Hey everyone, What do you think of this hybrid Vivarium? What do you like best about the build? Did you learn anything new? As always, thank you everyone for your support! Build on everyone 🤘💯🦎🐢🐍🐸
I really love this enclosure! I was looking for ways to build my own enclosure for when my baby boa imperator isn’t so baby anymore and found your channel. You’re so very talented! I look forward to more videos and gathering ideas and preparing for Elka’s big enclosure when she’s ready for it.
@heatherb2762 thank you very much! I'm glad you got some ideas. Take what you need and do it better! Thanx for your support and have fun building. 🤘💯🦎🐍🐸🐢
@@bradsbioactivebuilds Hey there, wow, this was fucking amazing thing to watch. ☺️☺️ The best is your way of presenting information, I can see you are used to work with your hands and that you have a logical approach. Something I miss in these crazy times that doesn't favour obtaining knowledge and especially skills. I'm pissed watching other people on youtube explaining stuff and the lack of their ability to explain it fully and systematically. Not only you provide inspiration but I can straight up build something on my own like... now. Plus the music doesn't bother me and your personality is in the product and not all over the place. This is a perfect video. 🤷 Thanks pal. ✌️ When you'r ever done with this, you can make videos about anything. I already know I would cook with your recipes. 😁 Now.. Maybe a couple questions: • 13:03 what are these bugs good for and when to put them in? • Is there any kind of rule set for building the top part (the dome), for example its size compared to the bottom part? Or the size of the holes in the net/foil used for its walls? Not every enclosure has it. 🧐🤔 Would you be so kind and answer these? I'm serious about building one as a gift for my younger brother and his first chameleon. (He must learn about the animal but I want to learn more about the enclosure related stuff.) This is where I start. Dude watching you makes me even thinking about doing this for a living. 😂 😂
This was a perfect way to have lots of plants, be bioactive, have the rock background we love and miss with full screen enclosures, yet plenty of airflow. Best chameleon enclosure I’ve ever seen. Not at all surprised it turned out this fantastic though. (Shout out to the boxer wiggle-butt and “nub” making an appearance😉)🐶
Thank you very much! I had the 4 wall screen reptizoo enclosure for a little over 1.5 years as Botticelli was growing up. I just knew there had to be a way to make his enclosure while still giving him all the environmental needs, especially with chameleons being sensitive reptiles. Put a lot of thought into this one over the last year bc the animal always needs to come 1st. So I'm glad you think it's the best chameleon enclosure I've ever seen! Yup... Bella or Honey have a habit of photo-bombing 💣 my videos lol. As always, thank you for your support! 🤘💯🐸🐍🐢🦎🐶
Thank you, and it is a fairly easy build once you get started. I agree with you on the spending 100s of $ on a generic cage. Plus, you'll appreciate it more when you finish. Have fun with your build! 🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱
Awesome build and video! I’m following your directions and building one for my chameleon! I love the mesh top! That’s what sold me on this build! Learned so many new things, but I’m excited to try your method of making the added wood look natural. I’m using cabinet grade birch plywood because pvc board is impossible to get where I am for a decent price. Should I flex seal all of the wood inside before I add the foam board walls? Is there anything you would have done different, now that a year has gone by? Thank you!
Thank you, and I'm glad you are taking on this project. It's a fun one to do! The tip is one of my favorite parts of this build, creating an extension for him to use in the upper canopies above the "jungle: Cabinet grad birch is a great option. I would use wood glue before screwing together, then a food filter in that the seams, then a few coats of drylok original or a polyurethane. Them sili one the seams. If I were to change something, which I did. I ended up using ploygem zoopoxy on the upper branch I made in the top dome. The sprayfoam held just fine, but it did sag a hair when my Chameleon was on it. It sound barley touch the screen, and it just frustrated me. So, I added zoopoxy to have a mire solid structure. Originally, I could not have had the branch so close to the screen dome top, and I wouldn't have needed to have done this. Lmk if you have any questions along the way and have fun with your build! 🤘💯🤘
@@bradsbioactivebuilds thanks so much!! Everything’s been screwed together and I did use wood glue. What type of food filter should I use for the seam? If you’d like to see the end result I’ll tag you in my IG post once it’s all done.
Thank you, In short for the door: *RUclips some videos on how to make a window screen. * I recessed the top header back into the enclosure (recessed the thickness of the window screen frame so it sits flush with the enclosure sides) * attached small hinges found at most hardware stores * attached a Latch to keep enclosure shut. *added a bumpstol at the bottom to keep door from swinging into the enclosure. That is it in nutshell. Hope this helps. 🤘💯🦎🐍🐸🐢🌱
The NICEST enclosure and absolutely the inspo for my current build. Just curious, do you know any substitutes for drylok? I live in Canada and we don't have it here. Thanks!!!
Thank you, and I'm glad it inspired you. Send me some pics on IG when you finish! I thought they sold drylok in Canada? What part of Canada do you live in? If not, you can always get polygem Zoopoxy 307 lite Hope this helps
This is so informative. I truly enjoy watching your builds. I was wondering if you would be able to do this for tree frogs but having it hold more humidity than the screened off areas for the chameleon? I have been racking my brain on how to make 3 paludariums that are 6 feet tall, 3 feet long, and 2-3 ft deep for red eye tree frogs, mossy tree frogs, and green tree frogs. The lids and the doors are stumping me along with whether i should use glass or the PVC boards that you use in your builds. Any advice would be truly appreciated.
Thank you! Great questions. The inner trim at the top the screen dome top sits on was originally mad to be a flat screen. Then I came up with the idea to build the dome. So instead of adding the screen dome just use glass cut to size. Your local lass shot can do that for about $20 non tempered glass. For the front I would do it the same but instead of screen use wood and cut slips in it to add glass. You can look up how to make glass front doors. Serpa design also has a good DIY on how to build glass front doors
@@bradsbioactivebuilds thank you so much for the response. Will the PVC sheet be able to standup to high humidity for a long time and will the spray foam separate off of the sheets after some time?
@StarWolf7800 of course, and yes PVC will not be affected at all by humidity or water. the main reason i use PVC is because it won't rott. Plus, it's strong but lightweight. You will want to rough up the pvc. I found siliconing all 3 sides using xps board is the best way to attach backgrounds.
That's a great question. I know people that have hybrid enclosures without the screen dome top and no ve ts that work for them. A lot depends on where you live and where it is in the room (by a window, which might have seepage, creating a draft, etc) For this particular build, I wanted as much airflow as possible, so I added the vents. I could have probably gotten away without them but added them to be safe. The back one helps bc I have the fan attached to it pulling air through the enclosure. So, short answer I'm not entirely sure. Some builds you know what's gonna work, and others are theory/educated guesses. Hope that helps 🤘💯🦎🐍🐢🐸🌱
Beautiful enclosure. I own quite a few vipers. Would love to see you build some kinda of arboreal setup like this but for arboreal snakes. That would be awesome
If I remember correctly, it took about a month. But it could definitely be done sooner. I work a full-time job, run a foundation also in addition to that setting up lighting and camera angles takes a lot of time too lol. Then I also build woth an idea and sometimes I get to a point in a build where I have tk figure out what my next step is lol. Hope this gives you an idea on time. Over all it is a fun build to do minus the screen only bc i had doikg wondow scree Thanx for watching and have fun with it if you decide to build one yourself! 🤘💯🦎🐍🐸🐢🌱
To be honest I am replicating this, and I'm about half way through but I'm wanting to make sure that I don't go too far before figuring out how to implement a drinking fountain into it in case I need to make adjustments now to anything.
@desireejohnson5344 depends on what you are using the enclosure for. If it's for a chameleon I personally wouldn't use a water feature other then misting system or fogger. Mainly bc the bacteria might be to much h for a chameleon and offer to much humidity during the day. If it's fir a different reptile, I would do something like the link I shared but without the 5 gallon bucket. I would instead attach the hose to the background and sprayfoam over it or use a pvc pipe I could run a hose through for future maintenance purposes *if* ever needed. Hope this helps. 🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱 ruclips.net/video/E9RIR0qE_q0/видео.htmlsi=06g7tYNOsOARk7sb
Another freakin banger! Nice job draining the foamed in planters. I've seen a lot of people neglect that necessary step. That's gonna be one happy chameleon.
@shrivalup Thank-you, this was a fun one. And I could agree more with draining and it being necessary. I'll have to do an update in a year or so to show how it's grown in. Thanx for your support! 🤘💯🦎🐢🐸🐍
Fantastic build. I don't think i have nearly enough skill to recreate it, but i would totally do that for my chameleon. How much did you spent ish, on this build?
