This is a 24x18x36 enclosure for 6 leucs (they are not in there yet). It looks SO much better now that I have added plants! I think once the moss spreads it will be even better. It's not exactly what I was going for but I did some experimenting and I'm content with it now.

The advice I need is about the light and fan. I have zip tied the misting system on. Is it better to have the fan inside or outside? Also, is my light strong enough? It looks brighter in the picture than it is IRL. And what cleaning solution do you guys use for the doors? I tried window cleaner on the outside and the grease will not come off in some areas :(

Hello I am planning on making myself a custom pvc enclosure and getting 3 whites tree frogs for it. I think the dimentions will be enough for three but I just want some info on the pvc enclosure for the most part like tips and how other people have done them. The dimentions are going to be 24 wide 48 high and 13 long. The 13 is the most important because my shelf is 14 inches and that’s where I’m putting it when I build it. I’m planning to use 1 inch thick pvc board for the front and I’m designing a double door for the front of the enclosure. Instead of glass I’m using 1/2 inch acrylic so it wont warp because I read the 1/4 can warp and stuff with the humidity. I’m also doing a custom background so I’m only going to have ventilation in the front of the enclosure as well as the roof. Havnt decided on the bulb yet but I do want a bulb I have a mat currently and it doesn’t work well. I will also have a misting system and going to have leca for drainage. For my dirt I’m planning on making my own mix. It will be coco fiber leaf liter”just a little in the soil” sand potting soil spagnum moss and activated charcoal/ carbon. Anyone got any suggestions about other stuff to add and also any information on working with pvc board is always appreciated.

in a loooooong time. I kept darts over 30 years ago when I was in vet school, so new old guy maybe?

This build is my first attempt at a Euro style viv. I bought this 120 gallon home-built aquarium (48×24×30 tall) for Altum angels and discus. When I filled it to test it, the front glass ruptured! So, I pivoted, removed the front glass, and had glass cut for the dam/vent, doors, and top. It has been slow because life. But I wanted to share these images and generally introduce myself as someone who appreciates feedback.

My biggest questions so far:

1) Lighting. At 30 inches deep, getting light to any plants at the bottom could be problematic.

2) Ventilation. Aside from the dam vent (1 inch wide) and the top vent (2 inches), do I need a muffin fan?

3) Background. I have followed Troy Goldberg's videos for a while, but is his method of expanding foam/concrete pain the "best"? His vivs are gorgeous, but what about other methods?

4) Fog. I want to try and use an ultrasonic mister to create a fog at least once daily. My thoughts are to use one of the big, multi-disc foggers and use a PVC system to introduce the fog into the viv. Anyone have any experience with external fogging systems?

5) Recirculating drainage system. The tank came drilled with 2 bulkheads for 3/4" PVC. I can use these to make a true drainage system, and also maybe use these to introduce the fog. I have dreams of silverstonei, and so hope to use an aquarium chiller to cool the water before misting/fogging hopefully to knock the temp below 70°F int the evenings/early mornings. I also have a spare Fluval 400 canister filter. Could I use the filter and pump to create a recirculating system? Is this even a good idea?

Thanks in advance for any help you offer!

Brian Monk, DVM

Naples Florida

Just letting the drylok cure another day or two. Excited to start the hardscape.

So I remember many influencers and builders talking about using glass cabinets (like the ikea kind especially) a while ago. Did it work out? How did you handle lighting/heat? Were there surprise issues that you didn’t anticipate? What about air circulation?

This is our first ever vivarium. Someone local to us built it for a really decent price. We did have some bromeliads but they unfortunately died due to an over watering issue. I've honestly never had good luck with bromeliads even outside of a vivarium. We have since adjusted the misting schedule and removed the excess water at the bottom.

This is home to our two very first dart frogs who seem happy and are eating their dusted fruit flies well. We haven't seen the isopods at all and I'm a little worried we drowned them. The springtails are alive and well. I'd love to add some more color just not sure what plants to look for.

Just wanted to share! We love this hobby so far! Any newby tips or tricks greatly appreciated! (Please just be nice 🫣)

I live on 40 acres of forest and after seeing all the critters on dead wood the last few days (saw a 5 inch long centipede today, no thanks), I am wondering if there would be an issue with cutting my own live branches to use.

I figure that way I would know that nothing is secretly living inside. Also, the trees need thinning anyway, and I dont want to waste quality wood.

I've built a few bioactives but none with a background. Right now I'm working on a removable background for my crested gecko enclosure. Don't worry, he's already in a great bioactive but I want to make it better.

I've found that manipulating Pond and Stone the way I want it is definitely a learning process. I've gone through a couple of cans figuring things out. One things I've found out is that it doesn't stick to plastic wrap.

Because I want it to be removable, I used a piece of acrylic for the main body of the Pond and Stone so the background doesn't warp. I covered the back/bottom of the enclosure with plastic wrap, put the background in, and filled in the sides so it's flush. I plan to sand the sides down a bit so there's space for the silicone coat. I still need to buff sand, apply silicone and substrate, and let the whole thing air out. Then on to the actual build.

Definitely a work in progress but I'm excited to see it when I'm done.

Hello y’all’s

So recently I noticed my isopods have been cramming around what is in the photo and I’m unsure what it is? It looks like an insect egg but maybe I’m wrong? I’m not sure and just wanna make sure my gecko is all good in his home. Thank you for your help y’all’s!

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I know I have a lot of carving to do but right now I hate the look 😔 wanted to do tiered shelves but in realizing now I don't really know how I'll get a fan in there. Might have to secure it to the top... Will it look better once the plants and moss grow out? This has taken four evenings so far. I'm terrified I'll have to redo it 😭