Need Help with Conversion

Bunnygirl · #1 (**permalink**) 06-30-2009, 02:38 PM

Hello,
I have a glass case from Ikea that I want to convert into a terrarium. The dimensions are
Width: 16 3/4 "
Depth: 14 3/8 "
Height: 64 1/8 "
I want to convert it so that I can use it for arboreal or terrestrial reptiles. I have never done a conversion before so I will neeed help!
Thanks

beckdg · #2 (**permalink**) 06-30-2009, 05:44 PM

the first thing i would do is find a way to blacken or mask the sides where you'll need to put substrate, gs, glued limbs, etc.. maybe even better build shelves or tiny cabinets or such to go on either side about 2/3 total height to hide your work from the side view.

you can use gs to build a pond wall and create a water feature layer by layer or use a decent size piece of tupperware and gs around that. then you can have your feature pour back into a f/b of the sorts.

check out my favorite link to get an idea of the steps that would be involved. that should give you a good idea. then you'll have to take that and modify it to fit your purposes. for instance the reservoir he has below his viv in yours would have to be a much smaller bin located in the substrate and masked by gluing substrate to it like the gs/silicone/coco-husk method. the fundamentals are there for you if you get it right away. if not you may be spending some time here getting tips and advice until you're finished. that's fine though! you are embarking on a more advanced project than most. i believe this has a lot of potential to be beautiful, heart warming and soothing. in other words the outcome should be worth the effort. if you are unsure and would like to speed things up you could hit craigslist and freecycle sites until you get a couple freebies or good deals and do a starter tank like a 10 gallon as for most people their first time comes riddled with little issues, questions and the inevitable "i wish i had put x item in y position... it would've made things alot easier".

my first suggestion would be to find an inspiration and rummage nearby woods for most of your wood. if you wanted to purchase some nice mopani for your b/g or a center piece it would be completely understandable. filling a 5'+ tall viv with purchased wood just isn't economical though.

another approach would be many hanging plant pots.

i definitely think with a piece like that i would go all out and make it a show piece with at least 1 attraction to show off whether it be a mister or a back wall waterfall or whatever.

good luck and keep us in the loop. there is a lot of info here already that you could benefit from. i WANT to see how that turns out. this would also be a great build to follow step by step ESPECIALLY any mistakes, issues, roadblocks, etc.. people really need to get out of the whole "i have to purchase a tank" frame of mind. we are keeping animals here not products from a pet store.

once again good luck on your quest, have fun with it and please keep us posted as this build is destined to be unique.

froggsong · #3 (**permalink**) Yesterday, 10:54 AM

ok, i'm going to HAVE to convert mine now, lol... been try to find some use for that glass and i keep coming back to making a vive out of it... you have inspired me, lol

Bunnygirl · #4 (**permalink**) Yesterday, 12:06 PM

Haha,
Post pictures as you do yours and I'll do the same. I need someone who will help keep me on track and on time with it.

froggsong · #5 (**permalink**) Yesterday, 02:03 PM

heh... atm mine is just various pieces of glass stacked up outside. i DID take a look at mine though, and unfortunately the "shelves" aren't large enough to use for the bottom pane, so i'll have to figure that out...

i have to finish some other cages i'm working on before my hubby will let me start another project...

i'll be happy to help you as you go along though.