DIY Exo Terra Addition!

ZPavDesign

ZPavDesign

New Member
So my wife was making a big to do about me having to upgrade to a larger enclosure later on because of my stupidity of buying this 75$ 18x18x24 Exo terra enclosure. So dealing with that I got to thinking... Hmm maybe I could make it taller? Duh!? Went to lowes and spent 25$ on some small 1/2"x1/2" pieces of wood, screen and some wood glue. I figured I could take the old top screen off and build a 18" taller addition to it. Eventually I'll replace the bottom with screen too.

I'll post pics of it when I'm done! :)
 
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What I have so far. I'll be painting it black maybe tonight if not tomorrow and wrapping it in screen also. It's basically made to fit in the grooves up top. You think I'll need a stronger UVB bulb? I have a 26w 5.0 repti glo.
 
You have just given me the same idea, let me know how it turns out. I will be keeping a close eye on this one, i have the same size and both my jacksons need bigger cages. I would think you would probably get a tube uvb instead of the compact since it will be that much bigger.
 
chromewolf7 said:
You have just given me the same idea, let me know how it turns out. I will be keeping a close eye on this one, i have the same size and both my jacksons need bigger cages. I would think you would probably get a tube uvb instead of the compact since it will be that much bigger.
Click to expand...

Alright will do! I'll finish this up tomorrow afternoon, and get some pics posted!
 
I have discussed this idea in the past. It is an excellent idea. Especially going vertical. Is your cham an arboreal (tree dwelling) cham?
 
Brilliant idea and looks good so far! I also made a diy enclosure and found that my male veiled needed more 'head' room. I made a 4" riser, took off the old screen top and dropped the new one on top like you're going to do. Just used double sided foam sticky tape to seal the two. Worked perfectly. Now he doesn't hit his head on the screen. Let's see those new pics.
One point on the uvb light. My understanding is that compact bulbs put out more visible light than linear tube lights so when you upgrade you may notice the new bulb is 'dimmer'. However, I believe the uvb output is very similar. Maybe you should think about keeping the current one until it is time for a new bulb and then upgrade. I'm not sure if it would hurt since your cham is going to go upwards towards the light anyway and it would just give more temp gradient to the lower portion of the enclosure should she want to cool off. You are planning on putting in vines, branches, etc. higher up into the new top, I assume?
 
So I just finished up and got everythig put in. I'm going to have to buy more vines and foliage for sure but I did put what I had up there to for her to climb on.

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I'll prolly stick with what lighting I have for now until this bulb is no good like you said. Then later upgrade.

Let me know what you think and feel free to ask any questions.
 
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