How to Build a Eurostyle Vivarium Tutorial Ver. 2!!

A tutorial of How to build a Eurostyle Front Sliding Vivarium your self. Similar to the video I did a couple year ago, but over the years Ive learned some tips and tricks along the way, I also tweaked the design a bit and made it easier to make, and also the end result is a much cleaner design.
Instagram: ooFROGa_hisTROYonica
Channel covers, POISON DART FROG CARE, HOW TO BUILD CUSTOM BIOACTIVE VIVARIUM, PALUDARIUM, EUROSTYLE ,TERRARIUM, TROPICAL PLANTS, DIY, ANIMAL/REPTILE ROOM TOUR, BREEDING/EGG TADPOLE CARE DENDROBATES, OOPHAGA, HISTRIONICA, PUMILIO, SYLVATICA, LEHMANNI, TINCTORIUS, AZUREUS, LEUCOMELAS, AURATUS, CULTURING ISOPODS, SPRINGTAILS MICROFAUNA, BREEDING FRUITFLYS

[@nineleafclover1477]

I learn something new in every one of your videos, thanks!

[@avbiker]

Awesome!! Well done , thank you for getting in depth on these euro style builds . I love the style and always have wanted to build one but the task seemed so daunting, but with your step by step and instructions you just made it simple . Thank you for putting in the time and effort for the rest of us to take a shot at it.

[@RikoAustria]

That Sharpie for the silicone! Genius!

[@gabrielookami8774]

Great build and instructions ! As I'm in Europe, those vivariums with bottom front vent and top back vent are usually those I would buy, most have up and down (so called guillotine) or sideway sliding doors but some have now non sliding side-opening door(s) (one single big, or two closing together). Glad to see you back !

[@jeffreystern9699]

Wow, nice improvements to the building process! I've got the glass for my build and will definitely use these tips. I'll be making two 16x17x18 tanks. One is a frog tank, the other is an aquatic newt tank, so it will have a 9 inch dam. Both will have a single pane door of 1/8 inch low iron glass with magnetic latches and hung on a piano hinge for better clarity. The hinge is acrylic, so I'll be using 3M VHB adhesive to mount it. You made me realize I should make the dam and fascia low iron on the newt tank. Thanks again for the video!

[@DDryTaste]

Epic video, as always! You really inspired me into getting more invested in this hobby.

[@stevewolf1248]

Cant WAIT for that 300g ViV. Your in my top 5 for best looking/Art Vivarium/Terrarium. Looking forward to it.

[@nitraflo000]

Great great video again, thanks Troy 🤙😀 waiting for the tour 😉

[@ryderreptile]

Awesome video! Really nice job explaining everything

[@ImbecileDk250]

Finally some content :D

[@nicksargent7692]

Good video man! I’ve been religiously watching your videos and biotope gallery videos. Changed the way I make vivariums. Appreciate all your hard work for these vids!

[@TroyGoldberg]

Thank you

[@gregoryvargas8246]

Awesome job Troy!!

[@TLR1]

Awesome Video, I made my first Euro today thanks to this. Didn't turn out too bad either :)

[@GabrielLycosa]

Very nice! I learn sameting new today. Keep up the good work!

[@michaelkouba6610]

Great guide as always! Let's fill it up now. :)

[@casvanmarcel]

you make this look so easy!

[@TroyGoldberg]

It is easy

[@spicypizza6116]

Perfect timing for me.

[@gagnydiallo4838]

Love your vids man!

[@Fartmaxxer916]

I’ve been waiting

[@lukyanchenko]

Great video, great as always !!! 🤩If only there was a possibility to turn on subtitles. 😜

[@LeslieAnn713]

As soon I finish building my bearded dragons enclosures I’m definitely gonna try to build this for when I get my birthday present I enjoy building & working with tools exploring different things it keeps mentally focus and the enclosures are ridiculously expensive for the price of one I built 2 and I get a satisfaction I built it when I’m ask so thanks you I’m so happy to had found you channel & this type of groups on you tube Question what’s the best size to built I love dart frogs I been doing lots & lots of research for the care as I did for the rest of my other animals Thanks 🙏🏼

[@mitchvanepps1555]

Love the video, watched the original one too. You mention you have drainage set up for them any chance on seeing how you have that set up?

