Best vivarium

[Suzle87]

I’m sure this topic has been touched on many times before but I was just wondering what vivarium you guys use and which do you think is best? I’m looking for front opening same as my current, but perhaps not wood as I’m having issues with the base around some screws rotting so concerned this could happen again?
I also prefer the idea of an enclosed top than a screen top, and something that’s already partially set up for me to put lighting inside as I’m not that good at the whole DIY aspect (I can rope my dad in if needs be though) anyways il wait and see what you think. Thanks x

[kingofnobbys]

Home made timber ( plywood ) with solid timber lid, and front sliding glass doors
or
Connectit (Qubelok) aluminium framed (1" hollow square tube) with plywood lid and floor, Perspex ( 6mm thick colorless clear acrylic UV hardened sheet ) sides and back (for a see through viv) and sliding glass front doors. (This is my plan for my bearded dragons' twin bay (stacked) enclosure).
This is how it's done : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVxonDtt7Ro , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBxL0_fm7Fc
I wont be using the Donger gadget , I'll simply use some rivets or self drilling self tapping metal screws (if I feel the need for a little more structural rigidity), my longest spans for 1" x 1" square aluminium tube will be 1.2m and I'll have 18mm thick plywood fastened to this ( for the bases) the lids will also be 18mm plywood with all the lights and fittings fixed in place (I'll be able to simply lift the lid if I need to too ( held in place by it's own weight ).


I believe there is a company in the USA who makes vivs based on the Connectit / Qubelok system that are shipped as flatpacks (self assembly vivs and they use bamboo plywood for the sides, base and an optional timber top).

I'd never house a lizard in a glass tank with a mesh or open top , or a MDF (particle board) viv , or a PVC viv .

For baby skinks , hatchling dragons to geckos , or juvenile skinks or dragons , a 100L to 120L clear sided plastic tub with wheels under it and a clip on lid is pretty versatile and quite thermally efficient and very easy to convert to a rearing viv, even stacked vivs if floor space is limited.

[Suzle87]

Thanks kingofnobbys but that seems vastly to complex for me, think I’d need to get a degree in engineering prior to battling that myself, I will have a look round to see if any companies in uk offer them prebuilt / self assembly kits in this way.
Any more ideas out there? Want to have some options to consider.
Thanks

[kayla990]

It may depend on your budget, time frame and preference on where to put the tank For example, we use the full glass tanks as it keeps humidity levels high (which would be suitable for Ventress too!). While they can sometimes be cheaper than the wooden tanks, they can be very heavy.. extremely..and glass is delicate - easy to chip or break the base (getting ours up a spiral staircase was really crazy, wouldn't recommend hauling a large glass tank this way!). You may also need to be careful glass tanks are not placed directly in sunlight as it may heat up too fast in summer.

With the wooden ones, you can seal them before using it. For example, you could use 100% silicone (animal safe, fine with humidity/heat) to prevent the screws from rusting. Ideally you'd want to find a tank that only has visible screws on the outside of the tank. But this is where the time frame comes in - it is possible to get a tub of marine sealer (used for Yachts etc) and use it on all the walls - but it would need to be aired out before putting him in (depending on the brand, could be weeks to months cure time). Arguably once done, it should last a long time.

I see some UK sellers like Swelluk or Vivariumworld that sell tanks for a decent price. Otherwise would going to a reptile expo be of interest for you? If it is, it could be worth renting a minivan for a day and going to a show to pick up a tank in person (the ones we visit in the Netherlands often has tanks with pre-made backgrounds you can purchase on the day). I believe the 'Terraristika' show in Hamm (Germany) is supposed to be the biggest reptile expo in EU. If you decide this would be a fun route - I would try to find some of the vendors before the day and see if you can get one reserved.

Acrylic tanks can be just as clear as glass but much lighter weight. The downside is that they can be scratched easily - and since bluey's have scratchy little feet I don't know how well it'll hold up long term. I've also heard of PVC framed tanks, but can't find resources where to buy them in UK/EU.

[Suzle87]

Thanks Kayla, il look into the expo idea, I’ve googled a bit and can’t find much anywhere near but will definitely chase up more!