Need some input/assistance with vivarium plans...

[nwmnnaturalist]

OKAY. With the prices of vivariums/terrariums/aquariums out there versus the size I want to give my Ambystoma tigrinum, I've decided to work on building her a custom tank/vivarium.

So I need some help from those who have built these things before! The habitat itself, including substrate and everything is very easy for me. But it's the vivarium itself that I'm struggling with.

I would like to create a setup of 36"Lx16"Wx12"H. I'm going to order from local suppliers either acrylic or the tempered/toughened/laminated glass of about 5mm-6mm thick.

I have the ability to create an enclosure such as a cabinet, which might drop the cost a bit. The interior would have to have proper lining, but the front portion could be open doors or panels.

I've looked and looked at plans, but I've just wound up confusing myself. Now I'm feeling overwhelmed! So I just need some straight answers from you builders.

 

[jane1187]

I'd like to see what other aquarium builders have to say too as I feel a bit daunted by building an aquarium, but when deciding to build my own I found this webpage really helpful.

How to Build a Glass Aquarium

I also used this tool for calculating glass thickness, weight, etc of aquaria.

Calculate Aquarium Glass Thickness | Aquarium Tools

I haven't actually built my aquarium yet as I found it cheaper to buy a ready built one at the time than purchase bespoke pieces of glass or acrylic. I will probably be attempting it in the next 6 months so I'll keep an eye on this thread!

Good luck!