I should have mentioned in the video that regular acrylic is known to warp. In a setup of this size it is very minimal and only occurs on the door. If this concerns you, simply make your door out of polycarbonate, such as Lexan. It is easier to work with and less prone to cracking as well.
SerpaDesign I'm sorry to bother you and I know the conversions should be easy, but I'm seriously so bad with math and I just can't seem to figure it out 😂 what would be needed for a 40 gallon breeder?
SerpaDesign I'm trying to use your style to build a 40 gallon terrarium and I have a few concerns. Like you said in this comment Lexan might be better to work with, I'm unsure of where I'd fine sheets of this to work with. Where would I start? Are these materials all safe for my gecko?
Thank you very much for this series. I have just completed our first crested gecko vivarium using your process and I couldn’t be happier with the results. Although my design, of course, is wildly different from yours, it would not have been attainable without the thorough education you provided in this series. Great work and thanks again. Starting the second one as soon as our little gecko has been moved. I can hardly wait.
I have to say, I was gifted a 55 gallon aquarium and I found your videos. Thank you so much for sharing your hobby in such an informative and pleasant way. I have a false bottom built and am going to experiment with some foam tomorrow, wish me luck!
Holy crap. You make this look much easier than it is. As if it was taking a leisurely walk in the park. Yes my first attempt ever was on a 45 gallon, it can't be that hard, right?! WRONG. I cracked part of my plexi trying to drill it so I've given up on ever applying hinges. I've decided that magnets will be the way to keep the door on...maybe. It took three days for the GS to dry, and that was with poking in release holes. I could have done a better job of carving it, if I had a mini chainsaw. Plus I either bought a bad brown silicone or the color is just runny, oily, smells like vinegar, and takes longer to dry. Hours of work and I'm not even finished. Still worth it though, thank you for being an inspiration.
This wasn't my first rodeo and keep in mind that I have to film it all as well! Best of luck to you and and thanks for watching. Let me know if you have any questions.
You do know that if you put a cross of tape on the spot you want to drill ~ and then drill on the middle where to cross tape meet ~ should be no more cracks!
I'm trying this but tweaking it to make a custom sized terrarium. I got all the supplies today and tackled the acrylic measuring and cutting. So far so good! That was easier than expected, thanks to you and your videos. 😊
This is perfect thank you so much! I was totally going to try to do this exact same thing, but I was probably going to screw it up, or at least not have it to it's potential. It'll be great to have the pro show me the way!!
You could use weld-on 16 to secure the acrylic to the plastic frame and use some clear acrylic hinges that you can purchase online for an even sleeker look.
Hi, great video. I'd really like to have the motivation and energy to build one of those. To thank you, i'd like to share a tip with the silicone (if you don't know already). To smooth it out you can use water with a bit of dish soap in a spray bottle and once sprayed the silicone will be easier to smooth with your finger. It usually gives a very smooth finish with little effort.
How would one use overhead heat/ UVB for this? I assume you would have to remove the side piece of glass serving as your top, but how would you attach a screen top? In the same fashion as the glass? I've been watching this video for a year or two, now trying to work up the courage to tear apart one of my extra ten gallon tanks. I would need more ventilation and the option for at least heat, if not UVB. Thank in advance. I know this video is older, but it still gives me so much inspiration every time I see it!!
You've inspired me to make one if these bro. I use to do this type of stuff when I was a kid and long before I got into Reefing and corals. I've been collecting all the materials I need and most I've already had from my reefing hobby. Thanks for the step by step video. 👍
@serpadesign how did you make the drilling template? You don't still have the file handy, do you? Thank you for creating these videos - I am going to attempt this conversion today.
Awesome! I was considering making a water bridge from my twenty gallon aquarium to my spare 10 gallon, but now I think I'll have to wait and see how this project goes!
Thank you so much for doing a step by step. I am in the process of making the same as you did. I silicone my screws and a gap I had in the door. I'm not sure how I ended up with a gap, but I did. It should be ready for decor in a couple days.
