How to Turn a 10 Gallon Tank Into an Arboreal Tank

Many reptile species prefer vertically oriented tanks or enclosures that offer plenty of climbing space rather than floor room. Arboreal-style tanks can be difficult to come across, however, and costly to purchase from specialty reptile shops. A standard 10 gallon terrarium or aquarium can be easily converted into an arboreal cage for your reptile simply by standing the cage on end and building a new face with a door.

Things You'll Need

  • Great Stuff spray foam insulation
  • GEII silicone (brown or black)
  • Aquarium silicone
  • 1/4-inch thick glass, cut to 4-by-10 inches
  • 1/4-inch thick glass, cut to 12-by-10 inches
  • 4-by-10-inch Plexiglas sheet
  • Plastic piano hinge
  • Plastic screen latches
  • Bark chips, coco fiber, cage decor
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Instructions

    • 1

      Arrange your interior cage layout using any driftwood, branches or rocks you would like to incorporate into the final design. When you̵7;ve achieved the look you̵7;re after, lay the cage on its back (so that it is standing like a normal 10 gallon tank) and spray the Great Stuff around the décor to hold the pieces in place. Keep in mind the foam will expand slightly as it dries. Allow to cure for 24 hours.

    • 2

      Open the tube of GEII silicone and apply a generous (1/4-inch thick) layer all over the back glass, on top of the spray foam and around the exposed branches or rocks. Work quickly to apply the silicone so that it is still wet for the next step.

    • 3

      Pour enough of your background material (such as coco fiber, sand or bark chips) into the tank to completely cover the wet silicone. Using gloved hands, lightly press the material in place. Allow the tank to dry for another 24 hours.

    • 4

      Dump out the remaining background material once the tank is dry, and lay the tank on its backside again.

    • 5

      Secure the lower portion of the glass front to the tank; run a bead of aquarium silicone along the outside of the bottom lip of the tank and 4 inches up each side. Carefully place the 4-by-10-inch piece of glass onto the lip and press in place. Wipe up any silicone that squeezes out using a damp rag. Let dry.

    • 6

      Trim the plastic piano hinge as needed to fit the bottom glass, and tap into place onto the 4-by-10-inch glass piece with a rubber mallet.

    • 7

      Slide the glass door (the 12-by-10-inch square of glass) into place and connect to the piano hinge.

    • 8

      Use a dremel tool or drill gun to drill 6 to 12 small ventilation holes along the top of the piece of Plexiglas, approximately an inch from the edge, and then drill the pilot holes for the screen latches along the bottom of the Plexi (the distance from the edge will vary depending on the latches you purchased).

    • 9

      Silicone the Plexiglas in place the same way you attached the lower glass piece. Let dry.

    • 10

      Attach the screen latches using the pre-drilled pilot holes.