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 #1773301


Yexalen
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 Jwsurfergirl - Enclosure

OK so we needed a bigger enclosure for Angus and instead of taking away his tank we are building onto it.

First we made the frame with 1/2 inch PVC Pipe. The same depth as the tank and legs the same height. It goes out about a foot and a half on either side of the tank:::




Then we used drywall screws (thanks CP for the name of the screws LOL) -Im not the builder...
And attached plywood

The back sheet:



Then the sides:



Once we got all the plywood weight on there it was too heavy for the PVC pipe legs

SO we made angle legs out of the plywood, put the flooring in on either side of where the tank sits:



Close up leg:





Put a support down the front middle to help with the plexi:



Here are some pictures of the flooring on the side of the tank:





The screen on the tank will move up to the top and secure on the lip we made for the ceiling


Then I am thinking of just a repti-carpet or something similar for the substrate so nothing loose gets knocked in. But the tank itself will be complete water (not filled)

Hope that helps.


ANYBODY ELSE WITH ENCLOSURES BUILT OVER TANKS IS VERY WELCOME TO POST.
COMMENTS, QUESTIONS, IDEAS, SUGGESTIONS... THATS ALL WELCOME AS WELL.


Hope that helps Jwsurfergirl



06/25/08  02:54pm

 #1773762


Jwsurfergirl
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  Message To: Yexalen   In reference to Message Id: 1773301


 Jwsurfergirl - Enclosure

Thanks Yex..did u treat the plywood..if so with what and how long to dry etc



06/25/08  09:56pm

 #1773786


87rx7chick
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  Message To: Jwsurfergirl   In reference to Message Id: 1773762


 Jwsurfergirl - Enclosure

you should check out the big enclosure thread, i did a quick write up on my build



06/25/08  10:12pm

 #1773799


Jwsurfergirl
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  Message To: 87rx7chick   In reference to Message Id: 1773786


 Jwsurfergirl - Enclosure

I forgot to ask yex...is there a type of would that doesnt need to be treated..can melamine be used?



06/25/08  10:25pm

 #1773804


Clouddancer22
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  Message To: Jwsurfergirl   In reference to Message Id: 1773799


 Jwsurfergirl - Enclosure

Yes, Melamine can be used - just be sure to seal all the seams with aquarium silicone or something.



06/25/08  10:30pm

 #1773809


Yexalen
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  Message To: Clouddancer22   In reference to Message Id: 1773804


 Jwsurfergirl - Enclosure

Its not finished yet but I do plan on sealing it not sure with what yet. There are a few items out there...

Cloud, I heard you used Stain on one of your vivs? Do you have to do anythign to the wood before staining it? Or can I just use stain and then waterproof and seal seams? what what what?????

(This is where my experience is lacking)





06/25/08  10:36pm

 #1773872


Lelareed4
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  Message To: Yexalen   In reference to Message Id: 1773809


 Jwsurfergirl - Enclosure

Wow Yexalen, that’s really coming along It is going to be awesome when y’all are done.



06/26/08  12:03am

 #1773895


Pocochu
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  Message To: Yexalen   In reference to Message Id: 1773809


 Jwsurfergirl - Enclosure

Yex I would take a fine grit piece of sand paper and go over the wood and dust it off and then put your stain on it, let it dry and then seal it......



06/26/08  12:51am

 #1773972


Cphill58
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  Message To: Pocochu   In reference to Message Id: 1773895


 Jwsurfergirl - Enclosure

What color stain ????? I will get some samples posted......lol
DAing Yex ...that ply wood is rough 2 sides ...the less expensive stuff ?? Or is it pre sanded 1 side???

got a hand / palm vibrating electric sander....150 grit or...120 ...and then go to this link and see what you want to do....lots of tips here
Min Wax is a popular brand
Link

Run Forest run....



06/26/08  03:09am

 #1774342


Jwsurfergirl
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  Message To: Cphill58   In reference to Message Id: 1773972


 Jwsurfergirl - Enclosure

This building stuff...my head is spinning...Im looking for the best way but least expensive...hmmmmm...Thanks for the info guys its been a great help..now i just have to let the hubby know and we can get a move on..i think we are going to make a list and draw up something so we have a basis and then go and get the materials we need next week..we will see what happens.....it takes so long to build an enclosure...ugh....good work out of you yex...you must have great patience...lol...nap time...hehe my lil critter keeps me wound tight but that will taper off in a few more weeks and then i think i will have more time and energy to focus more on my other critters......ZzZzZzZz ........