Thank you, and its not so bad once you get started. Roughly spent 250 not including lights, stand and wood. O say that because brice can vary and you could even use wood from outside instead of where I got mine from (I like the look of ghost wood from Glassboxtropicals.com) Hope this helps. Lmk if you have any questions once you start. 🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱
Hey man. Stunning build, I read all of the comments first to make sure I’m not asking you a repeat question…I noticed you didn’t mention anything about a misting system with this enclosure. With all of the drylok, do you think this set up would hold well with a Mistking system if I wanted to incorporate that? Or would you recommend additional steps?
Great question. I hand mist this one in the am and at night. But a misting system would do well in this build. I probably would have attached it to the sides bc it it were ontop it might go through the screen and spray outside of the enclosure.
Wish I could post a picture but had to say thanks. Making progress on mine using your video and have to say it is coming out pretty well. Thanks so much for sharing your build.
Good question, I have not with this enclosure because of the air flow and CUC. But most vivariums will go through a mold bloom after about 2 weeks of it up and running, then disappear after it balances out. Another good reason to wait to put an animal for a few weeks. 🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱
@bradsbioactivebuilds is there a reason why you swap in between lexel and silicon for seams vs xps board? Love this build by the way. One of my favorites
Yes and no, I could have used lexel for both. But lexel takes longer to cure, and with it being behind the xps, it might have taken even longer (exposed it can take up to 2 weeks with off gasses.) I like lexel because it bonds to pvc better, and it's paintable where silicone is not. Being able to add a layer of drylok (after cure time) adds another protective layer of waterproofing the seams monitor doesn't leak. Hope this helps. I'm glad you live the build! 🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱
I only added 1 fan to the back. That seems to be sufficient. I have played with both ways, blowing in and out. But I currently have it blowing out running while the lights are on. This way, it pulls humidity out during the day to get to a dryer period, and at night, they are off with the fogger bumping humidity
@@bradsbioactivebuilds sweet thank you so much I wanna start tackling it this week! Also I’m my area I can not find PVC for less then $350 a sheet so I was thinking about birch plywood is that good? And if so how can I seal the whole board to be waterproof Thank you again !
@tschmalls5347 check out some custom sign shops. It's know as expanded PVC board. Some states/regions don't carry it at home depo etc. But yes, birch, oak any hard word will do. I would seel the the outside with a stain and polystyrene over that paint it. For the inside 2 to 3 coats of drylok ORIGINAL would to the trick. With wood you will wat to use wood glue before screwing it together. And after it's screwd together use a wood puddy in all the corners, smoothing it out with your finger before using the drylok. Hope this helps 🤘💯🦎🐍🐢🐸🌱
One of the best enclosure builds I’ve seen! Love this! I am a tattoo artist as well and have had chameleons and a crested gecko for a few years now. Been getting into builds as well. So fun
Thank you. This was definitely one of my favorite builds to put together. They are definitely a fun outlet to create art. Gotta love being an ink therapist! 🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱
It’s been a lifesaver for me on another outlet to be creative, my new favorite hobby! Thanks for making such a detailed video! Ink therapist all day 🤘 Why’d you stop tattooing if you don’t mind me asking?
@sydneywhetman7787 As much as I loved tattooing, I was pulled in a different direction. I'm now a Director of Operations for a Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center. I had an art piece missing in my life, so I focused that into enclosure building.
Absolutely amazing to watch. Beautiful work. Love it. How stable is the humidity during night/day with the screen door and top? And also, does the fogger not effect the room it stands in in any way?
Thank you. Humidity stays within its parameters. Works better than a repti breeze, but this style enclosure everything depends on what time of year it is and location in the world. The fogger gets my humidity to where it needs to at night's and goes through a dry period throughout the day.
@@mathewnielsen6054 I don't have them all. But I know I used umbrella plants, swisscheese plants, pothos, Bromeliads, croutons, Ficus tree, money tree, creaping jew, and a few others. These are the common names. I removed any ivy. 🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱
@@bradsbioactivebuilds Sweet, thanks alot. Gonna take a deeper dive into all of it, and might do my own build with inspiration from your vid! Got me hooked 🤙🦎
Hey man great video, I have to say this is one of the best chameleon enclosures on the internet, can you explain me a bit more about the drainage system, and what you use to hold the enclosure off the ground?
Thanx, and it was a fun build to document. Drainage system: I use a half-inch bulk head I silicone screen to (extra barrier so the clay balls leca don't fall into it. I silicone that to the bottom. I could have used pvc cement to fuse together to. But live to have the option to remove in ever needed. I attached a ball shut-off valve so I can release the water to drain. (I have a clear hose attached to a half-inch pvc pipe that fits into all of my enclosures so I can use it universally) The false bottom (clay balls leca) is where I can have water gather without flooding my substrate. It also allows beneficial bacteria to grow and is light weight. Ontop of the clay balls is a weed barrier that separates the clay balls from the substrate while still allowing water to pass through. This also prevents the substrate from entering into the false bottom/clay balls. I just used a zoomed reptibreeze stand and cut it down to size with a hacksaw. enclose would have been about 9 feet tall. I just made sure I was still able to fit all of my fittings for the plumbing below, along with some other things I wanted to keep under there. Hope this helps! 🤘💯🦎🐸🐢🐍🌱
Not anymore. I started with 2 (back and right side) but removed the right side because the air flow was fine with just the 1. Lmk if you have any other questions! 🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱
Thank you and you can use 1/2 inch or 3/4 inch plywood. Your cuts will be a little different than in the video. Just waterproof it with drylok and should be good to go! 🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱
@@faint8652 drylok original for everything, the other dryloks aren't animal safe. I'm glad you got all the materials. Have fin woth your build and lmk if you have anyvother questions. 🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱
@Brad's Bioactive Builds I got the original, so thankfully I won't have to return it and can get started tomorrow. Thanks again for the quick replies and awesome builds.
nice, I know the title says that this can be done with either wood or pvc, the pvc panels you used are expensive and hard to find where i am at but the wood on the other hand would make this build really heavy. Would the adhesive caulk and silicone stick to wood like it does on the pvc
Yes it would. I would use a birch plywood if not using pcv boards. Just wood glue the seal and before screwing together and wood puddy the inside seams then used drylok original for the whole interior, 4+ coats of it. 🤘💯🦎🐸🐢🐍🌱
Yo man can this be done with something like expanded pvc? Or HDPE, i cant find any pvc sheets like the one in your links and to get them shipped to me its 400$
@jesusmagallanes5835 I do know some sign shops call it expanded PVC. Just check the surface temp the material will off gas at. Most are 140+. In my ackie enclosure the basking zone it 140 with the lights installing inside the enclosure and right above the fixture it gets about 103°F so I still have a long way to go before any issue would arise. 💯🤘🦎🐸🐢🐍🌱
Awesome video. I plan to build something very similar soon. Where do you source your trees and cork bark used in lots of your videos. If you ever need any frames or stands welded or fabricated, I'm your guy.
@carybrooksjr1827 i got the ghost wood from glass box tropics and best corkbark prices around hit up Codey on IG. instagram.com/ryzrr/profilecard/?igsh=MTluOWxud2x0a3EwOA== Welding is a great trade to be in. I'll know who to hit up!
Hello awesome build. As most comments have stated, I don’t have local access to pvc sheets. How would you go about the build using birch plywood? Thanks!
@eliasgonzalez6597 thank you, amdbi would go at it the same way, but I would use a liquid rubber or resin epoxy to waterproof the inside wood. Hope this helps
Thank you, and the screen top just seated into place. I did silicone the front to (screen frame to bottom portion) to close the gap. But the screen dome sits snug in the bottom enclosure without the risk of tipping over. If it wasn't so secure, I would have screwed them together 🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱
Hi @bradsbioactivebuilds this is awesome and I want to replicate it exactly!! I have a quick question thou, did you just put the uvb and jungle dawn nex to eachother on the mesh screen and also is there anything you wuld have done differently if you had done this again? Thanks so much for the video, this is exactly what I needed! Also, I am sure nobody would mind an update on this ;P
Thank you. It's a fun build to do. Yes, I placed jungle dawn and uvb next to each other on top of the screen. You can link them together. Thing i would have done differently: It is the "top dome" where I spray foamed the 2 branches together. I would have used polygem Zoopoxy instead of sprayfoam. This technique worked in my blue tree monitor enclosure bc it went to the wall. But the chameleon enclosure it didn't have enough support for my liking over time. It still held just fine, but it did sage a little bit when he was on the very end. With his weight, it barely touched the screen. After I applied Zoopoxy, I have not had an issue with a slight sag. A video update on my enclosures is in the works. They are all doing well, but with every build I find thing I could have done a little differently. But that kinda normal when trying to perfect 😆. Hope this helps! 🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱
Thank you! & thanx again for the great CBB Chameleon we got from! Plus the "above and beyond" communication you had with me since the day we bought him. It's good to have great breeders like you in the hobby that go the extra mile! 🤘💯🐸🐍🐢🦎
Very nice build, really. But when Springtails etc eat Chameleon poop, how you check the chameleon health? I think that in some cases, bioactive cult could becomes the breeder's enemy.
