That's a great tip and I do for stuff like melamine and worktops but this blade was particularly knackered and I didn't know until that first cut! Nice new blade on it now ☺️
Like your content brother in reptiles! Cool you English used the metric system easier for me to follow. Building myself enclosures for more than 50 years now, started with old furnitures. I prefer to fix the airing holes with fine stainless mesh before glue and screw the hole cage...God's Blessings from Northern Germany Ludwig.
this is great and has given me the motivation to look into costs for building my own rather than buying a ready made as i am very new to reptiles and we are getting our first snake next week and a small viv for the time being as it is a baby.
I have been trying to find a good video that goes over how to make a tank and this is the one I’m going to go with. You lay it all out and show how to do everything without making it look like I need to be an expert. Thank you.
Thank you so much for thoroughly explaining the measurements of the glass panels with a visual! It helps my autistic brain wrap around the concept so much easier. 😂
Thanks for the great video! You make it simple, while still being everything a reptile could need. And this video is helping me to see that I can do this, too! I tend to overcomplicate things, so I needed this! : )
Brilliant video, appreciate a british video with british prices and sites for once! Quick one, I'm looking to make a high humidity vivarium with wood (I know PVC is recommended but it's too expensive), havr you ever used liquid rubber to protect the wood? Or what would you recommend?
Glad you found it useful! I personally haven't used that product but the safest way in my opinion would be to coat the entire inside with a pond epoxy like Pond Paint.
Great video bud. Always enjoy building new enclosures. It’s great watching other peoples building skills and different designs. I also build all of my large enclosures it definitely saves alot of money specially when building giant monitor enclosures. That’s awesome how you made that for a pair of leopard geckos 🙌. Keep up the great work bud 🙋♂️✌️
I might consider making my own if it works out cheaper than buying one flat pack cheers for making this video, although I may have to make mine 4x3x3 as i want a bearded dragon
Bigger is always better in my opinion! If you can fit a 4x3 in then you should definitely make one. The construction is the same just add the extra numbers to a 4x2 plan
Thanks! Sorry I don't have a recommendation on paint as I don't use it, you are looking for a water based zero voc product and then varnish over it low voc water based varnish.
I’m so glad I found a British reptile channel!! This was so helpful, I’m moving my 2 tortoises in for autumn/winter and I’ve been looking at buying a fresh vivarium to do this but I didn’t realise just how expensive they’ve got - literally even just for flat pack! But after watching this video I’m definitely looking at building my own, as you were very informative & made it look possible! Is there a way you could link the video that you said you had about putting the flooring in at the end as it didn’t come up for me? Also is there any videos on fitting a viv with electrics? Thank you so much :) keep on with this channel its great 😊
I'm glad you found me! If you search my channel for "waterproofing a wooden vivarium" that's the video about the flooring, it's in my DIY vivariums playlists. As for your tortoises, you don't have to build vivariums for them, in fact they do much better on table set ups, plus they are much easier to build! I cover electrics on most of my builds but I don't have a dedicated video as they all differ slightly depending on species.
Thanks for the video, very helpful! I am making a very similar sized Vivarium for 2 adult sized bearded dragons, that I am hoping will breed. This is all for my sons. I am wondering, what sized heating lamps would you need for this size vivarium? And UVb light? Thank you!
Hi, I would be using a 2ft 24w 12% T5 uvb and 75/100w halogen heat lamp, I couldn't say for sure as it depends on other factors like outside temperature and ventilation, you'll have to to do some tests before putting the animals in.
If you have time, I would also love some advice on the heating pad? (I am in Zimbabwe so will order off of ebay to be brought out with a courier). Thank you so much!
Thanks for the video. Do you have a link to the track? Most tracks I have found that looks like yours is wider than the 18mm wood you’re using. Does your track fit flush on the wood or is there a slight overhang? Thanks again
Hi, I don't have a link as I've used various sellers on eBay due to listings being taken down. Most of my tracks are thinner than 18mm so I do have a small lip. I have that on the inside so it's not noticeable. I've never come across 4mm glass track that is wider than 18mm
@@norwichreptileshed thanks. Do you use that same size glass for any size habitat? Have you ever had an issue with a big glass door because the weight isn’t completely supported by the track? I appreciate your help.
