BigWillieStyles
Well-Known Member
Hello all, thought I would post a build thread on my enclosure. Let me know your thoughts.
Basically, I decided I wanted to build an enclosure for some lizards. Wasnt sure what lizard, but was thinking maybe some Knob tailed Geckos but have decided to get a Bearded dragon. If the Dragon grows to large for the enclosure, I will make another enclosure and use this one for some geckos
Ive never really done anything like this before, and while it was pretty cheap to build, I didnt have any power tools, so it got a little expensive as I needed tools.
I started out with the idea of making a box with some Malmine chipboard, but decided that I wanted a lift open top for easy access. Plus I prefer to use dome top lamps for heating the enclosure. It also meant I didnt have to get an electrician to check the install of lamps and wiring. I know that some people say that the top wont seal enough heat in, but the sides will be insulated with foam, and I will use red sand substrate with some dried hollow logs which will hopefully absorb enough of the heat from the lamp. I also like the mesh top for fresh airflow.
The front will also have access through sliding glass.
Anyway, heres some pics,
Hinged top (you can see in this picture, that I had not screwed the hinges in yet)
Then I decided to make some background. I have made a custom background with my frog enclosure and it worked out really well. So wanted to try a desert themed one. I had some spare sheets of polystyrene left from a new fridge and found that they fitted perfectly in my 3 foot enclosure. I broke up a polystyrene box and stuck the pieces onto the one of the foam sheets. I then used a butane torch to round the edges. After it looked a bit more natural, I painted the entire background in terracotta grout. I did two coats, the second being much heavier. I was going to put a handful I sand in but the grount already gave a nice texture. After the two coats, the background was now starting to feel hard enough for a lizard to climb over. I gave it a few little dabs of paint to get a bit of a natural look, still needs some more. Anway, stuck it up to the back of the enclosure with some silicon.
I just need the glass for the front runners now. Im very proud of the enclosure, never really made anything like it before. Wondering if I should do some rock wall for the sides as well.
thanks for looking
Basically, I decided I wanted to build an enclosure for some lizards. Wasnt sure what lizard, but was thinking maybe some Knob tailed Geckos but have decided to get a Bearded dragon. If the Dragon grows to large for the enclosure, I will make another enclosure and use this one for some geckos
Ive never really done anything like this before, and while it was pretty cheap to build, I didnt have any power tools, so it got a little expensive as I needed tools.
I started out with the idea of making a box with some Malmine chipboard, but decided that I wanted a lift open top for easy access. Plus I prefer to use dome top lamps for heating the enclosure. It also meant I didnt have to get an electrician to check the install of lamps and wiring. I know that some people say that the top wont seal enough heat in, but the sides will be insulated with foam, and I will use red sand substrate with some dried hollow logs which will hopefully absorb enough of the heat from the lamp. I also like the mesh top for fresh airflow.
The front will also have access through sliding glass.
Anyway, heres some pics,
Hinged top (you can see in this picture, that I had not screwed the hinges in yet)
Then I decided to make some background. I have made a custom background with my frog enclosure and it worked out really well. So wanted to try a desert themed one. I had some spare sheets of polystyrene left from a new fridge and found that they fitted perfectly in my 3 foot enclosure. I broke up a polystyrene box and stuck the pieces onto the one of the foam sheets. I then used a butane torch to round the edges. After it looked a bit more natural, I painted the entire background in terracotta grout. I did two coats, the second being much heavier. I was going to put a handful I sand in but the grount already gave a nice texture. After the two coats, the background was now starting to feel hard enough for a lizard to climb over. I gave it a few little dabs of paint to get a bit of a natural look, still needs some more. Anway, stuck it up to the back of the enclosure with some silicon.
I just need the glass for the front runners now. Im very proud of the enclosure, never really made anything like it before. Wondering if I should do some rock wall for the sides as well.
thanks for looking
Last edited: