DIY HUGE Reptile Enclosure Bioactive Planted Vivarium | Part 5 |

#reptiles #vivarium #enclosure #plants
Part 5 DIY HUGE Reptile Enclosure: I go over planting the plants in the vivarium, add vents to dial in my humidity and ambient temperatures. I may need to add more vents to have everything land just right. I also go over adding the filter with attached heater. Im mainly using this so the water does not sit still and for the heater to get my water temps just right. I also go over the materials I use for the substrate before mixing it all up. All Links below.
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Part 1 Building The Enclosure: • DIY HUGE Reptile Enclo...
Part 2 Installing Ledges, Polygem Zoopoxy, Drip Wall, Dry Bruch: • DIY HUGE Reptile Enclo...
Part 3 Installing the Mistking, Lights, Fogger, Fans, Insane Ceiling Reveal:
• DIY HUGE Reptile Enclo...
Part 4 Pocket Door, Glass Track, False Bottom, Drainage Layer, Vents • DIY HUGE Reptile Enclo...
DIY 40mm CPU and Mistking how to video • Top 5 Vivarium Paludar...
LINKS 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻:
****Reptile Smiles: PODS, Botanicals, Leaf Litter, Plants, Sphagnum Moss and more: / reptilesmiles DM for quick orders.
Polygem ZOOPOXY 307 LITE: polygem.com/pr... 100% solids light-weight epoxy system specially formulated to a trawlable paste consistency for sculpturing and fabricating projects. 307 Lite is ideal for indoor or outdoor exhibit projects where strength and durability are desired. 307 Lite can also be used as a patching compound to repair broken or damaged exhibits. 307 Lite can be additionally thickened using our Thickening Agent. Plus, it is solvent free so it won’t melt or dissolve foam surfaces.
Polygem Thickening agent: polygem.com/pr... is very efficient at modifying both liquid and gel viscosities and works well with all epoxies. Its what helps the mixing process. It will be your friend.
hole saw:
www.amazon.com...
1.5 inch vents:
www.amazon.com...
1" vents:
www.amazon.com...
SUBSTRATE:
Tree Fern Fiber:
www.amazon.com...
Horticultural Charcoal:
www.amazon.com...
ZooMed Eco Earth:
www.amazon.com... reorder_k0_1_5&amp=&crid=2RC0T2LWEBSSW&amp=&sprefix=eco+e
Disclaimer:
Although I love reptiles and building enclosures, I am by no means an expert. Do your own research and wear safety protection. stay within your skill set. I am not liable for any accidents that may occur if you try to replicate my work.

[@thekbshouse]

Oh yes, tips on getting rid of the fungus and other plant substrate hitchikers would be great.

[@bradsbioactivebuilds]

Sounds good. I'll do a focused video on this for my next build. 🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱

[@bjorn99958]

Humic Acid helps a lot and time

[@austinmiluszusky4884]

You are the Jessie James of the Reptile world 🌎

[@bradsbioactivebuilds]

Thank you and this comment is great lol. Maybe I can get him over to work on my bike lol. 🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱

[@calebdeleon8805]

I love your videos

[@bradsbioactivebuilds]

Thank you. Your support is appreciated 🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱

[@Tdiddyx23]

Ah shit here we go again 🎉 🦎 ☕️ I would love to see some update videos on how the Ackie and Blue tree monitor are liking their new enclosures. Maybe have a camera on them capturing their activity then editing it to get the good stuff haha idk. I’d just love to see your Ackie being an Ackie in his enclosure. They are so fun and goofy

[@bradsbioactivebuilds]

☕️ 🦎☕️ Great idea, I have something like that planned for the future, it will be an enclosure update but I like your idea of having them do their thing and editing in the highlights. 🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱

[@Tdiddyx23]

@@bradsbioactivebuilds hell yea! Look forward to it man and thanks for all the cool projects you share with the world.

[@melodybentley2386]

Excited to see what kind of big lizard is going in here! Black Dragon maybe???

[@bradsbioactivebuilds]

Close, same family.... 🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱

[@shiina8543]

I would love to see a video about how you get rid of fungus gnats.

[@pumpkinchow]

Yeah I would also I absolutely can’t stand those tiny flying menaces. For some reason every once and awhile I see them flying about and other times nothing at all for months 🤷‍♂️ only downside to bioactive builds are the hitchhiker’s 🤦‍♂️

[@Tdiddyx23]

Mosquito bits are great, natural nematodes release bacteria (or something like that), diatomaceous earth can work, natural pesticides like purecrop1 or lost coast therapy can be used for a soil drench. But the absolute best thing you can do for your bioactive enclosures is to buy beneficial nematodes from arbico or a company similar. By using nematodes you increase the soil biodiversity and can drive down pests. I use all types of microbes and beneficial organisms to keep my substrates healthy and bumping with life.

[@Tdiddyx23]

@@pumpkinchow they love damp soil. It’s a fine line between letting the substrate dry out and keeping the moisture just right. They are fairly easy to deal with once you add biodiversity to the soil like natural predators

[@bradsbioactivebuilds]

sounds good. Next build i do, I'll do a step by step on methods I have found that work well. 🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱

[@eddiezahra]

I’ve watched since first video, and now have to watch again for the clues! I was thinking lace monitor, maybe cumingi?

[@bradsbioactivebuilds]

Some are hints and others are images Part 1 hint: reason I built the water tub the way I did. Part 2: image Part 3: text/image Part 4: image Part 5: video Have fun 🥚 hunting lol. You might be onto something with your comment 🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱

[@natashapennington2127]

Yes please make a video of how to get rid fugus gnats

[@bradsbioactivebuilds]

Will do, next planted build I do, or next time i add plants, I'll make one! 🤘💯🤘

[@erintraicene7422]

I’m so glad you talked about it being normal that now all plants will make it. I get so hard on myself about losing plants. I would love for you to do videos on handling issues that arise. I’m sure you’re busy but shorter videos on those topic’s hopefully won’t take super on and will help supplement your channel with additional posts . This build is mind blowing Brad! Can’t wait to see updates!

[@bradsbioactivebuilds]

Thank you Erin, you have helped support my channel from the early days 🙏. For that, I owe a video of your choosing! 🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱

[@Visual_Variant]

Looks amazing man. Def make a video on the fungus gnats

[@bradsbioactivebuilds]

Thanx and I'll put one together soon! 🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱

[@SerenityDragons]

My man! Very well done! That’s a beautiful zoo quality build!

[@bradsbioactivebuilds]

Thank you Serenity Dragons! As always, your support is appreciated! 🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱

[@ProfJCsCritters]

Your foreman's the best.

[@bradsbioactivebuilds]

Yes she is. She's always checking on my work, making sure it's done right 😂😅😂 🤘💯🐕🐶🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱

[@Jason1776-]

I saw the tail. I'm guessing a baby bells phase lace monitor

[@bradsbioactivebuilds]

Close, it's a Varanid though! 🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱

[@jeffreymagni1272]

Wow. Your videos are very inspiring as to what is possible. You're gonna put an animal in there lol.. all this time i thought it was just an isopod enclosure 😂

[@bradsbioactivebuilds]

Thank you and shhhh... don't tell anyone, it is only for my isopods 😂😆😂 🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱

[@jordanbabcock9349]

What a way to start my first day of the work week!

[@bradsbioactivebuilds]

Glad to hear, have a great week on the daily grind! 🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱

[@20melon20]

Awesome 👍

[@bradsbioactivebuilds]

@@20melon20 glad you liked it! 💯🦎💯

[@20melon20]

@@bradsbioactivebuilds Yes an artistic masterpiece 😁

[@y-it-rides6214]

It needs some branches to allow for multiple ways to one, access both floors, and two, traverse and enjoy the benefits of arboreal terrain

[@bradsbioactivebuilds]

@y-it-rides6214 agreed, I'm looking forward to updating this build with some large branches. I didn't want to do it right outta the gate. Lettingbhim enjoy and destroy the plants, then put in the branches for enrichment and new things to discover

[@y-it-rides6214]

@bradsbioactivebuilds I forget who I saw do it, but they made vines out of rope, silicone, and coconut fiber. Absolutely beautiful work man, your carpentry is crisp, and I ordered a gallon of the epoxy putty

[@bradsbioactivebuilds]

@y-it-rides6214 check out this video on how I do my vines, I add some 12 gauge wire so I can bend them kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYuWdoyghMSDf7Msi=_YnNZODqMdIz6tvi Zoopoxy is next level!

[@nicholaswollan]

Yes please make a video on cleaning plants and removing fungus gnats

[@bradsbioactivebuilds]

Sounds good, I'll put one together! 🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱

[@ravishingreptiles]

It's coming together so nicely! Great job dude

[@bradsbioactivebuilds]

Thanx brother, looking forward to seeing what you put together for your Kim! 🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱

[@dynclasik]

Man you make amazing videos. But that is second to these incredible enclosures!!

[@bradsbioactivebuilds]

Thank you, much appreciated! I am trying to create the best enclosures for the animals I care for. 🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱

[@AquaticMoose]

Thanks Brad 🙏 any more projects planned?

[@AquaticMoose]

Thanks Brad 🙏 any more projects planned?

[@robbiedamp8439]

I have been wanting to do a build for a long time, watched many vids from many creators and that worked well for the artistic side of things. I am a complete novice to DIY and it kind of scared me. You have given me the confidence to start. Please continue and don't be afraid to go into too much detail. There can never be enough detail as far as I'm concerned

[@bradsbioactivebuilds]

I am glad my content has given you the confidence to want to start building something for yourself. The hardest part with any build is starting. But once you do, it just starts building itself. Have any questions along the way feel free to ask! 🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱

[@jendeith4499]

Wow! This has been the most entertaining and educational reptile enclosure building series... VERY IMPRESSIVE!!

[@bradsbioactivebuilds]

Thank you, it was a fun one to show everyone, I'm glad you enjoyed it! Part 1 of my new series should be out soon. 8x4x6 paludarium . Your support is appreciated!

[@daskaterkyle2]

beast mode

[@bradsbioactivebuilds]

Thanx bro! 🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱

[@Riftharold96]

your video editing is on a totally different level compared to last year.

[@bradsbioactivebuilds]

Thanx you, I've been having fun with different techniques and ideas. Hopefully, your enjoying the changes! Your continued support is appreciated 🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱

[@pumpkinchow]

Came out absolutely amazing 👏🏻👏🏻 you really do awesome work bud 🙌. Wish you all the best and can’t wait to see your pet enjoying it and see how all the plants grow in 🙋‍♂️✌️

[@bradsbioactivebuilds]

Thank you, and I can't wait to show yoh all how he has been doing. He's definitely loving it in here now. Did some bulldozing on some of the plants I knew wouldn't last. But others are doing amazing. Your continued support is appreciated! 🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱

[@HorridSloth]

Thank you for sharing your progress! I would definitely appreciate a video on gnats. I've been dealing with an infestation with little success.

[@bradsbioactivebuilds]

Thanx for watching. I'll definitely do a video on knats, but probably not in time for you to solve your problem. Send me a message on IG or Patreon, and I can give you some ideas. 🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱

[@rickcroney1286]

It's coming together nicely, awesome 🦎💚

[@bradsbioactivebuilds]

Thanx Rick. Much appreciated! 🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱

[@thegamingillustrator]

Definitely an amazing build. Based on the eco system, i'd say.... sub tropic semi-arboreal reptile, that gets to be about roughly (depending on their tail length) 3-9 feet long. As adults. Possibly an iguana, or a monitor. If i had to guess, probably either a croc monitor, or a blue iguana. This is just my rough guess though.

[@bradsbioactivebuilds]

Thank you! And your guess is definitely close to what I put in

[@marquismccoy447]

Awesome to see it all come together

[@bradsbioactivebuilds]

Thank you and it's been fun to share with everyone! Your support of the channel is appreciated! 🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱

[@brandonpollard5267]

I loved this whole series. Awesome stuff

[@bradsbioactivebuilds]

Thank you! It's been a fun one to put together! 🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱

[@kinley.-.]

This enclosure looks great! I love when people put a lot of work into their animals homes 🖤 it’s inspiring! Can’t wait to see what animal you put in there!

[@bradsbioactivebuilds]

Thank you! And I agree, seeing animals in nice habits is amazing. Looking forward to showing everyone tomorrow who will be going in! 🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱

[@andrewhodgson6985]

Absolutely incredible 👍👍

[@bradsbioactivebuilds]

Thank you! 🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱

[@clarebear9474]

Please do a video on managing fungus gnats! Thank you! 😊

[@bradsbioactivebuilds]

Will do, they can be a pain! 🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱

[@paulbridgers3820]

Amazing work.

[@bradsbioactivebuilds]

Thank you! 🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱

[@jackottaway92]

Great looking enclosure! Cant wait to see what gets put in it!

[@bradsbioactivebuilds]

Thank you!

[@RockabillyCustoms]

Wow just so beautiful. I’ve been watching since part 1 came out. But great job and very beautiful work

[@bradsbioactivebuilds]

Thank you and your continued support is appreciated! 🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱

[@RockabillyCustoms]

@@bradsbioactivebuilds hey your welcome. I’ve been building my reptile room.

[@AshleyHorne1]

Great video once again man! Another video on the plant care would be good 🤌🏼

[@bradsbioactivebuilds]

Thank you, and i'll put one together! 🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱

[@VIVVISIONS]

Such an amazing build 😮😮😮😮

[@bradsbioactivebuilds]

Thank you Viv! I'm glad you enjoyed it and thanks for sharing on IG 🙏 🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱

[@ゆう-z7o5u]

僕は日本の視聴者です。 あなたの動画、とても素晴らしいです。 僕も自作ケージを作るための参考にさせて頂きます。 応援してます！

[@derekmills7688]

Sweet build man. Do you use the Govee for permanent monitoring of temp/humidity? Which product are you using as I see they have several thermometer hygrometers. Your builds are giving me great ideas.

[@bradsbioactivebuilds]

Thank you. I use the regular Bluetooth (not wifi) connected ones. Bigger one is modle # H5102 Smaller are modle #H5101 I typically monitor temps and humidity all over the enclosure for a few weeks while plants are aclamating before introducthen any animal. periodically, I will put them in throughout the year to see if I need to recalibrate anything. I regularly check with temp gun. You could mount them in the enclosure if you wish. I have just grown to know my enclosure and can tell by looking at them if they need readjusting or some reads. Hope this helped. 🤘💯🤘

[@danielhale3312]

Lace monitor

[@bradsbioactivebuilds]

Close, very close! 🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱

[@StevesRandomocity]

def curious about your fungus gnat trick : also do you do like a dip solution for the plants as well? (since hitch hikers can also be in form of eggs on leaves as well)

[@bradsbioactivebuilds]

I have done a 15-minute water soak, then 1-20 part 5 minute bleach soak than a rinse and 10 minute water soak before. I had good success with that, but larger plants are harder to do. But I always rinse the leaves, too. There are always a few that get by, but it's better that 10000's lol. Are there any dip solutions you know to work well? Cuz when I do the bleach, i do lose some plants in the process, so I haven't done it that way in a while. 🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱

[@StevesRandomocity]

@@bradsbioactivebuilds truthfully only plant soaking i've done was for aquarium plants : 1 cup of kosher salt per gallon of water for snails; 2-3ml of hydrogen peroxide per gallon for algae/parasites..... about a 15-20 min soak .... idk if itll work the same for normal plants tho

[@marquismccoy447]

Which video shows how you install the lights

[@bradsbioactivebuilds]

Part 3 of the series. Here is the link. 🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱 kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZWzd5J3eKudq7csi=zx9dtdScxO1wMQJI

[@user-dl8yo3wv1t]

how do you decide how many cleanup crew bugs to use so there’s not too many or too few?

[@bradsbioactivebuilds]

I seeded with about 50. That way, they will reproduce and regulate themselves according to the food supply and not over populate. Hope that helps 🤘💯🤘

[@AquaticMoose]

Thanks Brad 🙏 any more projects planned?