[@pavelholub6275]

Thanks for your tutorials , they are great! Sadly i miss detail about drainage - how to decide position, how to make it waterproof?

[@VinceVas18]

I can't rap but that intro had me freestyling.🐸

[@TroyGoldberg]

😂

[@Rich-wx3tx]

Hey Troy, thanks for the great content. This is definitely a much better option than modifying an already expensive AF exoterra! I love the step by step guide, I had never considered making my own tanks, but with this guide I think that not only can I do it, but the cash savings means a lot more money left over for frogs, plus a really great custom look. Subscribed!

[@stealthswim223]

How much would building this tank cost?

[@frasermartin1398]

Hi Troy, have been busy making euro style vivariums after watching your channel and have two small changes that maybe useful for you. If you change the front glass panel that the door track sits on to 1/2” glass then you do not need the small plastic pieces to hold the door track. Aesthetically looks great, but functionally is great. The other small change is that I put small glass braces to tie the dam and door panel together. 1 piece 1inch wide for small tanks and 3 for my 4ft wide tanks. These braces can be hidden by the plastic at the front so never seen.

[@TroyGoldberg]

Thanks!! Yeah I’ve used some 3/8” pieces on certain tanks to give more support for the tracks, but recently I’ve been using very strong double sided tape and it’s made it way stronger on the 1/4” glass

[@Peepsee]

Can u perhaps also share a drawing with measurements? Want to build one myself, but don’t want too make any rooky mistakes...

[@nickhudgins6441]

Just have your glass cutter label the glass. Or measure it when you get it to verify which piece it is and label it yourself.

[@robertbillings1452]

Outstanding build, I do have a question. How do you figure out what size to cut the glass. I would like to make one 36x24x36, how do you get the right size of glass, and would you use 3/8th glass with one that size. Also would it be to hard to make a paladarium with a build like this

[@angelrios5496]

Let’s get it 🙏🏻

[@UKFishCam]

The camera quality is insane

[@ryderreptile]

Ikr. Another reason his videos are so good

[@650RepzOFC]

Hello good sir love your videos I’m rather new to the hobby and I love this style build that you made. I was wondering if maybe you could help me out and in your opinion what would be the best measurements for a 36x18x24 build would be mainly for the smaller pieces as the bigger pieces of glass is easy to get measured and cut. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you 😊 🙏🏼

[@dayat276]

Thanks

[@ticmike]

I'm new to this and just love the vivs, but can I ask what the reason for the substrate dam at the front is please?

[@chuckjaniak4624]

Troy, I absolutely love what you're building in your garage!! Just wondering; where are you getting your glass, screen, and door handles? I'm trying to find good sources to build my own.

[@wasmithee]

@TroyGoldberg Can you share any additional information/recommendations on where to procure glass and the other parts? It would be very helpful.

[@frogtofall]

That thing looks SUPER FAMILIAR. 🤔🤔🤔 😂 Nicely done.

[@frasermartin7692]

Hi Troy, Awesome job as usual. Quick query on the 17 inch depth, how did you come to this depth, is it worth going deeper to saw 22 to 24 inch to allow for hardscaping and planting options with more space for the items to have negative space around them? Looking to build 10 x 22inch and 4 x 44inch setups.

[@SNIPEzZ2020]

he makes them 17 deep as he puts them on a bakers rack, any deeper they wouldn't fit

[@davidbrown-55]

Another good one. Nice! Are marineland lights any good for dart frogs?

[@TroyGoldberg]

Never used them so I can’t really give any input

[@liquidfluidity8061]

Your new content is always a highlight in my day. Quick question - do you see any differences or benefits in having the top ventilation in the front or the back? Thanks for you everything you do here!!!