06/26/08  01:21pm

 #1774414


Clouddancer22
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  Message To: Jwsurfergirl   In reference to Message Id: 1774342


 Jwsurfergirl - Enclosure

Yeah, what they said! I am using min wax, but I am the WORST person to ask questions about building stuff, lol. It is going to be TOTALLY AWESOME when it is finally done tho!



06/26/08  02:23pm

 #1774475


Yexalen
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  Message To: Clouddancer22   In reference to Message Id: 1774414


 Jwsurfergirl - Enclosure

Its sanded both sides but we still need to sand down edges and cuts and shtuff...

all in all not expensive... $100 tank
$40 worth plywood
$10 PVC
Screws

Plexi will be about $50

So not counting the lights, heat, decor etc. The cage itself would be a little over $100 $200 if you dont have the tank already.....


:D

Dave is the builder.... I know what im doing for the most part but he is the mastermind... he uses the practical design and I tell him he is wrong and that it wont work for a water dragon lol.

He is experienced in building
Im experienced in vivariums...

ALL GOOD :D



06/26/08  03:07pm

 #1774528


Lelareed4
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  Message To: Yexalen   In reference to Message Id: 1774475


 Jwsurfergirl - Enclosure

LoL, my husband started a viv for the dragons...he was taking too long so I talked to Annie about her viv and decided to use an old entertainment center...then we decided to screen in back patio...so the viv my husband started is still unfinished..lol

So Dave is better at getting the job done the Rob cause he starts...stops..then never goes back to work...lol



06/26/08  03:52pm

 #1774600


Yexalen
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  Message To: Lelareed4   In reference to Message Id: 1774528


 Jwsurfergirl - Enclosure

LOL well when we did Diego’s viv we used an old tv center and Dave had A LOT of fun with it. Then using all my info about what it needs water dragon wise. The sealing, the ventilation, the basking distance etc. it came out really nice.

Ang’s however we have to buy every piece and instead of the frame and wood already being done with the tv center it seems every pay day we get closer and closer to being done :D

But then we went and bought a stupid tent trailer (that broke my wrist) but it was used so that became a project.... now dave wants a project boat! I told him not tell Ang’s viv is done :D



06/26/08  04:40pm

 #1775869


Jwsurfergirl
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  Message To: Yexalen   In reference to Message Id: 1774600


 Jwsurfergirl - Enclosure

anyone know where to get melamine? does homedepot or lowes carry it?



06/27/08  07:02pm

 #1775895


Yexalen
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  Message To: Jwsurfergirl   In reference to Message Id: 1775869


 Jwsurfergirl - Enclosure

They both should... you can go to their website and check.... if its not their email them and see if they can get it in for you or something....



06/27/08  07:40pm

 #1776046


Jwsurfergirl
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  Message To: Yexalen   In reference to Message Id: 1775895


 Jwsurfergirl - Enclosure

i checked their websites and i cant find it or pricing on it for that matter...ill just go down to the store or call and see if they carry it...i dont see why they wouldnt??? hmmmmmmmmmm....ZzZzZzZz..



06/27/08  10:12pm

 #1776225


Cphill58
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  Message To: Jwsurfergirl   In reference to Message Id: 1776046


 Jwsurfergirl - Enclosure

Home Depot and Lowes all carry it ...Home Depot is 10 % less than Lowes except on the 2nd tuesday of the week....


3/4 inch thick and just about any size you want up to 4x8 feet ...some specialty lumber houses have bigger and lower prices ....call them and talk to the lumber dept. at the Depot and they will tell you what you wanna know ....the home Depot web site blowsssss...

CP



06/28/08  01:13am

 #1776235


Yexalen
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  Message To: Cphill58   In reference to Message Id: 1776225


 Jwsurfergirl - Enclosure

2nd tuesday of the week? I thought there was only one tuesday of the week.... you confuse me...

unless you meant second tuesday of the month...

and whats that all about anyway??



06/28/08  01:35am

 #1776239


Cphill58
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  Message To: Yexalen   In reference to Message Id: 1776235


 Jwsurfergirl - Enclosure

It confuses blondes ....just testing you .....lol



06/28/08  01:42am

 #1776825


Jwsurfergirl
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  Message To: Cphill58   In reference to Message Id: 1776239


 Jwsurfergirl - Enclosure

you guys are a trip..its great!!!! haha always something to make me laugh....thanks for the info CP it helps a bunch...and what am i supposed to seal the melamine with? Im too tired to research myself so i apologize for making ya’ll do my work for me..but Chris I know you’re good at this stuff..and i appreciate your help..... ZzZzZzZz......