@martins2657 depending on when he does his business I can usually see it before majorly of the isopods come out at night. But it is something to be aware of. Hope this helps
Thank you 🤘💯🦎🐢🐍🐸 I got the branches from local reptile show and a lot from Glassbox Tropicals. I just updated the description with their link. They sell individually and bulk
Thank you. I felt the same way with the original reptibreeze cage I had for him. But I usually have a nice temporary set up for all my reptiles so I can learn their individual behaviors and adjust the custom builds to fit their routine. Thank you for the comment and support 🙏. 💯😆🦎🐍🐸🐢
@mariannewhite9532 really depends. Its OK for humidity to drop during the day, actually a little better for them if it does. Then just mist in am and night and fog all night
This is badass, and I actually have a similar build In mind that I just started, do you think that this exact build can work on a reptibreeze screen cage?
@@bradsbioactivebuilds actually i already attached the insulation board to the screen mesh with sylicone, and it is secure, however i am using polystyrene foam and was wondering if it would make any difference when applying the quickcrete and drylok?
@lucerob.8300 it shouldn't make a huge difference. It's just mor brittle, so I would add a few extra coats of drylok original to be safe. Hope you are having fun with your build. 🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱
1/2" pvc pipe. I have the link to the 1/2" bulkhead in the description. I forget the hole size I used to drill (I have it marked bulkhead, but I think it was a 5/8") The best bet is to always drill a hole in a scrap piece of plywood to check best size before drilling enclosure. Hope this helps 🤘💯🦎🐍🐸🐢🌱
I just bought a new enclosure on Line from Germany and this week i'm gonna prepare everything. If i wanna buy a male and a female i have to put them appart i understood,but when should i put them together to reproduce?
Congrats on your new enclosure! I try to stay in my lane and don't have personal experience with pairing chameleons. Hit up @mightymorphingreptiles on Instagram. I'm sure he can point you in the right direction. I believe he also has some youtube videos on this to. Hope that helped. 💯🤘🐸🐢🐍🦎
Amazing build! I’m curious to see, as he gets settled in, if he prefers to be higher up where it’s warmer? Or lower where he has more coverage, would love to recreate
Thank you! I'm curious too. He has moved around quite a bit from lower in the enclosure to the top branch. Depends on the time of day. I'm waiting for some of the plants to take off, so the top fills in a little bit more with greenery. For a chameleon, he is quite bold. So it will be interesting to see his routine over the next few months. Check back, and I'll give you an update! Hope you recreate one! He seems to be enjoying it a lot more than his old reptibreeze 🤘💯🦎🐢🐍🐸
So I'm thinking about using your background idea for an 18 x 18 x 18 terrarium is there anyway I could get the measurements for that.... I love the idea of the baskets with the spray foam over doing the spray foam! It's actually a genius idea!!
Are you building an 18x18x18 or do you need the measurements for the insulation foam board to go inside a 18x18x18? And thanx, the baskets and spray foam work great! 🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱
I probably should have mentioned to set your mind at ease that I'm not doing this for a chameleon I'm doing this for dart frogs.... I just really like your background idea versus doing the spray foam! I can understand why you wouldn't want to reply to me about me trying to put a chameleon in an 18 x 18 cube
@trishgantner2214 not necessarily. Depends on how much water is going on. Regardless I find them to be beneficial so your substrate can drain and beneficial bacteria can grow in the drainage layer
Lol, Love this comment! Made me laugh, but I get it. I like it when I see things that inspire me and before I know it, I'm 1/2 way through. If you decide to go for it, find me on Instagram. I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have. Have fun and build on🤘💯🦎🐢🐍🐸
@bradsbioactivebuilds what did you use with the bulkhead? I bought the same one you have and the ball valve but they do not fit together. Looks like you have something slipped inside yours plus an elbow. Neither that or the elbow are in your parts list. Thanks
@cryptkeep3r985 it's just 1/2 pipe that slips into the bulkhead and ball shut off valve. U can siliconnir use pvc cement for a permanent installment like India in part 4 of the huge vivarium series
I really struggled finding large pvc sheets instead of trim or that was an inch thick So I bought I believe mdf wood I was able to build it Just looking for advice on how to waterproof the bottom Im thinking to get the pvc that was too small for the cage and make a box to fit inside and seal it Thoughts ? I also bought regular silicone because I didnt realize there was a difference between it and lexel Will that be ok or should I get lexel before I use it
@trishgantner2214 abuse 4x8' 1/2 pvc sheets. Some states don't carry them at big box stores. You can tryba custom sign shop. Also if you were to use wood I would use wood glue when screwing it together. Wood putty the seams Then polygem 1618 the inside a few times.
You and Lash Vivs easily build some of the most beautiful enclosures. Also where do you find the PVC board? My local Home Depot doesn’t have any available.
Thank you & I'll have to check out Lash Vivs. I always enjoy seeing what others are creating! If you ask them about cellular pve sheets it might hell them shears or special order depending where yoh live. I'm in the Chicago area and they carry it at most hardware stores by me. 🤘💯🦎🐢🐍🐸
Super underrated channel, feels like a crime not having more subscribers. Love these builds, super informative, one of these days I’m gonna try my hand at one.
Thank you, feel free to share some content to get it out there lol. I'm glad you enjoy my builds and I enjoy showing others the process from A-Z. I hope you take on a fun build as a project! Lmk if you have any questions once you start!. 🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱
@bridiemegan awesome, and no temp prob. I just use a heat gun to check basking area. The ambient tempnis right by my thermostat in my house. Fans blow through the enclosure. 🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱
Love the build man. Im totally doing this . One question tho . Did u use a fan for every vent ? And also what did u use for the soil in the pots Thanks 💯
Thanx Raul! I started with 2. 1 in the back and one on the right side. I removed the one on the right side after testing oit air flow. So currently, I'm only running the one in the back. For the soil in the pots, I used ABG mix. Have fun with your build, and feel free to ask any questions along the way. 🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢
Hey man, I've watched all your videos; you're doing amazing work! I liked this one in particular. Since I'm planning to get myself a chameleon in a couple months, I want to prepare it's enclosure based on your design. I was just wondering what this "cleanup crew" is and what exactly it does? Does it reproduce quickly and do I need to do something special to keep them alive? 😀 Thanks for sharing the design, I will follow from now on for future videos! Gorgeous chameleon aswell!
Thanx for watching my videos! I went bioactive with this one minuses springtails only because it is more open then other enclosures I have built. The isopods (aka rollypollys, pill bugs etc) are their to clean up a lot of the waist the chameleon produces. I do throw zucchini slice in my enclosures from time to time. They will also eat some of the leaf litter. I have seen them reproduce slowly and quickly depending on food availability. Glad you are getting a chameleon. They are an amazing species to work with. I do tong feed or cup feed all the time. I don't want free roaming crickets to reproduce. This style enclosures will give them a big opportunity to do so. I will throw a few horned worms I from time to time for enrichment purposes. I am trying to run a mistking line from my reptile room to this enclosure to help with am and pm misting. But for now I'm just hand misting. Whan you start building feel free to ask any questions. Hope this helps. 🤘💯🦎🐢🐸🐍
Brad, since the cage is all screens, does the mister get the walls behind the cage all wet? I just built a simpler version of this for my first chameleon and I'm worried the misting is going to soak my walls.
Only the top 18 inches and front door are screen. The rest is hardscape. But the fogger doesn't run outside the enclosure. I do must by hand so I can control where I spray the water. Hope this helps
Hi there! I was wondering if you could fill me in on how deep the soil is at the bottom for the plants on the floor, and also the names of the plants on the floor, thank you! Awesome enclosure, I’m in the process of building mine now for my ambilobe 👍🙏
Hello, I went a little deepnwith substrate. It's about 6 inches in front and 9-10 inches in back. Croton plant ficus tree Money tree Swiss cheese plant Pothos Creeping jew. Have fun with your build and feel free to ask any other questions 🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢
To go that deep in the bottom what kind of soil did you use? I’m looking to plant on the bottom of my enclosure as well and didn’t know what is safe for the chameleon
PVC foam board. It comes in 4x8 sheets at home depo, Lowes etc in some states. I didn't have to secure the screen dome top in. It's a snug fir with how I framed out the base. I could have added screws if needed. But I was happy with how snug it was. Hope this helps. 🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱
The clean-up crew (isopods) do 90٪ of the work. I spot clean when needed, or if I see "a fresh one" I'll clean it up. But for the most part, the enclosure takes care of itself. 🤘💯🦎🐍🐢🐸🌱
@@bradsbioactivebuilds oh wow!! Well I’m doing it all wrong then!! And isopods huh? Well I’ll need some of those too! This is so much easier than what I’m doing wow!! Thanks for this video!
