i am saving up money and will soon be getting allowance again so it wont be much of a problem. but i do want to find the cheaper ways of doing it of course because i dont want to overspend more than i cant resist;} well i just have frogs and 3 of them i raised from babies so thats not a problem, my turtles have bred and i am so nervous because i dont know what to do. i have read up on it but am still trying to find out as much as i can of course.

    thank you for the link.
     

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