@@cosmo9362 sorry the late reply, I use 4mm for everything except my royal python enclosure which is 6mm and is very heavy on the tracks, i occasionally lubricate it with silicone spray to help.
Can I use an under tank heater on my wooden vivarium it has good airflow I’m just worried it won’t heat through the wood then the substrate I’m going bio active so I need about 3 inches of substrate and for a leopard gecko so preferably on the bottom! Thank you
Hello, an under tank heater won't work with that much soil. I would recommended a halogen heat lamp on a thermostat, it's the best option for leopard geckos also.
Glad it helped! I've had no issues with rot, I always have good thermal cross ventilation and I protect the substrate areas with plastic floor protection sheeting.
@Norwich Reptile Shed we've got all sorts of tools tbf I probably have one, my husband is a carpenter, if I ask for a specific tool it normally materialises 😂 The awesome one is having a track for the circular saw so you don't have to make a guide and it auto cuts up to 12 ft sheets MUWAHAHA ❤
Does that stain help from keeping consistent moisture out? I’m working on an iguana cage and I can’t find a stain or a applicant to keep that moisture out from the wood so no bacteria or mold grows
I have tons of videos explaining all my methods of protecting plywood but a quick answer would be stain and varnishing the wood and sealing the joints with silicone.
Thanks! The wood stain does protect but I also add a water based varnish inside plus glueing the joints and sealing with silicone. I have also made a video on how I like the substrate area to add even more protection
Hi, I personally use two coats of stain and then varnish on top of that, I then seal all the edges with silicone and protect the substrate area with a plastic floor protector.
Impressive build. What kind of sliding door track do you use for the larger terrariums, like at the beginning of the video? I was wondering if he plastic door track is strong enough for heavier glass
I may not have mentioned it in this video as it more about the build, but I have tons more useful videos including how I line the substrate area to create even more protection.
This video is great, thanks for sharing. I'm looking at building a custom unit for my ball python and am a bit worried about the wood Vs humidity. Do you think I should line it with something or protect the wood in some way? 😊🙌🏼
Thanks! Plywood that has been sealed in some way will be ok with the humidity but I recommend lining the substrate area with a material that will stop moisture getting to the wood. I have a video all about in this channel, it's called 'waterproofing a wooden vivarium' hope you find it useful!
Sorry I commented previous video, browsed the channel and found this which is much more relevant for me! Do you notice by any chance that the weight of them does cause a bow on the vivs underneath? Mine are either shop bought or Facebook tidied up, but they don't seem very strong long term. Is this simply down to the type of wood? As I noticed you mentioned hard wood
Hi, this design and type of wood makes them much stronger than the melamine versions that shops sell. A 4x2x2 shouldn't bow and if I was stacking bigger ones then I would add lengths of timber between them
I'm assuming you are referring to my circular saw spacer? Life isn't that simple over here 🤣 we switch between mm, cm and inches and rarely work in round numbers.
Lighting depends on what species is going to be housed inside. This particular vivarium was for our bearded dragon so used a 24w t5 12% lamp and an led flood light, I show this in our bearded dragon video. It will be different set up for my next 4ft build which will house leopard geckos.
I am very curious to know the long term effects of the stain on the creatures in question. That stain can be a harmful substances if it bleeds out of the wood while animals are in there. Also, it won’t protect against humidity in the long term. The chemicals can seep into the air over time. Curious how this all turned out. It looks good for sure. This is genuine curiosity. I’ve been a wood worker for years. For all you out there who just troll, don’t. It’s not productive or helpful.
Hi, I seal the insides of my vivariums with a water based varnish that is toy and food safe. I've had no issues in the 4 years they have been running for.