@usgirlsdiy4639 Yeah, bioactive setups, in my opinion, are amazing all around. The isopods are amazing. Live plants really bring it all together. If you have any other questions along the way, feel free to ask. I'm glad you enjoyed the video! 🤘💯🦎🐍🐢🐸🌱
I had a lot of trouble finding PVC sheets on the west coast, I finally found "marine grade PVC foam" at Piedmont Plastics, the lady that helped me said she has lots of customers that use this for reptile enclosures, so I guess this is what I needed. Incase anyone else is having trouble finding it. FYI I also bought a black sheet so I don't have to paint the outside.
Good find especially in black! I built my first enclosure and then found some in black wo wood grain. Keeps going white bc if the wood grain to keep everything in uniform. I wish I found black 1st 🤣. Thanx for letting everyone know in the comments 💚
@billyboychannel heck yeah, I can't wait either! I'll definitely do an update in a little bit. You gotta do some more videos. I've been waiting to see some more emerald tree skinks! Im thinking that might be one of my next builds. 🤘💯🦎🐍🐸🐢
I've been researching, with the plan of building a vivaruim enclosure, for a Panther Chameleon. I have a 4ft long bookshelf that I intend to mount the enclosure on. My plan is to make the enclosure 2' W x 4' ft H x 4' ft L (roughly). I also intend to add a slideout drainage tray under the enclosure for easy clean up. I like the screened-in top for the enclosure and the side vents in the enclosure but my question/concern is heat and humidity retention, especially with a screened-in front door. What experience have you had with the moisture levels and temps with this vivarium setup. Can you offer and suggestions on how to adjust it if need be. My enclosure will be indoors in my air conditioned home and the humidity level in the winter averages ~30% and a temp of 67F year-round. I'm totally sold on your ingenious build. Great cage and keep up the good work. Although I took plenty of notes on the supplies needed (which Home Depot or Lowes should have most of it), it'd be nice to have a detailed supply sheet with your source of the supplier, it'll save me a lot of time. If you were to do it again would you change anything in your build? Thanks Brad Regards FigTuna
Thanks for watching, and I'm glad it has helped. For this particular build, I built around the chameleon. They need airflow, so the screen front and top works great. The basking temp hits my range for temps. Other than that, he likes it room temp in the other parts of the enclosure. The build dries out from the mid to upper level during the day with a drop in humidity, which they prefer during the daytime. At night, only I run the fogger for 5 hours to bumb humidity. If I had to change 1 thing, it would have been in the tip portion where I used sprayfoam to attach the top branch to the other one [inside the screen dome]. I have since reinforced it with polygem Zoopoxy. mainly bc j had some left over from another build I was working on and didn't want it to go to waist
@@bradsbioactivebuilds Thank you for the response Brad, that's great information and answered my critical concerns about temperature & humidity. Where did you source Your PVC sheets? Thanks again buddy Steve
@mkfourgli1 thanx for the sub and support! Have fun building the new mansion for the dude. He'll love it! If you have any questions along the way, let me know! 🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢
Hey, thanx a lot! Here is a recent paludarium build I did. I threw a lot at this one to show different ideas that could be used. 🤘💯🐸🐍🐢🦎 ruclips.net/video/-6B4wvRxdqA/видео.html
Hey everyone, What do you think of this hybrid Vivarium? What do you like best about the build? Did you learn anything new? As always, thank you everyone for your support! Build on everyone 🤘💯🦎🐢🐍🐸
I really love this enclosure! I was looking for ways to build my own enclosure for when my baby boa imperator isn’t so baby anymore and found your channel. You’re so very talented! I look forward to more videos and gathering ideas and preparing for Elka’s big enclosure when she’s ready for it.
@heatherb2762 thank you very much! I'm glad you got some ideas. Take what you need and do it better!
Thanx for your support and have fun building.
🤘💯🦎🐍🐸🐢
What do we think????? It’s amazing I absolutely love it. You did amazing
@erlindagonzalez8457 Thank you very much. I'm glad you like it!
💯🤘🦎🐍🐸🐢
@@bradsbioactivebuilds Hey there, wow, this was fucking amazing thing to watch. ☺️☺️
The best is your way of presenting information, I can see you are used to work with your hands and that you have a logical approach. Something I miss in these crazy times that doesn't favour obtaining knowledge and especially skills.
I'm pissed watching other people on youtube explaining stuff and the lack of their ability to explain it fully and systematically. Not only you provide inspiration but I can straight up build something on my own like... now. Plus the music doesn't bother me and your personality is in the product and not all over the place. This is a perfect video. 🤷
Thanks pal. ✌️
When you'r ever done with this, you can make videos about anything. I already know I would cook with your recipes. 😁
Now..
Maybe a couple questions:
• 13:03 what are these bugs good for and when to put them in?
• Is there any kind of rule set for building the top part (the dome), for example its size compared to the bottom part? Or the size of the holes in the net/foil used for its walls?
Not every enclosure has it. 🧐🤔
Would you be so kind and answer these? I'm serious about building one as a gift for my younger brother and his first chameleon. (He must learn about the animal but I want to learn more about the enclosure related stuff.) This is where I start.
Dude watching you makes me even thinking about doing this for a living.
😂 😂
Awesome enclosure for chameleon he looks happy he's thriving colors are glowing. Best one yet.
@@wilsoncaban1580 thank you! 🤘💯🤘
This was a perfect way to have lots of plants, be bioactive, have the rock background we love and miss with full screen enclosures, yet plenty of airflow. Best chameleon enclosure I’ve ever seen. Not at all surprised it turned out this fantastic though.
(Shout out to the boxer wiggle-butt and “nub” making an appearance😉)🐶
Thank you very much! I had the 4 wall screen reptizoo enclosure for a little over 1.5 years as Botticelli was growing up. I just knew there had to be a way to make his enclosure while still giving him all the environmental needs, especially with chameleons being sensitive reptiles. Put a lot of thought into this one over the last year bc the animal always needs to come 1st. So I'm glad you think it's the best chameleon enclosure I've ever seen!
Yup... Bella or Honey have a habit of photo-bombing 💣 my videos lol.
As always, thank you for your support!
🤘💯🐸🐍🐢🦎🐶
Looks good! Made it look super simple, going to definitely try this rather than spend hundreds on a generic tank or cage.
Thank you, and it is a fairly easy build once you get started. I agree with you on the spending 100s of $ on a generic cage. Plus, you'll appreciate it more when you finish. Have fun with your build!
🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱
Awesome build and video! I’m following your directions and building one for my chameleon!
I love the mesh top! That’s what sold me on this build! Learned so many new things, but I’m excited to try your method of making the added wood look natural.
I’m using cabinet grade birch plywood because pvc board is impossible to get where I am for a decent price.
Should I flex seal all of the wood inside before I add the foam board walls?
Is there anything you would have done different, now that a year has gone by?
Thank you!
Thank you, and I'm glad you are taking on this project. It's a fun one to do!
The tip is one of my favorite parts of this build, creating an extension for him to use in the upper canopies above the "jungle:
Cabinet grad birch is a great option. I would use wood glue before screwing together, then a food filter in that the seams, then a few coats of drylok original or a polyurethane. Them sili one the seams.
If I were to change something, which I did. I ended up using ploygem zoopoxy on the upper branch I made in the top dome. The sprayfoam held just fine, but it did sag a hair when my Chameleon was on it. It sound barley touch the screen, and it just frustrated me. So, I added zoopoxy to have a mire solid structure. Originally, I could not have had the branch so close to the screen dome top, and I wouldn't have needed to have done this.
Lmk if you have any questions along the way and have fun with your build!
🤘💯🤘
@@bradsbioactivebuilds thanks so much!! Everything’s been screwed together and I did use wood glue.
What type of food filter should I use for the seam?
If you’d like to see the end result I’ll tag you in my IG post once it’s all done.
can you explain how you created the door? amazing work!
Thank you,
In short for the door:
*RUclips some videos on how to make a window screen.
* I recessed the top header back into the enclosure (recessed the thickness of the window screen frame so it sits flush with the enclosure sides)
* attached small hinges found at most hardware stores
* attached a Latch to keep enclosure shut.
*added a bumpstol at the bottom to keep door from swinging into the enclosure.
That is it in nutshell.
Hope this helps.
🤘💯🦎🐍🐸🐢🌱
The NICEST enclosure and absolutely the inspo for my current build. Just curious, do you know any substitutes for drylok? I live in Canada and we don't have it here. Thanks!!!
