Post by rachaelsoren on Feb 8, 2021 8:52:16 GMT -8
My extra aquarium recently just broke 
so I've been looking around at maybe some fun DIY projects I could possibly do instead of buying a new tank! I've said on here before that I'm not super handy, but my dad agreed to help me with any difficult parts that I stumble upon while doing this.
I found a free entertainment center on facebook marketplace that was in great shape.
I'm thinking I'll log my progress on a separate thread, but before I start to do that, I need some ideas for what materials to use.
Here are a couple photos of the entertainment center:
Approximate measurements of where the enclosure will go:
28.375 inches long x 15.25 inches deep x 26 inches tall.
About 433 square inches (i think).
Current Plan:
(kind of hard to explain so let me know if any of this is confusing)
1. Put solid panel pieces on the back, bottom, top, and sides so it is basically a nice rectangle shape, all one color, and a blank template.
2. (green outline in picture) Install a piece of Plexiglas or like material on the front at about the half way mark (≈ 12 inches tall). This piece, with the current plan, will be unremovable.
3. (red outline in picture) For the door(s), I have two ideas right now. 1) have two doors that open like swinging french doors or 2) a single big door that you pull down (like the ones typically seen on wire cages but on a bigger scale). Both styles would have mesh in the middle of the door(s) for ventilation.
4. Add a removable second level shelf for extra space. Removable for easy cleaning. Don't quite know what this is going to be size, shape, and height wise yet.
5. A possible third level shelf depending on what the second level shelf turns out as.
Questions:
(I'm sure I could find some of the answers to these online, so it's okay if you don't know the answer to all of them. Just wanted some opinions from maybe some people who have had experience with DIY and those who I consider the experts on gerbils
)
1. For the panels on the back, top, bottom, and sides, I was wondering if any of you had some material ideas that is safe for small rodents and generally chew-proof, waterproof, and maybe easy to cut in to custom sizes?
2. I'm sure there will be slight gaps in the corners and edges of the panels, so would using like an aquarium silicone sealant work for those? Or does someone recommend something different?
3. Will the mesh on the doors be enough ventilation or should I try to add more vent holes possibly to the back of the unit?
4. For the second and possible third levels, what type of material should I use for those? If I just use wood panel(s), could I put something on the wood to keep urine from seeping into it? Or should I avoid wood levels all together to avoid chewing on them?
Let me know if YOU have any questions for ME.
Also let me know if you have any cool ideas you can think of!
I'd love any and all opinions and help
Thanks in advance!
Rach
so I've been looking around at maybe some fun DIY projects I could possibly do instead of buying a new tank! I've said on here before that I'm not super handy, but my dad agreed to help me with any difficult parts that I stumble upon while doing this. I found a free entertainment center on facebook marketplace that was in great shape.
I'm thinking I'll log my progress on a separate thread, but before I start to do that, I need some ideas for what materials to use.
Here are a couple photos of the entertainment center:
Approximate measurements of where the enclosure will go:
28.375 inches long x 15.25 inches deep x 26 inches tall.
About 433 square inches (i think).
Current Plan:
(kind of hard to explain so let me know if any of this is confusing)
1. Put solid panel pieces on the back, bottom, top, and sides so it is basically a nice rectangle shape, all one color, and a blank template.
2. (green outline in picture) Install a piece of Plexiglas or like material on the front at about the half way mark (≈ 12 inches tall). This piece, with the current plan, will be unremovable.
3. (red outline in picture) For the door(s), I have two ideas right now. 1) have two doors that open like swinging french doors or 2) a single big door that you pull down (like the ones typically seen on wire cages but on a bigger scale). Both styles would have mesh in the middle of the door(s) for ventilation.
4. Add a removable second level shelf for extra space. Removable for easy cleaning. Don't quite know what this is going to be size, shape, and height wise yet.
5. A possible third level shelf depending on what the second level shelf turns out as.
Questions:
(I'm sure I could find some of the answers to these online, so it's okay if you don't know the answer to all of them. Just wanted some opinions from maybe some people who have had experience with DIY and those who I consider the experts on gerbils
)1. For the panels on the back, top, bottom, and sides, I was wondering if any of you had some material ideas that is safe for small rodents and generally chew-proof, waterproof, and maybe easy to cut in to custom sizes?
2. I'm sure there will be slight gaps in the corners and edges of the panels, so would using like an aquarium silicone sealant work for those? Or does someone recommend something different?
3. Will the mesh on the doors be enough ventilation or should I try to add more vent holes possibly to the back of the unit?
4. For the second and possible third levels, what type of material should I use for those? If I just use wood panel(s), could I put something on the wood to keep urine from seeping into it? Or should I avoid wood levels all together to avoid chewing on them?
Let me know if YOU have any questions for ME.
Also let me know if you have any cool ideas you can think of!
I'd love any and all opinions and help
Thanks in advance!
Rach