06/28/08  06:25pm

 #1776880


DragonPaw
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  Message To: Jwsurfergirl   In reference to Message Id: 1776825


 Jwsurfergirl - Enclosure

You can seal the wood with a water-based polyurethane sealant or epoxy paint.

Just be sure to allow the sealant to fully dry and the enclosure to fully air out. You will know it is finished when you do not smell any fumes. You can speed up the process by using fans and heat sources in the enclosure.



06/28/08  07:30pm

 #1776959


Cphill58
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  Message To: DragonPaw   In reference to Message Id: 1776880


 Jwsurfergirl - Enclosure

Melamine is a laminate on press board ...you don’t seal it ...Once you see it you will know why. It is highly subject to blistering from moisture ...It is best for interior/exterior dry surfaces ...to make pretty if you will.

The problem comes from the moisture entering the seams and causing the press board / MDF (medium density fiber board) to swelllike a sponge over time.

The best way to eliminate this problem is to apply glue upon assembly..and screws too......clamping to allow strong bond and squeezing the excess glue out ...wipe with damp rag and allow to dry.

Then when all is assembled seal all joints that would be exposed to interior moisture and seams with a silicone caulk (clear) allow to dry and gass off. Seal any exposed edges with water based caulk to match color. Paint will never give a desired finish on exposed edges. It is absorbed like a sponge...

Almost all the closet organizer type shelves and accessories are made of this white melamine product.
Many cabinets and bath vanities etc ....It is a mid range cost item and a mid range performer.

Once moisture begins to do damage, it swells and can be unsightly ...and still function I am including some images ...the laminate colors vary from white to wood grain finishes...and commercial cabinet drawers and such...
At offices many of the wall mounted storage cabinets/ kitchen areas are completely made of this type material. It is considered far less expensive than real wood and due to color choices, very decorator friendly.

Blister and peel ...from outdoor use and severe water contact ...sprinklers and garden hose misting


Typical cross section of undamaged shelf made to look like real wood



Again some minor construction of 2 panels ....only 1 will be seen with the pretty side exposed.



Typical blue laminate on drawer front / showing cross section of materials



I have no problem using this material ...if you do use it you may want to consider a soft tray for further moisture protection on the bottom inside only...or a soft flexible vinyl liner ... it really depends on the look you are trying to achieve.

Wall surfaces usually never have an issue, moisture always seeks the lowest point..as gravity plays a role.

Ok , I am rambling ...get some rest ...
CP



06/28/08  08:56pm

 #1778780


Jwsurfergirl
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  Message To: Cphill58   In reference to Message Id: 1776959


 Jwsurfergirl - Enclosure

Thank you Chris..you’re the bestest!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ZzZzZz I’ve been getting some rest..she eats every 3 hours now instead of every 2 ... ZzZz.. I really appreciate your help.



06/30/08  04:40pm

 #1830674


Jwsurfergirl
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  Message To: Jwsurfergirl   In reference to Message Id: 1778780


 Jwsurfergirl - Enclosure

bump for me!!! Still trying ............



08/14/08  12:21pm

 #1830681


Pans Lair
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  Message To: Jwsurfergirl   In reference to Message Id: 1830674


 Jwsurfergirl - Enclosure

Looks great! I’d like to see more :P I didn’t read all of it, but I’m asuming you have a young baby? How old? I have a 17 month old son and 2 month old daughter!



08/14/08  12:24pm

 #1831303


Jwsurfergirl
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  Message To: Pans Lair   In reference to Message Id: 1830681


 Jwsurfergirl - Enclosure

My daughter turned 2 months old aug 10th, a son who turned 4 yesterday



08/14/08  10:04pm

 #1831892


Pans Lair
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  Message To: Jwsurfergirl   In reference to Message Id: 1831303


 Jwsurfergirl - Enclosure

Thats awesome! Rhylie was born May 31st. Its nice to know people with similar situations!



08/15/08  02:27pm

 #1838766


Fall_child138
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  Message To: Pans Lair   In reference to Message Id: 1831892


 Jwsurfergirl - Enclosure

yex, have you finished it yet?



08/21/08  08:55pm

 #1840729


Yexalen
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  Message To: Fall_child138   In reference to Message Id: 1838766


 Jwsurfergirl - Enclosure

completely missed this lol

no not finished... and we are moving so right now its in pieces in the carport waiting for the uhaul next week lol

but we will be finishing it up after we move... putting Diego in there and getting a couple veiled chams for Diego’s current enclosure

blehk.

as soon as it gets going again i will post recent updated pics



08/23/08  09:22pm
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