I would like to show some of the terrariums I have been making using aquariums. Pretty simple compared to yours, which are masterpieces. However, I have learned everything with you. Thank you for sharing your expertise.
i dont understand why they don't sell 10 gals with doors or a door in the front. its great for reptiles, and easier to manage the tank/feed your reptile. if you feed them from the top it can easily spook them and you're bigger than them. if you're handling them its easier to put them back into their habitat. so, i think it would be great if it was more common to see on the market.
I'm wondering with the weight of all the substrate and decorations, is there any concern that the lip of the tank at the bottom will put stress on the glass? Would it be beneficial for a larger version (20 gallon long) to put a sheet of gator board or foam board under the glass to match the lip?
I just finished my tank up to the end of the first video and I am beginning the second part tomorrow, very good instructions! Thanks for the help! tomorrow
thanks for the great video, i'm really inspired to do this. Only problem i have is that my 10g aquarium is only glass, so without the black plastic piece (rim?) on top to fit in the acrylic. Do you have any tips how to go about this with glass edges?
Hey I was wondering, Since UVB doesn't pass through glass what do you suggest for the top? Since I'm building mine for reptiles that require UVB I'm wondering the best method to use. Take off the glass top and replace it with a screen topper or do you somehow add a full spectrum light safe for reptile inside?
I will doing this for my 20 gallon high since you created a tutorial so I can follow,for a Crested Gecko as well.---But I'm still concerned about those lips around the frame that are too short to drill holes through to hold the lexan tighter to the lips of the frame.
FYI! There are pre-cut acrylic sheets available online for standard aquarium sizes (and smaller for the drainage layer or ventilation sizes) for those of you not wanting to buy extra tools/worried about cracking/ruining the full sheets! I have a 30 gallon breeder tank and purchased a 36x18 sheet for the door as well as a 9x18 for the drainage layer! All I had to do was drill holes for the door handle and did ventilation in the door instead of a fixed top ventilation sheet! I used extra magnets instead of hinges for easy access and less retrofitting!
This is quite an old video so hopefully you're still active, how would I go about adding a waterfall to one of these builds? Theres nowhere for a powercord to go into the enclosure
Dude you are the man my iggy sends much love will be trying to build her one soon hope I may ask for help and tips as I go keep it up its inspired me greatly
another tip for applying silicon: when using your finger or any shaper whatsoever then use soapy water.. just dip your finger in it before shaping the silicon.. that way the silicon doesn't stick to your finger and you get a nice even.. bead? (really don't know the english term) however using dry fingers can be quite messy and it doesn't give you an result as even and pretty..
I'm having a lot of ventilation problems after doing this, and having to leave the door open (with supervision) often to prevent mold and mildew in my tank, and unable to mist the tank with fresh drinking water because humidity is too high, as well as temps getting too high in summer. Is anyone else having this problem/how to fix it? I'd love to cut the glass in the top to install some mesh but that's not really a good option. Tips?
Loved watching your videos..............don't know if I could do this or not........where do you get the different types of rocks and moss? Do you make any to sell? Where would I find them? Keep creating they are beautiful!
Hey SerpaDesign. was wondering if you can answer a question of mine. I live in a tropical humid area and was thinking if a screen mesh vivarium is a possible thing to do. was thinking you could provide a little enlightenment. Thank you!
I have a question, what do you think works better and easier a small 10 gallon tank or something larger like a 50 gallon for making vivarium? love the videos I'm planning on making my first one
I was wondering if you could help me. I've completed this diy. However I have a concern. As you know, the silicone has a STRONG odor! So, is the smell supposed to stay? Is that normal? Is it harmful for me to place my geckos in if the odor is still there?
Would I be able to use this as a guide with some modifications to convert a 20 gallon high aquarium to a long terrarium resting on the longest side? Basically what is shown in the video, but turned 90 degrees to create more floor space rather than added height.
I'm curious to know how you fix the lighting for these enclosures, how do your animals get uvb if there's no direct way for it to get into the enclosure?