Hi, I mention in this video that it has two coats of stain plus a varnish. My other videos go much more into detail about protecting the wood and I have a whole video dedicated to lining the soil level 👍
Have a Google for a local glazier and I'm sure they'll sort you out. If not you can order online at places like Norwich glass company but it'll cost you more
That's the size I ordered but like I showed later, I messed up the width so they should have been 390x605. That being said I strongly recommend you measure your own gap and don't rely on my measurements. A few millimeters here and there with the cuts and joints plus maybe a different brand of glass runner track will make a difference to the gap.
I have two sisters that were hatched together and have lived together for 8 years with zero issues. Housing two females is generally considered ok with the correct space and husbandry requirements.
Hi, this isn't the place to discuss Leo's but I will be having a video covering a build coming in summer. I keep two females together, if done correctly it is perfectly safe and can be considered beneficial due to recent wild studies finding these geckos living in loose social groups.
Use painters tape on the lines that you are cutting and you’ll end up with less tear out
That's a great tip and I do for stuff like melamine and worktops but this blade was particularly knackered and I didn't know until that first cut! Nice new blade on it now ☺️
Wish I had followed your advise!
Just to add to malelpn37's comment, You should also set the depth of the blade so it just pokes out the other of the board
Like your content brother in reptiles! Cool you English used the metric system easier for me to follow. Building myself enclosures for more than 50 years now, started with old furnitures. I prefer to fix the airing holes with fine stainless mesh before glue and screw the hole cage...God's Blessings from Northern Germany Ludwig.
this is great and has given me the motivation to look into costs for building my own rather than buying a ready made as i am very new to reptiles and we are getting our first snake next week and a small viv for the time being as it is a baby.
That's great to hear!
I have been trying to find a good video that goes over how to make a tank and this is the one I’m going to go with. You lay it all out and show how to do everything without making it look like I need to be an expert. Thank you.
I'm glad you found it useful!
I love this! I'm repurposing a large entertainment stand/shelf but was pretty intimated by making the sliding doors. I think I can do it now.
So glad it helped! Good luck with your build
Thank you so much for thoroughly explaining the measurements of the glass panels with a visual! It helps my autistic brain wrap around the concept so much easier. 😂
I'm glad it helped! There is a more detailed and better filmed one on my channel also. It's called "how to measure glass for a vivarium"
This is an outstanding tutorial, and the enclosures are top notch. Great work, and thank you for this.
Thank you! Glad you found it useful
Thanks for explaining how you come up with the measurements of the glass doors so they fit the tracks. The other diy videos I've seen skip that step.
My pleasure! Glad it can help
Thanks for the great video! You make it simple, while still being everything a reptile could need. And this video is helping me to see that I can do this, too! I tend to overcomplicate things, so I needed this! : )
Thank you! I'm really glad it helps!
I’m building a viv and needed help working out glass size, you’ve helped loads with a simple diagram and advice, cheers‼️
Glad it helped! Good luck with your build
Brilliant video, appreciate a british video with british prices and sites for once!
Quick one, I'm looking to make a high humidity vivarium with wood (I know PVC is recommended but it's too expensive), havr you ever used liquid rubber to protect the wood? Or what would you recommend?
Glad you found it useful! I personally haven't used that product but the safest way in my opinion would be to coat the entire inside with a pond epoxy like Pond Paint.
Great video bud. Always enjoy building new enclosures. It’s great watching other peoples building skills and different designs. I also build all of my large enclosures it definitely saves alot of money specially when building giant monitor enclosures. That’s awesome how you made that for a pair of leopard geckos 🙌. Keep up the great work bud
🙋♂️✌️
Thanks mate!
Great video got lots of tips. Could you show us how you fit your wiring please?
Hi, I don't have a dedicated video as they vary depending on the equipment I need but I cover electricals on most of my specific builds
The most helpful video on this topic, but how do you do your heating?
