How to Build a Vivarium With PVC

A vivarium is any enclosure used to house reptiles, invertebrates or even fish. You can build a vivarium of any size ranging from extremely large aquariums to small desktop units. For example, you can use PVC pipe to build a vivarium to house a small crab, or even a small frog.

Things You'll Need

  • 6-inch diameter PVC pipe
  • 6-inch diameter PVC end cap
  • Band saw
  • 600-grit sandpaper
  • PVC cleaner
  • PVC glue
  • Window screen
  • Utility knife
  • Marine sand, gravel or sod
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut a 6-inch diameter PVC pipe to a length of 6 inches with a miter saw. A band saw will keep the ends of the pipe flush with the wall of the pipe.

    • 2

      Sand the burrs off the cut edges with 600-grit sandpaper by running the paper around the edges.

    • 3

      Clean the outside of the PVC pipe and the inside of the pipe cap with PVC cleaner.

    • 4

      Apply a band of PVC glue around the inside edge of the PVC cap and around the outside edge of the PVC pipe. Slide the PVC pipe into the 6-inch diameter pipe cap.

    • 5

      Cut a piece of window screen to a diameter of 8 inches with a sharp utility knife. This will serve as the top of the vivarium.

    • 6

      Cut the closed end of a six-inch PVC end cap off with the miter saw so you are left with a 6-inch diameter PVC ring. Sand the burrs off the edges.

    • 7

      Place the vivarium with the cap resting on the table and then fill the vivarium approximately half way full with marine aquarium sand or with fresh water gravel. If the animal you want to house prefers grass, cut a small patch of grass out of your yard and place it into the vivarium instead of the gravel or sand.

    • 8

      Center the screen over the top of the vivarium and then slide the band over the top. The band will hold the screen in place and keep any animals inside the vivarium.