Terarrium

[Burnett6114]

I don't know if this makes a difference when it comes to making aquariums/terrariums, but I am interested in making my own terarrium. The problem is that I was told to use acryllic, but I searched for it and I found about 4 different kinds. What kind do I use? I have a chinese water dragon, and it requires a very humid environment (about 80%) and there is a heating pad under the terarrium. Will the heating pad still be able to be used with acryllic? Also, what do I "glue" the acryllic togeather with or what do I use to make a base for the terarrium? Can anyone help me please?

 

[Daemonfly]

You want Cast acrylic (different companies name this differently).

For glue, Weld-On. They make a #3 & #4 which are water thin, and set quickly. #16 is thicker, dries slower, and is better if you don't have nice smooth cuts.

Check any of the general Acrylic threads. Check this huge thread out http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=562051

 

[Putawaywet]

Also, if you haven't already done so you might try posting over at www.kingsnake.com. the site caters to reptile keepers and they hve a special section just for cage/viv construction projects.

Brett

 

[Burnett6114]

Thanks for the reply. Will plexiglass work too? I heard it gets discolored or something.

 

[xcreonx]

No you want to use cast acrylic, not plexi. The cast acrylic is the best around. All acrylic tank mfgs use it. It's certainly not a cheap thing to bulld, tho.

 

[RichConley]

Why should he use cast? The main advantage with cast is slightly higher strength. Hes not going to fill this thing up with water....

 

[Burnett6114]

What kind should I use then?

 

[H20ENG]

Plexiglas is only one of the trade names for acrylic, and perfectly fine to use. They make both cast and extruded.

All acrylic made nowadays will not turn yellow or brittle like the old stuff did. I think you could get away with extruded acrylic for this project, since you will only have a little bit of water in it. Cast will be tougher, but almost 2x the cost.

You can get the extruded acrylic at Home Depot. It will have a blue plastic film on it. Do not use lexan, but acrylic.

Have fun

 

[Burnett6114]

Awesome, thanks! That hels a lot!

 

[UH_OH_5_OH]

Burnett.....I have put together too many terrariums to remember and I always use glass aquariums. I've never had any problems. PM me if you need some assistance with your dragon display.

 

[Burnett6114]

Thanks for the reply, I was thinking about using glass, but the problem is that I am in the military and I do a lot of moving around, and stuff and glass is heavy and very fragile. So, I am wanting something like acrylic, or something...thanks

 

[UH_OH_5_OH]

Well Marine....I grew up in the military....and then went active duty myself and I have learned the value of putting pillows, blankets, winter jackets, etc inside heavy plastic garbage bags and then packing those inside aquariums when we move. Also, plexi, acrylic, etc. scratches big time. Made it back from Germany with a 75gal with no problem.

Anyway...let me know if you change your mind and want some intel. Thanks for serving and SEMPER FI