I made my own mini terrarium and im not sure where to put it for lighting. Should i put it in my window sill where it will get lots of light or on my desk where it will only get light a few hours a day?
Little late now, but if heat isn't needed, stick a waterproof LED strip or two to the top and route the wires out. Then add a non metal screen over them to reduce anything messing with the wiring
For the people being morons about glass allowing light you should know that glass blocks all uvb so the only thing that will get to your reptile is light no uvb or uva acrylic allows uvb and uva
You deserve WAY more subscribers. Your videos are concise, yet *extremely* informative and helpful. Keep on keepin' on.
Two years later, he is at 1mil subscribers!
@@latonyahazelwood3669I year others he is at 1.6 milion
@@latonyahazelwood3669 two years later , he is nearly at 2 million
it's cool to look back at this comment now knowing how much he's accomplished
I should have mentioned in the video that regular acrylic is known to warp. In a setup of this size it is very minimal and only occurs on the door. If this concerns you, simply make your door out of polycarbonate, such as Lexan. It is easier to work with and less prone to cracking as well.
SerpaDesign what is the giant terrarium looking thing in the background? did you make a video on it?
SerpaDesign `yyyyy
SerpaDesign I'm sorry to bother you and I know the conversions should be easy, but I'm seriously so bad with math and I just can't seem to figure it out 😂 what would be needed for a 40 gallon breeder?
hey how much was the whole acrylic sheet my store wanted seventy dollars
SerpaDesign I'm trying to use your style to build a 40 gallon terrarium and I have a few concerns.
Like you said in this comment Lexan might be better to work with, I'm unsure of where I'd fine sheets of this to work with. Where would I start?
Are these materials all safe for my gecko?
Thank you very much for this series. I have just completed our first crested gecko vivarium using your process and I couldn’t be happier with the results. Although my design, of course, is wildly different from yours, it would not have been attainable without the thorough education you provided in this series. Great work and thanks again.
Starting the second one as soon as our little gecko has been moved. I can hardly wait.
I have to say, I was gifted a 55 gallon aquarium and I found your videos. Thank you so much for sharing your hobby in such an informative and pleasant way. I have a false bottom built and am going to experiment with some foam tomorrow, wish me luck!
How did it go
Holy crap. You make this look much easier than it is. As if it was taking a leisurely walk in the park.
Yes my first attempt ever was on a 45 gallon, it can't be that hard, right?! WRONG. I cracked part of my plexi trying to drill it so I've given up on ever applying hinges. I've decided that magnets will be the way to keep the door on...maybe. It took three days for the GS to dry, and that was with poking in release holes. I could have done a better job of carving it, if I had a mini chainsaw. Plus I either bought a bad brown silicone or the color is just runny, oily, smells like vinegar, and takes longer to dry. Hours of work and I'm not even finished. Still worth it though, thank you for being an inspiration.
This wasn't my first rodeo and keep in mind that I have to film it all as well! Best of luck to you and and thanks for watching. Let me know if you have any questions.
You can also go to a place like ace hardware and they will cut the acrylic for you
You do know that if you put a cross of tape on the spot you want to drill ~ and then drill on the middle where to cross tape meet ~ should be no more cracks!
I’ve watched this literally 12 times already and only need to build enough will power and stamina to make it happen :’)
I'm trying this but tweaking it to make a custom sized terrarium. I got all the supplies today and tackled the acrylic measuring and cutting. So far so good! That was easier than expected, thanks to you and your videos. 😊
This is perfect thank you so much! I was totally going to try to do this exact same thing, but I was probably going to screw it up, or at least not have it to it's potential. It'll be great to have the pro show me the way!!
This is how tutorials should be done; good job!
You could use weld-on 16 to secure the acrylic to the plastic frame and use some clear acrylic hinges that you can purchase online for an even sleeker look.
is it possible to get a hold of that drill hole guide from you please!
I'm getting ready to set up an enclosure for a crested gecko and this was so helpful. Thank you :)
Same!!
Yep!