[@bradsbioactivebuilds]

Just uploaded a Lanthanotus Borneensis Earless Monitor build 2 weeks ago and I have 3 videos on 8x4x6 paludarium series I'm working on. Doing the hardscape now and hope to have a video out soon on that. I'm not sure how many videos will be in that series bc there are a lot of features. I have a few small projects in-between that build that will be coming out. 🤘💯🤘

[@AquaticMoose]

No rush don't burn out! I like when it's done in parts so you can see the process and hear your thoughts at each stage more in depth. Great stuff! Top notch. I'm currently working on a 36x18x24 crested gecko build and taking your advise to take my time and see my vision thru instead of rushing or settling. Got it second hand and removed the original stone drainage layer to swap with lava rock and weed fabric (glad I did this because I did overed they originally used metal mesh) I'm excited to try your fan build. Would you use one or two fans in an enclosure this size? Mounted in the corner(s)? And what is your ventilation cycle set to for the fans to run?

[@bradsbioactivebuilds]

@AquaticMoose thanx, much appreciated! Your build sounds like a fun one. 1 fan would work with that size enclosure. I would also run the fan for a few hours during the day when your crested is sleeping.

[@StrongRoofing-j8r]

Hey Brad where’s the best place to buy this Polygem Zoo Poxy ?

[@bradsbioactivebuilds]

I have a link in the description of this video where I go over how to use it. There is a link for the zoopoxy and link below that one is the thickening agent. Hope this helps! kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2q1eoVmpqqSp5Isi=bT96neahZWdpcZuy

[@ALAMLUSVI]

How long does it take for the plants to grow?

[@bradsbioactivebuilds]

The plants will continue to grow for the duration of the enclosure if kept up. (Most if these will most likely get destroyed because of who I put in but normally they will last a long time) I like to wait a month or 2 so the plants can root and become established before introducing an animal. Easier said than done though 😆 Hope this helps 🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱

[@ALAMLUSVI]

@@bradsbioactivebuilds So, you let the plants sit for 1 - 2 months before adding the animals? Don't animals destroy it?

[@bradsbioactivebuilds]

@ALAMLUSVI usually not. But for this build, he might destroy them because of the size of him with some of the plants I chose. But i let them establish for a month or 2 to give them a good start

[@ALAMLUSVI]

@@bradsbioactivebuilds Are damaged or dead plants replaced while the animals are still in the cage?

[@bradsbioactivebuilds]

@ALAMLUSVI yes, they will be replaced with a harder plant while he is in the enclosure. It will be harder to get them established with him in there, but a more hardier plant will have better chances of survival 😆. Otherwise, I'll have to get fake ones as much as I don't want to go that route. 🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱

[@PrimoNature]

1st COMMENT!!!🎉🔥🔥💯

[@bradsbioactivebuilds]

Heck yea bro! 1st reply! Thanx for watching! 🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱

[@Stinkface]

Love seeing this process from beginning to end - you are an excellent teacher! I loved that you included things that didn't work out, like some of the plants that died etc. It really helps me feel less anxious about approaching such a big project, knowing that it's okay for it not to be absolutely perfect the first time. Thank you again for this series - can't wait to see your reptile in there!

[@bradsbioactivebuilds]

Thank you and I'm glad you are enjoying the series. Things don't always work out especially with plants and transferring them over to a new environment. I usually have about 10% that fail in a heavily planted vivarium. I'm expecting a lot more to not make it only because of what reptile I'm putting in. They may be replaced with fake ones. Not my 1st choice but it is worth a shot with realnonce 1st 🤞 The cool thing is we can always adjust for the things that don't work out. Your continued support is appreciated. 🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱

[@mobydickii8407]

Great video again. Your editing is great. I am definitely interested in a video about fungus gnats. I have the displeasure to have some at the moment. I heard that people have success with Nepenthes but can't find them near me.

[@bradsbioactivebuilds]

Thank you, it was a fun one to put together. Try misquito bites. Also, get a gallon pump sprayers and pantyhose and put additional misquito bites in the pantyhose and place it in the gallon pump sprayer. Let it soak for 24-48 hours to create a tea. Then spay in the enclosure every 2x a week for a month, then 1x a week for a month To prevent them from migrating to other enclosures, get a katchy for outside the enclosure. If the enclosure is empty, place it inside with some fly traps. Hope this helps in the meantime. 🤘💯🦎🐸🐍🐢🌱