[@TroyGoldberg]

I haven’t really done any tests or anything on it

[@eltwilliams1116]

Troy . Don't know if any help for ya.but when it comes to help with silicone stick better to the door tracks what I do is underscore the bottom with a razor blade.. just little cuts which the silicone will grip to better. The holes will be filled with silicone and all become one of that makes sense. And on the glass for the bottom track to stick I add another piece of glass around 10mm so it's hid by the l track. So basically you are doubling the thickness of the glass for the l track to sit on rather than using one whole piece of the same thickness. I hope this may help you. You helped me with my tank builds.so Thanks 👍 Keep up the videos. Very relaxing to watch and educational 👍

[@mattblake9936]

Where did you get your track

[@eltwilliams1116]

@@mattblake9936 just eBay Matt or dart frogs UK. I prefer one I found on eBay. It has a raised centre in the track. I think this helps the glass slide easier. What thickness glass are you using. I use 4mm. You then want the track which is 4.7mm.

[@joeanthony3013]

Thanks for the update Troy! Currently amassing the materials to try my hand at it. Can you explain why people on dnedroboard knock this kind of setup? Your frogs seem happy, helathy, and breeding - what's the issue?

[@TroyGoldberg]

Was un-aware people knocked eurostyle tanks. I don’t see why anyone would, they’re perfect for dart frogs, good ventilation and good humidity

[@kcboyd3938]

Do you buy your glass in bulk or do you buy them individually for each tank?

[@jimheatherly9930]

Cool video! What are the hygrometers you use that I see in your videos?

[@TroyGoldberg]

I don’t use hygrometers

[@marcotattoo]

hi again! in a vivarium size 1.20m *60cm *50cm for ventilation can i just drill some holes on the lid of the vivarium?? i have plants inside, bromelias, moss etc.....

[@aj9752]

Hey Troy do you put a thin line of silicone on one of the door panels where they over lap to stop the flies escaping 🤔 can't wait for the next room tour

[@TroyGoldberg]

No my frog room is in my garage so I don’t care about flys escaping lol

[@hayshialopez2834]

Where do you put the drainage? How does it work? I don’t have drainage in my tanks right now.

[@lucasfuller2698]

Great build what temps do you keep your oophaga pumilio in?

[@TroyGoldberg]

Mid 70s

[@Kuzuri1832]

Where do you source your glass sheets from? Average price I'm finding is around $400 for all the glass for a single vivarium, does that seem reasonable compared to your cost?

[@ButtercreamRanch]

What is the approach for inserting the doors into the track? Just finished a the build except the doors but now staring at the track wondering how they fit in.

[@kristyc1046]

Troy flexing with that PS5 in the background. The bins stacked to the side are those isopods or grow outs or something else? Great video btw.

[@TroyGoldberg]

Grow outs

[@Albaus73]

Hi, how are you? Do you have this vivarium in use already? Because i am from Germany and I have one of those with tinctorius inside. My Problem is that I have to spray water, 5- 6 times a day and it's getting very fast too dry. I thought that maybe I should close the top. So I closed a part of it. And unfortunately the terrarium stands in the upper room of the house. So during the nice days it's getting to hot then.

[@james-in4gc]

hello troy great info , just a question how do you clean the glass from the crap they clean with it when you get at it glazier as they spray glass cleaners on it which might stay on the glass you just use isopropyl alcohol?

[@TroyGoldberg]

I just use water

[@erinhallmakes777]

What is the track and trim pieces called? What should I be searching for?

[@MrNicovdw]

can you use a drilled acrylic plate instead od the mesh screen ?

[@alexanderbrown5425]

Where the heck do you get that L track? I can't seem to find it anywhere.