Thank you, and I'm glad it inspired you. Send me some pics on IG when you finish!
I thought they sold drylok in Canada? What part of Canada do you live in? If not, you can always get polygem Zoopoxy 307 lite
Hope this helps
This is so informative. I truly enjoy watching your builds. I was wondering if you would be able to do this for tree frogs but having it hold more humidity than the screened off areas for the chameleon?
I have been racking my brain on how to make 3 paludariums that are 6 feet tall, 3 feet long, and 2-3 ft deep for red eye tree frogs, mossy tree frogs, and green tree frogs. The lids and the doors are stumping me along with whether i should use glass or the PVC boards that you use in your builds. Any advice would be truly appreciated.
Thank you!
Great questions. The inner trim at the top the screen dome top sits on was originally mad to be a flat screen. Then I came up with the idea to build the dome. So instead of adding the screen dome just use glass cut to size. Your local lass shot can do that for about $20 non tempered glass.
For the front I would do it the same but instead of screen use wood and cut slips in it to add glass. You can look up how to make glass front doors. Serpa design also has a good DIY on how to build glass front doors
@@bradsbioactivebuilds thank you so much for the response.
Will the PVC sheet be able to standup to high humidity for a long time and will the spray foam separate off of the sheets after some time?
@StarWolf7800 of course, and yes PVC will not be affected at all by humidity or water. the main reason i use PVC is because it won't rott. Plus, it's strong but lightweight.
You will want to rough up the pvc. I found siliconing all 3 sides using xps board is the best way to attach backgrounds.
Are the vents necessary for ventilation even though there’s already a screen door?
That's a great question. I know people that have hybrid enclosures without the screen dome top and no ve ts that work for them.
A lot depends on where you live and where it is in the room (by a window, which might have seepage, creating a draft, etc)
For this particular build, I wanted as much airflow as possible, so I added the vents. I could have probably gotten away without them but added them to be safe. The back one helps bc I have the fan attached to it pulling air through the enclosure.
So, short answer I'm not entirely sure. Some builds you know what's gonna work, and others are theory/educated guesses.
Hope that helps
🤘💯🦎🐍🐢🐸🌱
Beautiful enclosure. I own quite a few vipers. Would love to see you build some kinda of arboreal setup like this but for arboreal snakes. That would be awesome
Thank you and I agree, that would be awesome! I'd love to own a pit viper!
Maybe someday you'll see me build one, stay tuned!
🤘💯🤘
Great build, brother... question, from beginning to end. What's was the length of time?.
If I remember correctly, it took about a month. But it could definitely be done sooner. I work a full-time job, run a foundation also in addition to that setting up lighting and camera angles takes a lot of time too lol. Then I also build woth an idea and sometimes I get to a point in a build where I have tk figure out what my next step is lol.
Hope this gives you an idea on time.
Over all it is a fun build to do minus the screen only bc i had doikg wondow scree Thanx for watching and have fun with it if you decide to build one yourself!
🤘💯🦎🐍🐸🐢🌱
What kind of water system/ drip/ fountain would you put in this? How could you implement it?
To be honest I am replicating this, and I'm about half way through but I'm wanting to make sure that I don't go too far before figuring out how to implement a drinking fountain into it in case I need to make adjustments now to anything.
@desireejohnson5344 depends on what you are using the enclosure for. If it's for a chameleon I personally wouldn't use a water feature other then misting system or fogger. Mainly bc the bacteria might be to much h for a chameleon and offer to much humidity during the day. If it's fir a different reptile, I would do something like the link I shared but without the 5 gallon bucket. I would instead attach the hose to the background and sprayfoam over it or use a pvc pipe I could run a hose through for future maintenance purposes *if* ever needed.
Hope this helps.
🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱
ruclips.net/video/E9RIR0qE_q0/видео.htmlsi=06g7tYNOsOARk7sb
Another freakin banger! Nice job draining the foamed in planters. I've seen a lot of people neglect that necessary step. That's gonna be one happy chameleon.
It's gonna be incredible once the plants grown in for a year or two.
@shrivalup Thank-you, this was a fun one. And I could agree more with draining and it being necessary. I'll have to do an update in a year or so to show how it's grown in.
Thanx for your support!
🤘💯🦎🐢🐸🐍
Fantastic build. I don't think i have nearly enough skill to recreate it, but i would totally do that for my chameleon. How much did you spent ish, on this build?
Thank you, and its not so bad once you get started. Roughly spent 250 not including lights, stand and wood. O say that because brice can vary and you could even use wood from outside instead of where I got mine from (I like the look of ghost wood from Glassboxtropicals.com)
Hope this helps. Lmk if you have any questions once you start.
🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱
Amazing quality as always, a kid looks like it’s grown a lot in the background
Thank you very much! And yes, the plants are starting to really shoot out now 😁. It's fun to watch!
🤘💯🦎🐢🐸🐍
Hey man. Stunning build, I read all of the comments first to make sure I’m not asking you a repeat question…I noticed you didn’t mention anything about a misting system with this enclosure. With all of the drylok, do you think this set up would hold well with a Mistking system if I wanted to incorporate that? Or would you recommend additional steps?
Great question.
I hand mist this one in the am and at night. But a misting system would do well in this build. I probably would have attached it to the sides bc it it were ontop it might go through the screen and spray outside of the enclosure.
Much appreciated 🙏🏼 🐍 🦎 🐢
I have honestly watched this video 4+ times now. I am finally moved into my house so I can begin building Emile (veiled cham) his new forever home!
@jacobpessina2239 awesome, glad your gonna start building. Lmk if you have any questions along the way 🤘💯🤘
That enclosure is amazing and Botticelli is gorgeous!
Thank you! Botticelli is lovin it!
🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱
Wish I could post a picture but had to say thanks. Making progress on mine using your video and have to say it is coming out pretty well. Thanks so much for sharing your build.
@deadhoused4887 I'm glad you are building one. Send me some pics on IG, I always enjoy seeing what others create!
Do you ever run into issues with mold on the wood? Any way to counter mold buildup or prevent it?
Good question, I have not with this enclosure because of the air flow and CUC. But most vivariums will go through a mold bloom after about 2 weeks of it up and running, then disappear after it balances out. Another good reason to wait to put an animal for a few weeks.
🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱
@bradsbioactivebuilds is there a reason why you swap in between lexel and silicon for seams vs xps board? Love this build by the way. One of my favorites
Yes and no, I could have used lexel for both. But lexel takes longer to cure, and with it being behind the xps, it might have taken even longer (exposed it can take up to 2 weeks with off gasses.)
I like lexel because it bonds to pvc better, and it's paintable where silicone is not. Being able to add a layer of drylok (after cure time) adds another protective layer of waterproofing the seams monitor doesn't leak.
Hope this helps.
I'm glad you live the build!
🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱
@@bradsbioactivebuilds awesome thank you! That makes sense.
Did you mix the drylock with the cement color paint
Yes, quikrete charcoal for my final color
Great looking cage
Thank you!
🤘💯🤘
Did you put a fan on all 3 vents and were they blowing inside or pulling out air
Thank you! It looks amazing
I only added 1 fan to the back. That seems to be sufficient. I have played with both ways, blowing in and out. But I currently have it blowing out running while the lights are on. This way, it pulls humidity out during the day to get to a dryer period, and at night, they are off with the fogger bumping humidity
@@bradsbioactivebuilds sweet thank you so much I wanna start tackling it this week! Also I’m my area I can not find PVC for less then $350 a sheet so I was thinking about birch plywood is that good? And if so how can I seal the whole board to be waterproof
Thank you again !
@tschmalls5347 check out some custom sign shops. It's know as expanded PVC board. Some states/regions don't carry it at home depo etc.
But yes, birch, oak any hard word will do.
I would seel the the outside with a stain and polystyrene over that paint it. For the inside 2 to 3 coats of drylok ORIGINAL would to the trick.
With wood you will wat to use wood glue before screwing it together. And after it's screwd together use a wood puddy in all the corners, smoothing it out with your finger before using the drylok.
Hope this helps
🤘💯🦎🐍🐢🐸🌱
Sweet that’s extremely helpful! Thank you so much and I look forward to your new builds !
One of the best enclosure builds I’ve seen! Love this! I am a tattoo artist as well and have had chameleons and a crested gecko for a few years now. Been getting into builds as well. So fun
Thank you. This was definitely one of my favorite builds to put together. They are definitely a fun outlet to create art.
Gotta love being an ink therapist!
🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱
It’s been a lifesaver for me on another outlet to be creative, my new favorite hobby! Thanks for making such a detailed video!