Hi, great video. I'd really like to have the motivation and energy to build one of those. To thank you, i'd like to share a tip with the silicone (if you don't know already). To smooth it out you can use water with a bit of dish soap in a spray bottle and once sprayed the silicone will be easier to smooth with your finger. It usually gives a very smooth finish with little effort.
this is absolutely brilliant! I love watching your channel, so relaxing
How would one use overhead heat/ UVB for this? I assume you would have to remove the side piece of glass serving as your top, but how would you attach a screen top? In the same fashion as the glass? I've been watching this video for a year or two, now trying to work up the courage to tear apart one of my extra ten gallon tanks. I would need more ventilation and the option for at least heat, if not UVB. Thank in advance. I know this video is older, but it still gives me so much inspiration every time I see it!!
I wish someone had answered this! I'm wondering the exact same thing. It looks gorgeous but how heat is handled was never addressed 🥲
You've inspired me to make one if these bro. I use to do this type of stuff when I was a kid and long before I got into Reefing and corals. I've been collecting all the materials I need and most I've already had from my reefing hobby. Thanks for the step by step video. 👍
@serpadesign how did you make the drilling template? You don't still have the file handy, do you? Thank you for creating these videos - I am going to attempt this conversion today.
Cannot wait till I can build my crestie a big vertical enclosure 👼🏼
I got the rest of the supplies today for my 10 gallon verticle!! Super excited!!
Wish you could link the guides you made. Perhaps put them on google drive and share? 😉
Awesome! I was considering making a water bridge from my twenty gallon aquarium to my spare 10 gallon, but now I think I'll have to wait and see how this project goes!
Dude that is cool and looks fun to make! I will have to try this someday. Thanks for sharing!
Wanted to let you know that vids like these are still very helpful! Built my first bioactive vivarium based on this for my pacman frog
Thank you so much for doing a step by step. I am in the process of making the same as you did. I silicone my screws and a gap I had in the door. I'm not sure how I ended up with a gap, but I did. It should be ready for decor in a couple days.
Good stuff as always. I am glad I found this before buying a conversion kit. THANKS!!
I would like to show some of the terrariums I have been making using aquariums. Pretty simple compared to yours, which are masterpieces. However, I have learned everything with you. Thank you for sharing your expertise.
Can't wait for part two!
i dont understand why they don't sell 10 gals with doors or a door in the front. its great for reptiles, and easier to manage the tank/feed your reptile. if you feed them from the top it can easily spook them and you're bigger than them. if you're handling them its easier to put them back into their habitat. so, i think it would be great if it was more common to see on the market.
I'm wondering with the weight of all the substrate and decorations, is there any concern that the lip of the tank at the bottom will put stress on the glass? Would it be beneficial for a larger version (20 gallon long) to put a sheet of gator board or foam board under the glass to match the lip?
I just finished my tank up to the end of the first video and I am beginning the second part tomorrow, very good instructions! Thanks for the help! tomorrow
thanks for the great video, i'm really inspired to do this. Only problem i have is that my 10g aquarium is only glass, so without the black plastic piece (rim?) on top to fit in the acrylic. Do you have any tips how to go about this with glass edges?
Wonderful video, I'll probably be doing this soon
Nice, what are you thinking to stock them with?
@@SerpaDesign I am doing the same and I think I am going to get some type of goby
this is great, always like how well you explain everything. makes it easy to follow along, might even try to do this project too!
Do you have the template you used for the ventilation holes? Would be greatly appreciated
Hey I was wondering, Since UVB doesn't pass through glass what do you suggest for the top? Since I'm building mine for reptiles that require UVB I'm wondering the best method to use. Take off the glass top and replace it with a screen topper or do you somehow add a full spectrum light safe for reptile inside?
This video is great! I was wondering if its possible to make the door swing to the side? Do you think attaching it to the tank trim would work?
Top Flight content. I cant stop watching.
Doubt you will answer being a old video would a heat light crack the glass on the top the tank my house stays cold so I would need heat
I'm wondering the same!