[@rossyoung4500]

Can you tell me where you purchased the top L track and screen from . By the way your tanks are amazing. Thank you so much

[@TroyGoldberg]

Outwater plastics

[@shawnmartin8162]

Hey Troy, I'm curious how you get the doors into the tracks once all four sides of track are glued to the glass. Sorry if this is a dumb question but I looked at the OG Euro build video as well and you skipped the step there too. Just having a tough time visualizing getting the glass into the frame if all of the sides are connected and glued in. Thanks!

[@Rustycloud25]

Did you ever figure this out? Trying to build one myself and I’m confused lol. Might just have the doors already in before I silicone the top track

[@joesheehan__]

Usually the top track is bigger/deeper, to allow the door glass to go up inside and fit over the top of the lower side then it drops in and can't fall out from the top. This might explain why Troy doesn't miter the bottom track of the door on this setup, because the miters wouldn't line up. I'd guess the top and side tracks are for example half inch tall, and the bottom is 3/8ths.

[@joesheehan__]

On watching again at 22:21 you can see this quite clearly. Top and two side pieces are much bigger than the bottom piece.

[@kyrontomlinson6052]

Hey Troy! Do you make custom tanks to sell?

[@ssryder1390]

AWESOME as always. What’s your take on using PVC for dart frog enclosure? TIA

[@TroyGoldberg]

Bad idea

[@ssryder1390]

@@TroyGoldberg why’s that?

[@TroyGoldberg]

Warping

[@ssryder1390]

Thanks. I’m changing my plans. You probably saved me some headache’s and money!👍

[@jonathanbrooks4009]

I’d like to see someone convert either a Exo Terra or Zoo Med into this style. I’ve had hinges break on me over the years and I’ve just always wondered how I can convert them.

[@TroyGoldberg]

Would be quite easy to do

[@Tito_plants]

Hello i like the tank, i have a quesitos? Where you buy the door tracks

[@TroyGoldberg]

Outwater plastocs

[@AidenAguirre-yz1ow]

This is an awesome video, but how in the world do you find your glass? Every custom glass place I look is selling one pane around the size of a Single front door panel for $60+, at that point its cheaper to just buy a customized terrarium that is pre-built by an outside company

[@TroyGoldberg]

Local mirror and glass shop

[@ethans2719]

You should sell some of these or kits for these types of vivariums, they seem to be very popular in the hobby .

[@dmc3489]

25:31 - "the guy I built this tank for"

[@ethans2719]

@@dmc3489 do friends not exist ? that definitely already answered my suggestion/question ah i’m so dumb and ur so smart lol

[@dmc3489]

@@ethans2719 stfu

[@VincentFarallo]

Hey Troy, I may have missed a comment asking this already but where do you get your glass? I was pricing out the pieces you used and it was pretty expensive (>$300 just for the glass). Is the built it yourself more for the extreme customization, or are there cheaper ways to get glass I am not seeing?

[@TroyGoldberg]

I just had a 22x17x24 quoted yesterday… it was 185$ from my local mirror and glass shop

[@VincentFarallo]

@@TroyGoldberg Awesome, yeah I should have checked local, I was looking at online custom glass places. Local store makes much more sense. Thanks

[@DragonsNest_1]

How much is the entire build?

[@cadenpulley]

Hi, I'm trying to find E channel like you use. Where did you get yours? It looks like a lot of the old links are now unavailable.

[@nickdavies1057]

Wow great video! How much did this build cost?

[@TroyGoldberg]

Thanks! For me the 22x17x24 tanks are usually about 160$

[@kevinarmstrong6363]

Can you list supplies and location to order, please.

[@fishyretakes2691]

Do you cut your own glass? Also where do you get your glass.

[@TroyGoldberg]

Nah, I have a local glass shop cut and polish my edges

[@vids595]

I got a quote from my local glass shop for the glass to make a 40x18x24 and it was $318.47!!

[@TroyGoldberg]

That’s not terrible… my 44x17x24 usually cost me around 300-330

[@vids595]

@@TroyGoldberg Ok thanks for replying. I wasn't expecting that. I assumed glass would cost less than finished aquariums.