Ink therapist all day 🤘
Why’d you stop tattooing if you don’t mind me asking?
@sydneywhetman7787 As much as I loved tattooing, I was pulled in a different direction. I'm now a Director of Operations for a Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center.
I had an art piece missing in my life, so I focused that into enclosure building.
@@bradsbioactivebuilds that’s awesome! Well I’m glad you’ve found your path in life 🤘 keep on it, you are doing amazing work man!
Awesome build. I find it hard to believe that all of these materials are petsafe though..
Thank you and yes they're all pet safe and food safe.
@@bradsbioactivebuilds Nice! I'm working on my first build now. So you saved me some research. Thank you!
Beautiful enclosure for the beautiful Botticelli! Love the skyscraper😎🫡!!!
Thank you. It was built for you 💚🤘💯🦎🐢🐍🐸🤘
Such a good name for your chameleon!!
Thank you Coli Flower! He does fit it well.
🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱
Dude you killed that enclosure
Thanx bro! It was a fun one!
🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢
You are an artist
Thank you, it is relaxing. Most of the time 😆
Your support is appreciated!
🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱
Really really nice. Congrats!!!
Thank you. I appreciate your comment!
🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱
Very cool. My son loves your channel! Nice work.
Thank you, and I'm glad your son enjoys my work!
🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱
Inspirational in every way
I'm glad to hear this!
Thanx for your support!
🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱
This is great exactly what I am looking for!!
Awesome, I'm glad you found it!
🤘💯🤘
I gotta say, between your last video and this, your voiceover has really improved! Keep up the good work!
Thank you very much! Always trying to improve.
Thanx for watching!
🤘💯🦎🐢🐸🐍
Absolutely amazing to watch. Beautiful work. Love it.
How stable is the humidity during night/day with the screen door and top?
And also, does the fogger not effect the room it stands in in any way?
Thank you. Humidity stays within its parameters. Works better than a repti breeze, but this style enclosure everything depends on what time of year it is and location in the world.
The fogger gets my humidity to where it needs to at night's and goes through a dry period throughout the day.
@@bradsbioactivebuilds Thanks for the fast answer.
Do you have a list of names of the plants you would like to share?
@@mathewnielsen6054 I don't have them all. But I know I used umbrella plants, swisscheese plants, pothos, Bromeliads, croutons, Ficus tree, money tree, creaping jew, and a few others. These are the common names. I removed any ivy.
🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱
@@bradsbioactivebuilds Sweet, thanks alot. Gonna take a deeper dive into all of it, and might do my own build with inspiration from your vid! Got me hooked 🤙🦎
@mathewnielsen6054 awesome, and I hope you build one. It's a fun project to do! Lmk if you have any questions along the way.
🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱
Hey man great video, I have to say this is one of the best chameleon enclosures on the internet, can you explain me a bit more about the drainage system, and what you use to hold the enclosure off the ground?
Thanx, and it was a fun build to document.
Drainage system:
I use a half-inch bulk head I silicone screen to (extra barrier so the clay balls leca don't fall into it. I silicone that to the bottom. I could have used pvc cement to fuse together to. But live to have the option to remove in ever needed.
I attached a ball shut-off valve so I can release the water to drain. (I have a clear hose attached to a half-inch pvc pipe that fits into all of my enclosures so I can use it universally)
The false bottom (clay balls leca) is where I can have water gather without flooding my substrate. It also allows beneficial bacteria to grow and is light weight.
Ontop of the clay balls is a weed barrier that separates the clay balls from the substrate while still allowing water to pass through. This also prevents the substrate from entering into the false bottom/clay balls.
I just used a zoomed reptibreeze stand and cut it down to size with a hacksaw. enclose would have been about 9 feet tall. I just made sure I was still able to fit all of my fittings for the plumbing below, along with some other things I wanted to keep under there.
Hope this helps!
🤘💯🦎🐸🐢🐍🌱
Bro so cool I’m doing this
Awesome, have fun with it!
🤘💯🦎
Fantastic build !!! Was wondering how deep you made the substrate and what did you use?
@CaptainNemo49 it's about 8-10 inches if I remember correctly.
I used pangea ABG mix woth a drainage layer below
Beautiful build personally I probably would've went 1 foot wider
Thank you and bigger is always better. let's see what the future holds.
🤘💯🦎🐍🐢🐸🌱
@@bradsbioactivebuilds again beautiful build you given me some great ideas 💡 👌
This build is absolutely the most amazing one I’ve seen!
Evelyn, thank you very much for your comment and support!
🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱
Do I have to put fans on all 3 vents
Not anymore. I started with 2 (back and right side) but removed the right side because the air flow was fine with just the 1. Lmk if you have any other questions!
🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱
How do you not have millions of subs. You do a fantastic job and you’ve inspired me 😊
Thank you and I'm glad you are inspired! Maybe one day ill have a lot of subs, but for now I'm grateful for everyone that has found my channel. 🤟💯🦎🐸🐍🐢
You killed it per usual on this one!
Thanx bro, much appreciated!
🤘💯🦎🐢🐍🐸
Any alternatives to the cellular PVC sheet if it cannot be found anywhere local? Enclosure looks amazing!
Thank you and you can use 1/2 inch or 3/4 inch plywood. Your cuts will be a little different than in the video. Just waterproof it with drylok and should be good to go!
🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱
@Brad's Bioactive Builds Awesome, thank you 👍
@@bradsbioactivebuilds Got most supplies today between Lowes and Home Depot. Should I still use Drylok Original on the wood or a different type?
@@faint8652 drylok original for everything, the other dryloks aren't animal safe.
I'm glad you got all the materials. Have fin woth your build and lmk if you have anyvother questions.
🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱
@Brad's Bioactive Builds I got the original, so thankfully I won't have to return it and can get started tomorrow. Thanks again for the quick replies and awesome builds.
Awesome that looks so cool
Thank you! It's definitely a fun build!
🤘💯🤘
Brad
I was curious which direction you have the fans blowing. In or out? I built an enclosure similar to yours used your video for guidance.
I have the fans blowing out so it pulls air from the front screen -> through the enclosure-> and out the enclosure.
Have fun woth your build!
🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢
nice, I know the title says that this can be done with either wood or pvc, the pvc panels you used are expensive and hard to find where i am at but the wood on the other hand would make this build really heavy. Would the adhesive caulk and silicone stick to wood like it does on the pvc
Yes it would. I would use a birch plywood if not using pcv boards. Just wood glue the seal and before screwing together and wood puddy the inside seams then used drylok original for the whole interior, 4+ coats of it.
🤘💯🦎🐸🐢🐍🌱
Yo man can this be done with something like expanded pvc? Or HDPE, i cant find any pvc sheets like the one in your links and to get them shipped to me its 400$
@jesusmagallanes5835 I do know some sign shops call it expanded PVC. Just check the surface temp the material will off gas at. Most are 140+. In my ackie enclosure the basking zone it 140 with the lights installing inside the enclosure and right above the fixture it gets about 103°F so I still have a long way to go before any issue would arise.
💯🤘🦎🐸🐢🐍🌱
@@bradsbioactivebuilds alright bro, i appreciate it forreal youre a real one. keep on working bro you get down
@jesusmagallanes5835 for sure bro, have fun with your build and hmu if you have any questions along the way!
Does it matter the color of xps board you use before painting? Like gray instead of pink?
That I'm not sure. But I believe it is all the same, just different companies. I just bought the pink stuff bc I have always used it.
🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱
Wow!!! Buddy you have some real creative talent! Your video was really enjoyed.
Thanx Greg, I'm glad you enjoyed it!
🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱
What type are those branches they look soo good
@@coockeyk they are ghost wood from glassbox tropical. They really do bring the enclosure together
Thank you for sharing this. What screws did you use for the PVC board?
Happy to sheare.
I just used regular #6, 1¹/⁴ drywall screws
@@bradsbioactivebuilds Thank you!
Awesome video. I plan to build something very similar soon. Where do you source your trees and cork bark used in lots of your videos. If you ever need any frames or stands welded or fabricated, I'm your guy.
@carybrooksjr1827 i got the ghost wood from glass box tropics and best corkbark prices around hit up Codey on IG. instagram.com/ryzrr/profilecard/?igsh=MTluOWxud2x0a3EwOA==
Welding is a great trade to be in. I'll know who to hit up!
I am Definitely building this before i get my chameleon
@@shavkatburhanov1325 Awesome, it's a fun build to do!
beautiful
Thank you!
🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱
Hello awesome build. As most comments have stated, I don’t have local access to pvc sheets. How would you go about the build using birch plywood? Thanks!
@eliasgonzalez6597 thank you, amdbi would go at it the same way, but I would use a liquid rubber or resin epoxy to waterproof the inside wood.