What would you recommend for applying the door side on a rimless tanks?
I will doing this for my 20 gallon high since you created a tutorial so I can follow,for a Crested Gecko as well.---But I'm still concerned about those lips around the frame that are too short to drill holes through to hold the lexan tighter to the lips of the frame.
Check you email.
Thanks brother!
Any time bro! Let me know if you need anything else.
how did it work? Could I do this on a 20 long
FYI! There are pre-cut acrylic sheets available online for standard aquarium sizes (and smaller for the drainage layer or ventilation sizes) for those of you not wanting to buy extra tools/worried about cracking/ruining the full sheets!
I have a 30 gallon breeder tank and purchased a 36x18 sheet for the door as well as a 9x18 for the drainage layer! All I had to do was drill holes for the door handle and did ventilation in the door instead of a fixed top ventilation sheet! I used extra magnets instead of hinges for easy access and less retrofitting!
Could you please share a link to the guides? Thanks
Can you make a video on a horizontal front opening vivarium
This is quite an old video so hopefully you're still active, how would I go about adding a waterfall to one of these builds? Theres nowhere for a powercord to go into the enclosure
Can you tell us where you got the guides from? Or if you made them (which it looked like) what program you used to do this?
Would be cool to see an update to this.
Dude you are the man my iggy sends much love will be trying to build her one soon hope I may ask for help and tips as I go keep it up its inspired me greatly
I'm in the middle of using this video to convert my 75 gallon. Is there a better tool to cut acrylic with? My hands are going to be so so sore
What if ur reptile needs a heat lamp?
I did the acrylic cutting and totally messed up but oh well, I'm still using the pieces, they still function but they look kinda bad. great video!
another tip for applying silicon: when using your finger or any shaper whatsoever then use soapy water.. just dip your finger in it before shaping the silicon.. that way the silicon doesn't stick to your finger and you get a nice even.. bead? (really don't know the english term) however using dry fingers can be quite messy and it doesn't give you an result as even and pretty..
Hmm will I be able to do something similar with my old 7 gallon tank?
Dude really cool! I have an aquarium and always wanted a gecko but they need vertical enclosure. Thanks so much!
😊 🙏
Quick tip when cutting . A couple of pieces of double sided tape will hold the straight edge down temporarily.
Won't the acrylic shatter???
Is there a way to do this without the rim? For some reason a lot of the second hand tanks I have are all rimless 😅
Does a heat lamp on top not crack the glass?
Hey we're do I get the acrylic I know the video is vary old but I need to know
Where do you get acrylic so cheap? I only find it for at least 5 times that price for a decent size (36x30)
I'm having a lot of ventilation problems after doing this, and having to leave the door open (with supervision) often to prevent mold and mildew in my tank, and unable to mist the tank with fresh drinking water because humidity is too high, as well as temps getting too high in summer. Is anyone else having this problem/how to fix it? I'd love to cut the glass in the top to install some mesh but that's not really a good option. Tips?
Great vid. I've been wanting to create vertical setups for my crested geckos and this method looks easy and inexpensive.
Yeah it's a good method for that. I just did one in a 20 long for a crested gecko. The height is great and much cheaper than buying a tank like that.
Where did you find the magnets ?
Thanks
How did you get the drilling hole guide for the ventilation0:
How to do this on a full glass aquarium without trims?
1.5k Subs in less than a month. Nice Job!
Can you do an updated version of this please? Thanks
Great video it deserves way more view and liked
Loved watching your videos..............don't know if I could do this or not........where do you get the different types of rocks and moss? Do you make any to sell? Where would I find them? Keep creating they are beautiful!
Hey SerpaDesign. was wondering if you can answer a question of mine. I live in a tropical humid area and was thinking if a screen mesh vivarium is a possible thing to do. was thinking you could provide a little enlightenment. Thank you!
Someone else asked about it recently too. Are you thinking the entire vivarium to be screen or just the front?
SerpaDesign actually its for a veiled chameleon. so since youre the expert. I'd let you reccomend! thank you for replying
Do you still do these till this day and anything you would change now?