[@joeanthony3013]

What size bulkead do you use for the drainage hole?

[@TroyGoldberg]

It’s a 1/4” bulkhead so you need a 5/8” hole saw

[@RicoLyco]

Are you gonna continue with the 300 gal tank?

[@TroyGoldberg]

Yes

[@cdcd9781]

Can anyone that has build one give me a relative price? Did you use lowes glass and cut it or buy from a custom glass shop?

[@ForTheGreys]

how do you get the glass doors in the tracks when it’s already installed? would it. it crack the e track?

[@TroyGoldberg]

The top track is taller to allow clearance

[@stevesch4734]

Any reason you use black vers Clear silicon for the door and vents?

[@TroyGoldberg]

No… just preference

[@wiseguy7722]

Hi Troy, how do you get the glass in the track?

[@TroyGoldberg]

There’s upper and lower track

[@klimekwolf6606]

What is ur introsong called?

[@sayloth]

I noticed the hole in the back at the bottom, can you do these bioactive?

[@TroyGoldberg]

The hole is for a bulkhead for drainage…. All of my enclosures are naturalistic and set up with multiple types of microfauna and live plants

[@monsterkajiu1912]

Can I use tempered glass for the bottom panel only for putting rocks on bottom.

[@TroyGoldberg]

You can do whatever you feel like doing lol.... I’ve never had a reason to use tempered

[@DDryTaste]

I wouldn't use tempered glass, maybe laminated, but tempered glass will explode into tiny pieces if something sharp touched it with some weight behind it.

[@dracoronja]

Ok!! Her gav jeg op!!!! Alle de der inches... jeg har ingen anelse om hvad det er i centimeter... PLEASE lad os europæere få målene i centimeter 😮😊 Men kan ellers godt lide dine videoer❤❤

[@monsterkajiu1912]

Can I use thin acrylic instead of mesh?

[@TroyGoldberg]

You can do whatever you want.

[@mira_og_pippi1842]

Were did you get the door track?

[@TroyGoldberg]

Outwater plastics

[@monsterkajiu1912]

Question, If a glass viv is 21 inches tall and the substrate dam is 6 inches tall, How tall will the 1/8 glass need to be?

[@TroyGoldberg]

14”

[@monsterkajiu1912]

thanks man.

[@Zamborghiniii]

What shelving do you use for your enclosures?

[@TroyGoldberg]

Target bakers rack

[@Zamborghiniii]

Thank you!!

[@shannarafryer3111]

Do you happen to know what the measurements would be for a 18x18x24 would be?

[@TroyGoldberg]

18x18 base 18x23.5 rear 17.75x23.5 sides 17.5 x 4 substrate dam 17.5 x 2 dam duct 1x4 dam braces 18x10 front lid 18x6 rear lid Doors in 1/4” glass 9x19

[@shannarafryer3111]

@@TroyGoldberg thank you so so so much I was having a hard time figuring it out myself

[@tamaboy21]

What do you use for lights?

[@TroyGoldberg]

Led shop lights

[@jajatus2002]

How would 1/4 plexus glass work?

[@TroyGoldberg]

Absolutely not… 100% no

[@shred1]

Flexing with the ps5!? I finally got one Friday after trying for 11 months.

[@TroyGoldberg]

Lol! No flex… I got lucky back in dec

[@ajmijangos925]

hey can you possibly tell me how much it is to do this I really want to make a bioactive vivarium but enclosures are really expensive. Is this more affordable than Buying one that is already made.

[@TroyGoldberg]

It’s not cheap

[@quintonlane6560]

What about circular side vents

[@TroyGoldberg]

Go for it!

[@ShioriRose]

Any chance you can message me the exact links to the door track and L channel? I beleive i found the door track but L channel is rather vexing to me. Yes im a complete noob to this. Or at least show these up close?

[@wasmithee]

@TroyGoldberg It would be so helpful if you'd specify the model of the part(s) or even better the model and a link to the item.