Hope this helps
This came out amazing. quick question how did you attatch the screen top to the bottom enclosure?
Thank you, and the screen top just seated into place. I did silicone the front to (screen frame to bottom portion) to close the gap. But the screen dome sits snug in the bottom enclosure without the risk of tipping over. If it wasn't so secure, I would have screwed them together
🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱
Hi @bradsbioactivebuilds this is awesome and I want to replicate it exactly!!
I have a quick question thou, did you just put the uvb and jungle dawn nex to eachother on the mesh screen and also is there anything you wuld have done differently if you had done this again?
Thanks so much for the video, this is exactly what I needed! Also, I am sure nobody would mind an update on this ;P
Thank you. It's a fun build to do.
Yes, I placed jungle dawn and uvb next to each other on top of the screen. You can link them together.
Thing i would have done differently: It is the "top dome" where I spray foamed the 2 branches together. I would have used polygem Zoopoxy instead of sprayfoam. This technique worked in my blue tree monitor enclosure bc it went to the wall. But the chameleon enclosure it didn't have enough support for my liking over time. It still held just fine, but it did sage a little bit when he was on the very end. With his weight, it barely touched the screen. After I applied Zoopoxy, I have not had an issue with a slight sag.
A video update on my enclosures is in the works. They are all doing well, but with every build I find thing I could have done a little differently. But that kinda normal when trying to perfect 😆.
Hope this helps!
🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱
Fantastic build. Thanks for sharing your process and Botticelli looks amazing!!!
Thank you! & thanx again for the great CBB Chameleon we got from! Plus the "above and beyond" communication you had with me since the day we bought him. It's good to have great breeders like you in the hobby that go the extra mile!
🤘💯🐸🐍🐢🦎
By far the best bioactive enclosure I've seen so far great craftsmanship!
Thank you, much appreciated!
🤘💯🦎🐢🐍🐸
Very nice build, really. But when Springtails etc eat Chameleon poop, how you check the chameleon health?
I think that in some cases, bioactive cult could becomes the breeder's enemy.
@martins2657 depending on when he does his business I can usually see it before majorly of the isopods come out at night. But it is something to be aware of.
Hope this helps
Another beautiful build, where did you get all the branches from?
Thank you 🤘💯🦎🐢🐍🐸
I got the branches from local reptile show and a lot from Glassbox Tropicals. I just updated the description with their link. They sell individually and bulk
BEAUTIFUL!!!!!! I wish I would of seen this video before bought me cage.
Thank you. I felt the same way with the original reptibreeze cage I had for him. But I usually have a nice temporary set up for all my reptiles so I can learn their individual behaviors and adjust the custom builds to fit their routine. Thank you for the comment and support 🙏.
💯😆🦎🐍🐸🐢
Ummm I think my local shop is coping you🤗 beautiful!!!
That's cool to hear!
I'm glad u like my build!
Living in dry west texas, do you think the humidity level would stay high enough to be healthy for the chameleon with the front screen?
@mariannewhite9532 really depends. Its OK for humidity to drop during the day, actually a little better for them if it does. Then just mist in am and night and fog all night
This is badass, and I actually have a similar build In mind that I just started, do you think that this exact build can work on a reptibreeze screen cage?
Thank you, and are you looking to attach a background (insulation board) to the reptibreeze screen?
@@bradsbioactivebuilds actually i already attached the insulation board to the screen mesh with sylicone, and it is secure, however i am using polystyrene foam and was wondering if it would make any difference when applying the quickcrete and drylok?
@lucerob.8300 it shouldn't make a huge difference. It's just mor brittle, so I would add a few extra coats of drylok original to be safe. Hope you are having fun with your build.
🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱
Awesome build
Thanks for checking it out!
As far as the drainage system went what dimension PVC pipe did you use as well as the hole you drilled for the bulkhead
1/2" pvc pipe. I have the link to the 1/2" bulkhead in the description. I forget the hole size I used to drill (I have it marked bulkhead, but I think it was a 5/8")
The best bet is to always drill a hole in a scrap piece of plywood to check best size before drilling enclosure.
Hope this helps
🤘💯🦎🐍🐸🐢🌱
I just bought a new enclosure on Line from Germany and this week i'm gonna prepare everything. If i wanna buy a male and a female i have to put them appart i understood,but when should i put them together to reproduce?
Congrats on your new enclosure!
I try to stay in my lane and don't have personal experience with pairing chameleons. Hit up @mightymorphingreptiles on Instagram. I'm sure he can point you in the right direction. I believe he also has some youtube videos on this to.
Hope that helped.
💯🤘🐸🐢🐍🦎
Amazing build! I’m curious to see, as he gets settled in, if he prefers to be higher up where it’s warmer? Or lower where he has more coverage, would love to recreate
Thank you! I'm curious too. He has moved around quite a bit from lower in the enclosure to the top branch. Depends on the time of day. I'm waiting for some of the plants to take off, so the top fills in a little bit more with greenery. For a chameleon, he is quite bold. So it will be interesting to see his routine over the next few months. Check back, and I'll give you an update!
Hope you recreate one! He seems to be enjoying it a lot more than his old reptibreeze
🤘💯🦎🐢🐍🐸
Absolutely amazing!!
Thanx for your support Justin!
🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱
So I'm thinking about using your background idea for an 18 x 18 x 18 terrarium is there anyway I could get the measurements for that.... I love the idea of the baskets with the spray foam over doing the spray foam! It's actually a genius idea!!
Are you building an 18x18x18 or do you need the measurements for the insulation foam board to go inside a 18x18x18?
And thanx, the baskets and spray foam work great!
🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱
The installation foam board that would be going inside. Thanks so much 😊. Again the whole thing was very impressive.
@@harveymossholder9376 got ya, just so I can help measure. What kind of enclosure will you be using?
18 inch cube... I know that it seems simple but I just want to be able to do it one time and not waste a bunch of money
I probably should have mentioned to set your mind at ease that I'm not doing this for a chameleon I'm doing this for dart frogs.... I just really like your background idea versus doing the spray foam! I can understand why you wouldn't want to reply to me about me trying to put a chameleon in an 18 x 18 cube
Do you need the drainage on the bottom?
My current cage does not have one
@trishgantner2214 not necessarily. Depends on how much water is going on. Regardless I find them to be beneficial so your substrate can drain and beneficial bacteria can grow in the drainage layer
Holy moly
Thank you!
🤘💯🦎🐢🐍🐸
And just like that i need to build a hybrid Chameleon enclosure
Lol, Love this comment! Made me laugh, but I get it. I like it when I see things that inspire me and before I know it, I'm 1/2 way through.
If you decide to go for it, find me on Instagram. I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Have fun and build on🤘💯🦎🐢🐍🐸
@bradsbioactivebuilds what did you use with the bulkhead? I bought the same one you have and the ball valve but they do not fit together. Looks like you have something slipped inside yours plus an elbow. Neither that or the elbow are in your parts list. Thanks
@cryptkeep3r985 it's just 1/2 pipe that slips into the bulkhead and ball shut off valve. U can siliconnir use pvc cement for a permanent installment like India in part 4 of the huge vivarium series
I really struggled finding large pvc sheets instead of trim or that was an inch thick
So I bought I believe mdf wood
I was able to build it
Just looking for advice on how to waterproof the bottom
Im thinking to get the pvc that was too small for the cage and make a box to fit inside and seal it
Thoughts ?
I also bought regular silicone because I didnt realize there was a difference between it and lexel
Will that be ok or should I get lexel before I use it
@trishgantner2214 abuse 4x8' 1/2 pvc sheets. Some states don't carry them at big box stores. You can tryba custom sign shop.
Also if you were to use wood I would use wood glue when screwing it together.
Wood putty the seams
Then polygem 1618 the inside a few times.
@trishgantner2214 I like lexel, it has a better bite but a longer cure time
Hi is that a Swiss cheese plant I saw in the cage. I have one that I’m tempted on putting in my chameleon enclosure
Yes it is. The seem to do well
@@bradsbioactivebuilds thank you ☺️🙌🏼
You and Lash Vivs easily build some of the most beautiful enclosures. Also where do you find the PVC board? My local Home Depot doesn’t have any available.
Thank you & I'll have to check out Lash Vivs. I always enjoy seeing what others are creating!
If you ask them about cellular pve sheets it might hell them shears or special order depending where yoh live. I'm in the Chicago area and they carry it at most hardware stores by me.
🤘💯🦎🐢🐍🐸
I love to see another one!
I have a cool build coming out this Sunday. And for the animal going in it, some people call it the "Holy Grail" of lizards. Stay tuned!
🤘💯🤘
Super video. Thanks for sharing
Of course, thanx for watching!