Thank you! Heating is quite specific to the species being housed, I have tons of different videos explaining the different set ups I have though.
measure depth of top track -1-2mm then add that to the opening dimension. Much more easierer
I might consider making my own if it works out cheaper than buying one flat pack cheers for making this video, although I may have to make mine 4x3x3 as i want a bearded dragon
Tbf looking at this again I think a 4x2x2 should be big enough
Bigger is always better in my opinion! If you can fit a 4x3 in then you should definitely make one. The construction is the same just add the extra numbers to a 4x2 plan
thank you for a great simple way to do it. cheers
No problem! I'm glad it has helped
Brilliant video 😊
Thank you!
Really enjoy watching this. If you painted it, what type of paint would you use so it was safe for the lizard? Thanks
Thanks! Sorry I don't have a recommendation on paint as I don't use it, you are looking for a water based zero voc product and then varnish over it low voc water based varnish.
I’m so glad I found a British reptile channel!! This was so helpful, I’m moving my 2 tortoises in for autumn/winter and I’ve been looking at buying a fresh vivarium to do this but I didn’t realise just how expensive they’ve got - literally even just for flat pack! But after watching this video I’m definitely looking at building my own, as you were very informative & made it look possible! Is there a way you could link the video that you said you had about putting the flooring in at the end as it didn’t come up for me? Also is there any videos on fitting a viv with electrics? Thank you so much :) keep on with this channel its great 😊
I'm glad you found me! If you search my channel for "waterproofing a wooden vivarium" that's the video about the flooring, it's in my DIY vivariums playlists.
As for your tortoises, you don't have to build vivariums for them, in fact they do much better on table set ups, plus they are much easier to build! I cover electrics on most of my builds but I don't have a dedicated video as they all differ slightly depending on species.
Thanks for the video, very helpful! I am making a very similar sized Vivarium for 2 adult sized bearded dragons, that I am hoping will breed. This is all for my sons. I am wondering, what sized heating lamps would you need for this size vivarium? And UVb light? Thank you!
Hi, I would be using a 2ft 24w 12% T5 uvb and 75/100w halogen heat lamp, I couldn't say for sure as it depends on other factors like outside temperature and ventilation, you'll have to to do some tests before putting the animals in.
Good video and gives me more confidence in tackling a project myself. Keep up the good work!
Thanks! Good luck with your builds!
If you have time, I would also love some advice on the heating pad? (I am in Zimbabwe so will order off of ebay to be brought out with a courier). Thank you so much!
Sorry I can't help you there as I don't use heat pads, all my enclosures are heated with halogen lamps.
Absolutely love this been searching for videos this is perfect great work
Thanks! Glad it could help
Thanks for the video. Do you have a link to the track? Most tracks I have found that looks like yours is wider than the 18mm wood you’re using. Does your track fit flush on the wood or is there a slight overhang? Thanks again
Hi, I don't have a link as I've used various sellers on eBay due to listings being taken down. Most of my tracks are thinner than 18mm so I do have a small lip. I have that on the inside so it's not noticeable. I've never come across 4mm glass track that is wider than 18mm
@@norwichreptileshed thanks. Do you use that same size glass for any size habitat? Have you ever had an issue with a big glass door because the weight isn’t completely supported by the track? I appreciate your help.
@@cosmo9362 sorry the late reply, I use 4mm for everything except my royal python enclosure which is 6mm and is very heavy on the tracks, i occasionally lubricate it with silicone spray to help.
Can I use an under tank heater on my wooden vivarium it has good airflow I’m just worried it won’t heat through the wood then the substrate I’m going bio active so I need about 3 inches of substrate and for a leopard gecko so preferably on the bottom! Thank you
Hello, an under tank heater won't work with that much soil. I would recommended a halogen heat lamp on a thermostat, it's the best option for leopard geckos also.
Hi may i know what thickness you use for the woods?
18mm plywood
Thank you for the tutorial. Any issues with rot from moisture in the enclosures?
Glad it helped! I've had no issues with rot, I always have good thermal cross ventilation and I protect the substrate areas with plastic floor protection sheeting.
Honestly love having more than one drill so your not faffing around swapping over drill bits constantly lol
Oh if you can have an impact driver and a drill your day will be 1000% easier!