[@monsterkajiu1912]

Can I put a sliding glass lock for a enclosure like that?

[@TroyGoldberg]

Sure

[@monsterkajiu1912]

Could you use screen sliding doors instead of glass if it's for a chameleon or something like that?

[@TroyGoldberg]

I have no clue

[@monsterkajiu1912]

Instead of sliding glass could I use 1/8 thick screen doors.

[@TroyGoldberg]

I’ve never done it so I can’t offer advice

[@kitzj0]

The glass shop I go to get my glass tops cut for Exo-Terra quoted me $247.5 for the glass to cut what I need for a 23.5(W)X23.5(L)X18 (tall).

[@TroyGoldberg]

That’s really high... shop around... it costs me around 145$

[@kitzj0]

@@TroyGoldberg Thanks Troy. Do I need to specify anything about the glass? Like single pane? I did notice for my glass for my tops the receipt said DS next to 1/8 inch glass..

[@TroyGoldberg]

@@kitzj0 DS just stands for double strength, which that’s what true 1/8” glass is. The 1/8” that Lowe’s sells isn’t true 1/8” it’s 3/32 so it’s much weaker. But I don’t specify anything. I just order standard 1/4” annealed glass, no low e, no temper just plain ol glass with polished or sanded edges

[@TroyGoldberg]

@@kitzj0 some companies charge a ton to polish the edges, just sanding the edges can be significantly cheaper

[@kitzj0]

@@TroyGoldberg Thanks Troy, they were able to just sand the edges and the total was $180 pplus tax for the 23.5 X 23.5 X 18. Much better price.

[@pet_tree_gnat9421]

2" is Troy's Sweetspot

[@pet_tree_gnat9421]

Nice video, all jokes aside

[@Nanu-km9vj]

Where do you get your glass?

[@TroyGoldberg]

My local glass shop

[@Nanu-km9vj]

Price roughly? Do you think home depot’s glass depth of 3/32 is thick enough?

[@TroyGoldberg]

Around 150$… do not use that glass from Home Depot…. It will certainly break… I use 1/4” for the tank, and 1/8” double strength for the doors

[@justincoit7677]

You sell tanks? How much or how do I get with you to order?

[@TroyGoldberg]

I don’t ship... only local pickup in Ohio

[@justincoit7677]

I’m in southeast Michigan, trip to Ohio not much of a trouble.

[@TroyGoldberg]

Right on just message me on Facebook, Troy Goldberg In youngstown Ohio we will see what we can work out

[@vids595]

I do not understand the purpose/value of the "substrate dam" in eurostyle tanks. Why not just orient the front screen vertically like an exoterra and have more floor space?

[@TroyGoldberg]

You can do it however you’d like.

[@vids595]

@@TroyGoldberg I'm not arguing for a different style, just trying to understand.

[@TroyGoldberg]

Just a preference for passive ventilation

[@vids595]

@@TroyGoldberg Ok I dont feel that I need substrate dam because I dont use substrate and I have bottom drains that allow me to keep the standing water extremely low. I'm thinking of building tanks similar to how you show here but with front screens more like exo terra. Just trying to make sure there isn't a benefit to the euro stye that I'm not seeing. Thank you, love your channel!

[@vids595]

@@TroyGoldberg Im thinking about using this tiny aluminum angle to make a rectangular fame for stainless steel screen, and installing it facing forward in the front glass, kinda like exo terra or in situ.

[@crisgonzalez7]

You now , where can i buy a glass in Internet?

[@kinggizzerd]

how is putting ketchup on a hotdog make you a psychopath? thats like one of the three toppings you put on a hotdog

[@TroyGoldberg]

Lol I’m not a ketchup fan that’s all… it was a joke

[@nickhudgins6441]

Mustard is the only condiment for hotdogs and brats.

[@ryanbailey5545]

Back off my ketchup fella! 😤

[@fresnocascabel7571]

Only children put ketchup on hot dogs.