🤘💯🦎🐢🐍🐸
Super underrated channel, feels like a crime not having more subscribers. Love these builds, super informative, one of these days I’m gonna try my hand at one.
Thank you, feel free to share some content to get it out there lol.
I'm glad you enjoy my builds and I enjoy showing others the process from A-Z. I hope you take on a fun build as a project!
Lmk if you have any questions once you start!.
🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱
Undoubtedly the best enclosure ive seen,i wish you lived in the Uk id ask you to build me one.
Thank you, it's definitely a fun build tobdo. If you decide to give it a go lmk if you have questions along the way!
🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱
I am going to use some of your idea's with this build but where did you put the temp probe and are the fans extracting.thanks
@bridiemegan awesome, and no temp prob. I just use a heat gun to check basking area. The ambient tempnis right by my thermostat in my house. Fans blow through the enclosure.
🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱
Hi brad it's me Skylar and I love your video❤
Thank you Skylar! Glad you enjoy them!
🤘💯🦎🐢🐸🐍
How do you get rid of the bugs that clean off the mold
What do you mean? The cuc lives in there
Love the build man. Im totally doing this . One question tho . Did u use a fan for every vent ? And also what did u use for the soil in the pots Thanks 💯
Thanx Raul!
I started with 2. 1 in the back and one on the right side. I removed the one on the right side after testing oit air flow. So currently, I'm only running the one in the back.
For the soil in the pots, I used ABG mix.
Have fun with your build, and feel free to ask any questions along the way.
🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢
Hey man, I've watched all your videos; you're doing amazing work! I liked this one in particular. Since I'm planning to get myself a chameleon in a couple months, I want to prepare it's enclosure based on your design. I was just wondering what this "cleanup crew" is and what exactly it does? Does it reproduce quickly and do I need to do something special to keep them alive? 😀
Thanks for sharing the design, I will follow from now on for future videos! Gorgeous chameleon aswell!
Thanx for watching my videos! I went bioactive with this one minuses springtails only because it is more open then other enclosures I have built. The isopods (aka rollypollys, pill bugs etc) are their to clean up a lot of the waist the chameleon produces. I do throw zucchini slice in my enclosures from time to time. They will also eat some of the leaf litter. I have seen them reproduce slowly and quickly depending on food availability.
Glad you are getting a chameleon. They are an amazing species to work with. I do tong feed or cup feed all the time. I don't want free roaming crickets to reproduce. This style enclosures will give them a big opportunity to do so. I will throw a few horned worms I from time to time for enrichment purposes.
I am trying to run a mistking line from my reptile room to this enclosure to help with am and pm misting. But for now I'm just hand misting.
Whan you start building feel free to ask any questions.
Hope this helps.
🤘💯🦎🐢🐸🐍
Brad, since the cage is all screens, does the mister get the walls behind the cage all wet? I just built a simpler version of this for my first chameleon and I'm worried the misting is going to soak my walls.
Only the top 18 inches and front door are screen. The rest is hardscape. But the fogger doesn't run outside the enclosure. I do must by hand so I can control where I spray the water.
Hope this helps
Awesome build Brad!!! Keep up the great work
Thank you, much appreciated!
🤘💯🦎🐍🐸🐢
Hi there! I was wondering if you could fill me in on how deep the soil is at the bottom for the plants on the floor, and also the names of the plants on the floor, thank you! Awesome enclosure, I’m in the process of building mine now for my ambilobe 👍🙏
Hello, I went a little deepnwith substrate. It's about 6 inches in front and 9-10 inches in back.
Croton plant
ficus tree
Money tree
Swiss cheese plant
Pothos
Creeping jew.
Have fun with your build and feel free to ask any other questions
🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢
To go that deep in the bottom what kind of soil did you use? I’m looking to plant on the bottom of my enclosure as well and didn’t know what is safe for the chameleon
Where do you source your paint pigments?
I use drylok original and quikrete charcoal for this build. I get them at home depo. I have the products with links in the description.
🤘💯🦎🐍🐢🐸🌱
What is pvc board and how did you attach the message dome?
PVC foam board. It comes in 4x8 sheets at home depo, Lowes etc in some states.
I didn't have to secure the screen dome top in. It's a snug fir with how I framed out the base. I could have added screws if needed. But I was happy with how snug it was.
Hope this helps.
🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱
So how do you clean it? Like poop and stuff?
The clean-up crew (isopods) do 90٪ of the work. I spot clean when needed, or if I see "a fresh one" I'll clean it up.
But for the most part, the enclosure takes care of itself.
🤘💯🦎🐍🐢🐸🌱
@@bradsbioactivebuilds oh wow!! Well I’m doing it all wrong then!! And isopods huh? Well I’ll need some of those too!
This is so much easier than what I’m doing wow!! Thanks for this video!
@usgirlsdiy4639 Yeah, bioactive setups, in my opinion, are amazing all around. The isopods are amazing. Live plants really bring it all together. If you have any other questions along the way, feel free to ask.
I'm glad you enjoyed the video!
🤘💯🦎🐍🐢🐸🌱
I had a lot of trouble finding PVC sheets on the west coast, I finally found "marine grade PVC foam" at Piedmont Plastics, the lady that helped me said she has lots of customers that use this for reptile enclosures, so I guess this is what I needed. Incase anyone else is having trouble finding it. FYI I also bought a black sheet so I don't have to paint the outside.
Good find especially in black! I built my first enclosure and then found some in black wo wood grain. Keeps going white bc if the wood grain to keep everything in uniform. I wish I found black 1st 🤣. Thanx for letting everyone know in the comments 💚
Incredible build man!
Thanx bro, much appreciated!
🤘💯🦎🐢🐸🐍
For sure! I'd love to see an update in a few months when all the plants grow in! It's gonna look bad ass!
@billyboychannel heck yeah, I can't wait either! I'll definitely do an update in a little bit. You gotta do some more videos. I've been waiting to see some more emerald tree skinks! Im thinking that might be one of my next builds.
🤘💯🦎🐍🐸🐢
I've been researching, with the plan of building a vivaruim enclosure, for a Panther Chameleon. I have a 4ft long bookshelf that I intend to mount the enclosure on. My plan is to make the enclosure 2' W x 4' ft H x 4' ft L (roughly). I also intend to add a slideout drainage tray under the enclosure for easy clean up. I like the screened-in top for the enclosure and the side vents in the enclosure but my question/concern is heat and humidity retention, especially with a screened-in front door. What experience have you had with the moisture levels and temps with this vivarium setup. Can you offer and suggestions on how to adjust it if need be. My enclosure will be indoors in my air conditioned home and the humidity level in the winter averages ~30% and a temp of 67F year-round.
I'm totally sold on your ingenious build. Great cage and keep up the good work. Although I took plenty of notes on the supplies needed (which Home Depot or Lowes should have most of it), it'd be nice to have a detailed supply sheet with your source of the supplier, it'll save me a lot of time.
If you were to do it again would you change anything in your build?
Thanks Brad
Regards
FigTuna
Thanks for watching, and I'm glad it has helped.
For this particular build, I built around the chameleon. They need airflow, so the screen front and top works great. The basking temp hits my range for temps. Other than that, he likes it room temp in the other parts of the enclosure.
The build dries out from the mid to upper level during the day with a drop in humidity, which they prefer during the daytime. At night, only I run the fogger for 5 hours to bumb humidity.
If I had to change 1 thing, it would have been in the tip portion where I used sprayfoam to attach the top branch to the other one [inside the screen dome]. I have since reinforced it with polygem Zoopoxy. mainly bc j had some left over from another build I was working on and didn't want it to go to waist
I also have all three products amd materials listed in the description in the video
@@bradsbioactivebuilds Thank you for the response Brad, that's great information and answered my critical concerns about temperature & humidity.
Where did you source Your PVC sheets?
Thanks again buddy
Steve
Fire bro.
Thank you, much appreciated
🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🙏
@@bradsbioactivebuilds now I have to breakout my old cabinet making skills and build my guy a mansion. New sub great content skill and vision.
@mkfourgli1 thanx for the sub and support! Have fun building the new mansion for the dude. He'll love it!
If you have any questions along the way, let me know!
🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢
great work 👏 👍
Thank you 🤘💯🦎🐍🐢🐸
I really like this build, and your execution was great! 🤘🏼 Any plans for paludariums?
Hey, thanx a lot!
Here is a recent paludarium build I did. I threw a lot at this one to show different ideas that could be used.
🤘💯🐸🐍🐢🦎
ruclips.net/video/-6B4wvRxdqA/видео.html
@@bradsbioactivebuilds bro absolutely amazing!
@@TheTallHeathen 🤘💯🐸🐍🐢🦎
This is amazing.
Thank you!
🤘💯🦎🐍🐢🐸