@Norwich Reptile Shed we've got all sorts of tools tbf I probably have one, my husband is a carpenter, if I ask for a specific tool it normally materialises 😂
The awesome one is having a track for the circular saw so you don't have to make a guide and it auto cuts up to 12 ft sheets MUWAHAHA ❤
Great video and tips Jamie
Thanks buddy
Does that stain help from keeping consistent moisture out? I’m working on an iguana cage and I can’t find a stain or a applicant to keep that moisture out from the wood so no bacteria or mold grows
The stain would definitely help but I also use varnish after
How many bits of plywood did you use did one do the whole thing or did you order quite a few
This is made with off cuts from other vivarium builds. It could be made from a single sheet but it would have to be a little smaller.
Im looking to build a vivarium for a ballpython what would you use to seal the plywood from the humidity
I have tons of videos explaining all my methods of protecting plywood but a quick answer would be stain and varnishing the wood and sealing the joints with silicone.
Stupid question? What kind of snake is that green one? Beautiful Snake!
That's a Boiga cyanea or Green Cat Snake
@@norwichreptileshed very beautiful. Thank you for replying.
Hi great video may I ask does the wood Stan protect plywood from swelling an expanding with the moisture build up? Want to make my own vivarium
Thanks! The wood stain does protect but I also add a water based varnish inside plus glueing the joints and sealing with silicone. I have also made a video on how I like the substrate area to add even more protection
Is there no need for waterproofing the wood due to high humidity that would be in the vivarium? I'd assume it would other wise lead to wood rot no?
Hi, I personally use two coats of stain and then varnish on top of that, I then seal all the edges with silicone and protect the substrate area with a plastic floor protector.
@@norwichreptileshed oh ok thanks 👍
great info mate cheers
Thanks!
Impressive build. What kind of sliding door track do you use for the larger terrariums, like at the beginning of the video? I was wondering if he plastic door track is strong enough for heavier glass
Thanks! I use the exact same product and technique for the bigger builds too
Great video. Thank you.
Does the stain seal it?
Glad you enjoyed it! The stain definitely adds a layer of protection but I always varnish the inside too
@@norwichreptileshed ah I missed that part.
I may not have mentioned it in this video as it more about the build, but I have tons more useful videos including how I line the substrate area to create even more protection.
This video is great, thanks for sharing. I'm looking at building a custom unit for my ball python and am a bit worried about the wood Vs humidity. Do you think I should line it with something or protect the wood in some way? 😊🙌🏼
Thanks! Plywood that has been sealed in some way will be ok with the humidity but I recommend lining the substrate area with a material that will stop moisture getting to the wood. I have a video all about in this channel, it's called 'waterproofing a wooden vivarium' hope you find it useful!
@@norwichreptileshed amazing, thank you so much ❤️
How does it lock??
Sorry I commented previous video, browsed the channel and found this which is much more relevant for me!
Do you notice by any chance that the weight of them does cause a bow on the vivs underneath? Mine are either shop bought or Facebook tidied up, but they don't seem very strong long term. Is this simply down to the type of wood? As I noticed you mentioned hard wood
Hi, this design and type of wood makes them much stronger than the melamine versions that shops sell. A 4x2x2 shouldn't bow and if I was stacking bigger ones then I would add lengths of timber between them
I use inches where I'm from. An easier way is to just measure 1.5 inches shorter then what you want. So if you want 24 inches you would measure 22.5.
I'm assuming you are referring to my circular saw spacer? Life isn't that simple over here 🤣 we switch between mm, cm and inches and rarely work in round numbers.
Can you show what lights fixtures you use in that set up 4x2x2? and how you set them up
Lighting depends on what species is going to be housed inside. This particular vivarium was for our bearded dragon so used a 24w t5 12% lamp and an led flood light, I show this in our bearded dragon video. It will be different set up for my next 4ft build which will house leopard geckos.
@@norwichreptileshed Bearded dragon , okay i'll stay tuned :) thank you!
I am very curious to know the long term effects of the stain on the creatures in question. That stain can be a harmful substances if it bleeds out of the wood while animals are in there. Also, it won’t protect against humidity in the long term. The chemicals can seep into the air over time.
