How to Construct a Reptile Tank

Reptiles need plenty of space to eat, sleep, play and bask. The challenge is creating a living arrangement for your reptile that is not only functional but also chic. Designing your own custom-made reptile tank may be the way to accomplish that goal and adapting the tank from premade furniture, such as a bookshelf, can make the project much easier.

Things You'll Need

  • Inexpensive 3- or 4-shelf wood bookcase
  • Jigsaw
  • Aluminum vent covers
  • Measuring tape
  • Sliding door tracks
  • Plexiglas
  • Safety goggles
  • Spray paint
  • Aquarium silicone
  • Tank top screen cover
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Instructions

    • 1

      Make a sketch of the reptile tank. Include positioning of food and water dishes as well as heating and lighting sources.

    • 2

      Remove the back panel off of the shelving unit. Cut a piece of plywood to the same size as the backing. Attach the backing to the shelf with nails. Many shelving units come standard with an inexpensive cardboard backing. If the backing is the same quality as the shelves, there is no need to remove it.

    • 3

      Screw the top shelf into place from the sides and back of the dresser. This top area will be the actual reptile tank.

    • 4

      Cut a large hole in the top of the bookcase. Make sure to leave 2 inches from each side, the front and the back.

    • 5

      Measure the aluminum vent covers and cut a ventilation hole on each side of the dresser, matching the size of the cover. Seal into place with aquarium silicone.

    • 6

      Cut the sliding door track to fit the entire length of the front of the tank. Screw the track into the shelf.

    • 7

      Cut an additional piece of Plexiglas to run the entire length of the front of the tank directly behind the door tracks. The Plexiglas will keep the substrate from coming out of the tank when the doors are opened, therefore the height of the piece should match the desired thickness of substrate. Glue the Plexiglas into place with aquarium silicone.

    • 8

      Measure the front opening of the reptile tank and cut two Plexiglas sheets --- together the Plexiglas should measure the full length of the opening plus 1 inch, which will allow the doors to overlap when closed.

    • 9

      Fill the tank with substrate and additional items such as food, water and basking rocks. Slide the doors into place. Mount the lighting and heating sources.

    • 10

      Spray paint the tank top screen cover to match the color of the dresser. Set the cover in place over the top opening of the tank. Introduce your reptile to his new home.