I have a question, what do you think works better and easier a small 10 gallon tank or something larger like a 50 gallon for making vivarium? love the videos I'm planning on making my first one
what site did you go to to print out for the holes?love your project and instructions
I was wondering if you could help me. I've completed this diy. However I have a concern. As you know, the silicone has a STRONG odor! So, is the smell supposed to stay? Is that normal? Is it harmful for me to place my geckos in if the odor is still there?
Would this work for a hermit crab?
Awesome vid!!! Really helpful and i appreciate all the detailed tips! Will try to make one soon with a 75 gallon tank. Hope everything ends well😅
David Briones Have you completed the tank? I’m thinking of trying this on a 50 gallon and wanted to know if you learned anything from the diy
Would I be able to use this as a guide with some modifications to convert a 20 gallon high aquarium to a long terrarium resting on the longest side? Basically what is shown in the video, but turned 90 degrees to create more floor space rather than added height.
yes
SerpaDesign would Plexiglass work as well I want to get a conversion kit but can't find anywhere shipping to my location
Omg thank God i found uim doing a 38 gallons oval tank and i been wanting to convert it so i can put my expensive begonias and my variegated adonsonii
Just curious howdid you find ventilation for this terrarium without a screen top?
How did you make your template for the hinges?
nice vid will this set up be good for a young crested gecko
Is it enough air holes for a crested gecko to live in? Trying to do this for my 20g long
Do you have the templates you used?
Would acrylic be ok to use to replace the screen top of the 18x18x18 zoo med terrarium for keeping frogs?
where do you get your acrylic sheets? The ones here are $50 for the same size sheets
You looking at acrylic or polycarbonate?
around how much is the polycarbonate for the big sheet like you used?Can you drill holes in it too?
You can buy plexiglass sheets at Lowes and they can cut it down for you.
I think thats acrylic at lowes.... polycarbonate, there is a difference
They have lexan at lowes also. Lexan is polycarbonate.
What store did you buy the acrylic? I've been trying to find some but cant anywhere
Think this would work well for poison dart from vivarium ?
I'm curious to know how you fix the lighting for these enclosures, how do your animals get uvb if there's no direct way for it to get into the enclosure?
Matthew Nicolino not if they're frogs
How do you do this with rimless aquariums?
Stephanie Norris where do you get a rimless aquarium???
It’s not worth doing it with a rimless tank rimless tanks cost too much
Can I use wire mesh or something similar for the top for ventilation instead of drilling holes in the acrylic?
Of course. You could use knitting mesh, make a screen, etc. There's a lot of options.
Man I don't know where you find those acrylic sheet for 7$ but all I can find with a decent size is 60-80$
Do you have the file for your ventilation guides?
What are the dimension of your tank? All of my 10g aquariums seem to be slightly different.
Following along. Looks pretty sweet.
I made my own mini terrarium and im not sure where to put it for lighting. Should i put it in my window sill where it will get lots of light or on my desk where it will only get light a few hours a day?
It depends on the type of plants, but your best bet is on the windowsill.
i worry about the glass on top not being able to transmit light through for plants and my inhabitants?
August Argleben how dirty is your glass?
Little late now, but if heat isn't needed, stick a waterproof LED strip or two to the top and route the wires out. Then add a non metal screen over them to reduce anything messing with the wiring
Glass is clear. It allows light to pass through. If you've never seen one, Google: "window".
For the people being morons about glass allowing light you should know that glass blocks all uvb so the only thing that will get to your reptile is light no uvb or uva acrylic allows uvb and uva
@@robbitt glass blocks all uvb and uva you know light spectrums that apt of reptiles need so just because you see light doesn't mean it is unimpeded
Im looking to make one of these for a reptile does anyone have ant tips, like safe silicone etc
Think I can put a heat lamp on top safely without cracking the glass?
You probably could, but I would recommend leaving a bit of space in between the glass and light.
Cant find other series
You're the man Tanner thank you