Curious how this all turned out. It looks good for sure.
This is genuine curiosity. I’ve been a wood worker for years. For all you out there who just troll, don’t. It’s not productive or helpful.
Hi, I seal the insides of my vivariums with a water based varnish that is toy and food safe. I've had no issues in the 4 years they have been running for.
Good video, I just can’t find the sliding rail on eBay? What is the exact name of you don’t mind
Hi, thanks! They come up if you search "glass track runners"
Hello , I am making 1800mm X 1000 mm X 600mm reptile vivarium .... Can you tell me if 4mm glass is enough for Boa snake ?
I think 4mm toughened glass should be fine
What stain did you use?
Ronseal quick drying exterior
New subscriber here pal
Welcome aboard! Hope you enjoy the videos
Cool vid, one question though, why not seal the inside to prevent the wood from rotting?
Hi, I mention in this video that it has two coats of stain plus a varnish. My other videos go much more into detail about protecting the wood and I have a whole video dedicated to lining the soil level 👍
@@norwichreptileshed ah gotcha, cause I was gonna say great build but it wouldn’t last long lol. Omw to watch that video 👍
How would i heat it on the bottom? Heat tape under the wood?
Hi, I don't heat any of my vivariums from underneath so I couldn't advise what works or not.
Where do you order your glass from?
My local glazier has a website that I can order from but any glazier would be fine. I use Norwich Glass Co
I do have one question... where do you get the glass for these? 😅 I can't find glass anywhere
Have a Google for a local glazier and I'm sure they'll sort you out. If not you can order online at places like Norwich glass company but it'll cost you more
@@norwichreptileshed okay cool I will have a look around and see what I can find! Thanks
you mentioned about the glass size, just to clarify, is it 390mm x 625mm? cheers
That's the size I ordered but like I showed later, I messed up the width so they should have been 390x605.
That being said I strongly recommend you measure your own gap and don't rely on my measurements. A few millimeters here and there with the cuts and joints plus maybe a different brand of glass runner track will make a difference to the gap.
How much did it cost
About £100
What type of wood did you use?
Around the 5 min mark I talk all about the wood 👍
Where do you order your glass from buddy
I use a local glazing company with online ordering called Norwich Glass co but any local glazier will work.
What are the measurements of the glass bud?
How much does this build cost to build?
If you adjusted the measurements to use one sheet of plywood then I think you could make it for £110 with glass, tracks and vents
How do u put ur lights in
Most of my lights are screwed to the ceiling but I have tons of videos showing the process I use specifically for a species I keep on my channel.
how thick is the wood?
Hi, it's 18mm
how about you show how to install the lights and hide cables please
Hi, I cover electronics on the more specific builds on this channel. I show it on my royal python, Northern Pine snake and false water cobra builds
What wood was it please mate
18mm hardwood faced ply
@@norwichreptileshed thank you
Is there any point whatsoever in co habbingnleopard geckos though?
I have two sisters that were hatched together and have lived together for 8 years with zero issues. Housing two females is generally considered ok with the correct space and husbandry requirements.
Glass is so cheap in your country it's crazy.
What stain did you use and where was it from?.
I use a Ronseal wood stain which is available at most diy shops, I use wickes for most of my stuff.
Wow British tape measures look weird !
We measure in metric and buy timber in imperial, it's a mess! 😂
Did you say you're putting *two* leopard geckos in one vivarium?? Cohabbing is quite unsafe and unnecessary.
Hi, this isn't the place to discuss Leo's but I will be having a video covering a build coming in summer. I keep two females together, if done correctly it is perfectly safe and can be considered beneficial due to recent wild studies finding these geckos living in loose social groups.
No need for a locking door? Sorry to ask, just new to snake keeping. And the heating element is a bulb? Can you put a heating pad on the bottom?
can you stack these or will they warp
I stack mine, although if you plan on using a lot of soil substrate and rocks ect it's best to use timber between just be on the safe side
How does it lock??
I use rubber glass wedges