I had been intending to do an all Polycarbonate terrarium for a Chinese Water Dragon over the last month, but I've also been looking at costs, and that would run me morethen any glass tank.

So I've been thinking, reading and the like and am slowly coming up with a few ideas.
I like the idea of using wood for most of the construction, but I did notice that most of the wood enclosures that are being made have internal joinings, rather then external - I know, the external ones look less pleasing, but they allow for a smoother inside.
The reason I even think about this is because I'm wondering if I could use some sort of poly or high grade aquarium plastic 'sheet' (very, very thin) to plate the inside of the enclosure, then seal it with silicone. In effect, using the wood to act more or less as reinforcement for a thin plastic 'shell'.
I'll have to look at costs.

I also like the idea of using old furnature. That appeals to my budget saving self. For the record, I'm looking at building an enclosure that's roughly 2' deep by 4-6' feet high, and roughly 6' long. I may shorten the length slightly to five feet, given the space I'd like to put it in.

Also depends on if I can find a peice of cheap furnature that I like that will fit the area.

Alis

Sounds interesting. I would be intrigued at the cost of the plastic as well. I have never been able to find anything in my area that is cost effective. Keep us posted on your results.

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Mike
"Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time, and always start with the person nearest you." - Mother Teresa

Will do. TAPplastics is about the best bet for this sort of thing. All plastic enclosures are too expensive, mind you - you would spend around 600-700 bucks for the size enclosure I'd like to build to get Polycarbonate.

But thin Poly sheets bonded to a wood backboard might be much less expensive.

Some apparent costs from doing web research - wood boarding (in my area) is around 15 bucks for a 4'x8'. Mylar at .002 thickness is @ 50 bucks for a 48" x50' roll.
I found a place that deals in excess plastics and they have Polycarbonate in rolls 48"x15' for around 80 bucks

Now, if I remember rightly, Mylar is somewhat Pourus, but I haven't had any direct experiance with it in some time, so I'd have to experiment a bit.

Alis

furniture. Look for an old buffet. They fit those dimensions. The right find can land you one for $50. I just got a shell of some shelves for my new frog vivarium. Its going to start out with building a plexi bottom, about 8 inches tall to hold all the dirt. Then coating the inside that is left gets coated in silicone, then greatstuff to attach all the bark and branches. I'm finding all my bark and branches in the woods, then disinfecting them/killing all the living critters in them by baking for 30 minutes at 400 degrees.

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My name is Liz
Do what's best for the animal, not what's best for you.

I am not sure of the costs off hand, but FRP Board is a durable plastic with an attractive finish. It would require a solid backing though. You could get away with 2x2 construction and 1/4" plywood though.

FRP (fire resistant panelling) is often used in bathrooms here in New England. It is commonly found in "Dunkin Donuts". lol

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What about pond liner? It's about 62 cents a square foot here.

In my project I'll be using 3/4" plywood for walls. It would provide both the wall surface and structure. coat everything with west system and it'll be done. Plan on going 2 -2.5' deep, 4' wide, and 6' tall. I lucked out and have aset of glass sliding doors that measure 4' by 4.5'

Agreed

THe only thing is that the most expensive thing in the project WILL be West System Epoxy and Glass
it cost me 200$ cad for 1 gallon of epoxy
and 299$ cad for tempered glass (it has to be tempered bacause it will shutter overtime because of the temperature changes)

PS
For all fans out there I am picking up glass this weekend and the project is nearly DONE!!!

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Igor
"Things we do for our pets..."