880 Gallon Terrarium....

thercman · #1 07-24-2011, 12:42 PM

Hey Everyone!

So this is going to be my newest project. The plan is to keep the display in the garage. With that said, form(design) is going to follow function here. Instead of using just plywood lined with fiberglass cloth and epoxy resin I decided to go with a wood/foam sandwich construction lined with fiberglass cloth and epoxy resin. The plan is to construct frames using 1/2"x3/4" hardwood. Attached (glued) to one side will be a 1/8" wood sheet. Then in-between the hardwood framing will be 1/2" blue foam glued in. Next will be another piece of 1/8" wood sheeting also glued down to the foam and framing. The goal is to make a very strong, lightweight and insulated structure. Due to the large size of the vivarium entering from the top for maintenance is really not an option. So the plan is to make the same sandwich construction for the top with cutouts large enough for CFL lighting. I am looking at T8’s to fill that role. These cutouts will be recessed with a router and pieces of glass will be siliconed into place. I have not really figured out how I want to set up the front glass window. My thoughts are to have one piece the length of the display and about 8” tall siliconed to the bottom front to retain water etc. I would like to maybe have two glass panels that slide past each other for access to the tank. Unfortunately that would require some sort of rail to support the “doors” which means a visual obstruction. Attached is a quick design I drew up. It is not yet final but it gives an idea of where I am trying to go with it. If you have any suggestions please throw them out there.

Also, I am wondering how many different species of darts or how many darts of one species I can keep in a large enclosure like this. I know it will vary based on the species but I am looking for a rough estimate. Maybe suggestions on a combination of species and numbers.

thomasw_lrd · #2 07-24-2011, 02:28 PM

Interesting idea. Looking forward to the pics of the building.

Southernfryedyankee · #3 08-21-2011, 10:49 AM

I would like to make a couple of suggestions, please feel free to take from them in any way you choose. If you are going to use plywood I definitely recommend using an acrylic wood sealer on the inside (I would imagine a water based would be much safer) Im sure that this terrarium will have some amount of moisture in it (unless its for a desert) and from the displays I have made in the past the acrylic sealer keeps the plywood from swelling when wet and or moist and also deters mold growth on the wood itself. Another Idea is you can get a polyurethane backed cloth like cordura to line your wood with, is is very strong and will not allow excess standing water to come in contact with the wood while still being able to add your background. If you choose to go the water based acrylic sealer, I would apply liberally and spread with a good paint brush, they make some specific for acrylic, let dry, sand repeat. This will allow the sealer to penetrate all of the pores of the wood. What are you planning on keeping in this terrarium? You can buy adjustable air vents from home depot and line the inside with screen window screen so if your keeping smaller lizards they will not be able to get out. I look forward to the finish product and it may inspire me to build q of my own.

1 more thing when I used to build snake racks I use to be able to get U shaped strips of aluminum that you could use for your sliding glass windows, just use 2 1 behind the other, this will allow you to slide each window in their own tract.

thercman · #4 08-21-2011, 11:21 AM

Hey!

I like the idea of the "u" shape strips for the windows! However I am not sure that a sealer would be better than fiberglass cloth and epoxy resin though. People are using that technique for aquariums and they hold water for over a decade. Anyway, this setup is going to be used to house darts so it wil be very humid inside. The plan is to make it realistic. With that amount of space plants will be able to mature and the darts will have a good amoutn of space to behave more naturally. Currenlty I am planning a group of P. Terribillis.....

Southernfryedyankee · #5 08-21-2011, 01:20 PM

Here is one of the websites I found for what I was talking about.

http://newyorkmetal.com/c-26-tracks-aluminum.aspx

Southernfryedyankee · #6 08-21-2011, 01:23 PM

Its been so long since I have been in the cage building loop that I am sure new and improved methods have been discovered. Definitely do what you think is best, my main concern is IF the wood were to swell it could compromise the structural integrity of the enclosure even if used with screws, just food for thought. Your enclosure is gonna be awesome when its done.

Quote:

Originally Posted by thercman

Hey!

I like the idea of the "u" shape strips for the windows! However I am not sure that a sealer would be better than fiberglass cloth and epoxy resin though. People are using that technique for aquariums and they hold water for over a decade. Anyway, this setup is going to be used to house darts so it wil be very humid inside. The plan is to make it realistic. With that amount of space plants will be able to mature and the darts will have a good amoutn of space to behave more naturally. Currenlty I am planning a group of P. Terribillis.....