First post - first build

[Mach5]

Several years ago we took in a Beardie as what started as a foster (all our pets are rescues of some sort). He came with a 55gal aquarium but that never seemed satisfactory.

This year I finally got around to building him a proper home. It started with a simple large tv cabinet I picked up off craigslist for $25. The end result is probably $200 in materials.

I still need to build some platforms and decorations. Right now it is just stuffed with all the tiles and such I had for the aquarium.

It's not perfect, but it looks nice and is servicable. I plan to start keeping dubia roaches as feeders. They'll be kept in a plastic tub inside the bottom left cabinet door area.

 

[Mach5]

Here is what I started with, though this was after I removed the two doors:

 

[Mach5]

Enclosure and lamp areas framed in:

 

[Mach5]

Just cut in the lamps:

 

[Mach5]

Testing the lighting after having installed the melamine hardboard:

 

[Mach5]

Here it is mostly finished. After this photo was taken I added verithane to the exterior and drilled holes for the lamp area for heat and power. I also cut in a couple of vents in the back and removed the protective film on the plexiglas.

 

[PatsyB]

Good job! Looks great!

 

[rob.kolm]

Did you glue the melamine to the sides?

 

[Mach5]

I used liquid nails and a few strategically placed staples. Plus they are cut to fit so they are pretty snug. I also sealed the seams with aquarium silicone.

 

[Monica]

Awesome!! I repurposed a tv stand a few years ago. It's the most fun making enclosures. Builds resourcefulness! Good job, looks great!