DIY Reptile Enclosure Perfect For A Bearded Dragon

[@mightymorphingreptiles]

***Important Please Read*** Someone has pointed out that my electrical wiring wasn't safe for the porcelain light socket and they are correct. Please Use heat shrink Wire Connectors to safely do this part. With the exposed stripped wire insert it into the connector, then heat shrink it so the plastic covers the wire, and then put the bolt through the ringed clamped and tighten the bolt onto the socket down. I truly apologize for the unsafe practice demonstrated in that section of the video. You can find this product at home depot or here is an amazon link to it. This product will have instructions on it. ***Heat Shrink Wire Connector*** amzn.to/3hLAct3

[@dominicra]

price?

[@HumilityListens]

@@dominicra he linked it

[@dominicra]

@@HumilityListensoh mb

[@zoraimaflores6070]

Thank you for your care

[@sawyerwalraven7564]

you linked a 1/8" slider door track, is that the one you used or did you link the wrong one because I don't think .220 inches can fit inside of

[@jaimiblair8239]

He made this video so nicely. No extra rambling and trying to be funny, just simple and direct. I’ve been pulling my hair out watching multiple tutorials trying to find something I don’t have to wait for the person to quit BSing and do it. LOL. Good job! This is so helpful!

[@mightymorphingreptiles]

Thank you that’s the point! I like to try to cut to the chase and straight forward! I appreciate you watching! Also if you do follow this video please read my pinned comment before so!

[@chip_7024]

The difference with lumber sizing is what's known as "Net Vs Nominal" in the lumber and construction world. Nominal is the common name for board sizes (1x4, 2x6, 4x4 etc) while net would be the true sizing (.75x3.5, 1.5x5.5, 3.5x3.5). The boards are net 2x4 when they are first rough cut from logs before they are milled and surfaced into smooth material, it loses the half inch in the milling and surfacing process. Hopefully you see this and add it to the knowledge bank. I'm a fellow herper that has sold lumber for 7 years now lol

[@alexandertucker8175]

That makes sense now, thank you 😊

[@dukebeach1]

They should teach this in basic elementary/middle school math class. Would save a lot of people aggravation when they do their first DIY build.

[@AlphaAchilles]

Actual vs. Nominal. I've never heard anyone call it "net" and I've been to school for carpentry and masonry and graduated with honors.

[@Impostleable]

Fantastic video! Another slight change to the process. Paint first, then silicone. Paint has a hard time sticking to silicone.

[@SCWW]

Paint doesn't stick to silicone, unless it's paintable silicone and then it only kinda sticks... why not just use dynaflex 230/ultra and paint over that?

[@jerrysalinas6738]

Don’t ever comment. But this video is so clean and to the point. Love that you posted all items and measurements! Will be copying your exact work. Thank you 🙏

[@SkullsAndSugar]

I can't wait to do this!

[@amandaconnell4077]

The best video I have seen on diy terrariums!! Thank you so much, I have modified my designs a ton and you have saved me so much work!!!

[@ryanstancati763]

What did you use for the rail (for the acylic sheets)? Thanks very helpful video!

[@davidmartinez7604]

May be to late but to answer your question I’ve used 1/4” plastic door sliding track from Amazon

[@Clownairsoft]

Would it matter how thick the acrylic is?

[@kaiw.7565]

Wow, that took way too long to finally find your video. It actually is the most usefull i saw on here and i guess ill stick to it in large parts when building the enclosure for my our bearded dragon. A quick tipp i got from another video, when you use the paint/sealing before you silicone the outside lines, you wont have the problem of paint/sealing not wanting to stick to those parts. Cheers and thanks again!

[@TheOneAndOnlyPonchoAndRocky]

Can I use 3/4 thick melamine?

[@robr471]

Best easy build and commonly available materials on KZbin, thanks for sharing

[@mightymorphingreptiles]

Thank you! I have something very similar and awesome coming up like this!

[@johnnyq2773]

How much all together did it cost u?

[@Venomoussnakeinthewaterisdeadl]

10 stacks

[@jeremyallen301]

Nice build. Just built one following your video. Was just curious if you found that the porcelain socket get very hot to the point you can feel it through the plywood top? Thanks.

[@elcatrachoquike9179]

This is a nice project, I might try to do this. How heavy is this?

[@madzzz2933]

what do i do to add a lip for substrate??

[@zorainanunn2854]

Thank you, I wanted to get my beardie a bigger enclosure, I feel like this is simple for me to do. Thanks for just making it simple. ❤

[@CarlosOrtega-lm5hs]

Is it better to have the uvb tube or light bulb

[@mightymorphingreptiles]

Tube hands down

[@DarrenRomeo]

What did you use as the slider track?

[@cjohnson553]

Would the doors open up when you don’t want them to or are the secured

[@AndRea-qv8ti]

That’s what I’m worried about. Ours likes the scratch at the glass of the enclosure it’s in now. I’m worried mine would end up getting out.

[@aureafonseca7445]

Omg thank you so much for posting this! I'm in need of a bigger viv for my beardie and have watched several videos. However, this is by far the easiest one! I'm definitely going to follow this video! Thank you!

[@mightymorphingreptiles]

You’re welcome and good luck! Also with the top board I know I made an inaccurate cutting in the video or verbally said the wrong spec. Please check in the description or I think pinned comment about my error!

[@men-o-mayhem1840]

Did you add drylock to the hole you drilled for the wires?

[@asuhayda1]

Where did you get the sliding track? I can't find them near me.

[@sp1d3rm0nk3y85]

The link to the light has 22” and 34”, did you use the 34” or was it the 46” by Repti Zoo that isn’t in the link? 8:24

[@alemramirez8751]

Where do I get the sliding track

[@jasoncoulson8900]

Where do you get the door tracks and what ae they called?

[@Supra_Na96]

Question: ive read pine is toxic for these guys, is this true? Also read somewhere plywood is toxic as well, it did mention birch was “safe” but I’m wondering if it’s got a sealer on it, does it really matter if regular plywood is used? Also wondered if coating the inside sides of the wood with a sanded or unsanded grout would be ideal? I’ve spent 60+ hours making foam backgrounds before for a friend and planned on doing it again for mine

[@albertoguzman9971]

Honestly the best enclosure build on KZbin, I've been looking for something this detailed. Great job

[@mightymorphingreptiles]

Thank you I appreciate! I wanted to make sure it was step by step and I cutted to the chase

[@Darth_SurgeYo]

You need to watch Chiefs Universe. I think he builds them better.

[@belindavelazquez8149]

This is amazing! Wondering if you would ever consider making and selling one of these enclosures?

[@sawyerwalraven7564]

my right ear loved the beginning of the video

[@LinaWennesjo]

Thank you so much for this video! I've been thinking of building my own enclosure, but I doubted myself. Because when I watch diy's on KZbin, it feels incredibly complicated. But THIS is something I can do! So thank you so much!

[@TheresaSullivan-l8q]

How much is it to build this? Is it cheaper to build this or to just buy a reptile tank for the bearded dragon?

[@jaquelbrown01]

Easiest diy Iv seen yet. Also one of the few that used drylock

[@mightymorphingreptiles]

Thank you I appreciate that! I did try to be as specific as possible cut straight to the chase

[@jaquelbrown01]

@@mightymorphingreptiles I don’t think I know anyone that doesn’t like straight forward. Also made running wires really simple.

[@cj-pp9qs]

idk if you’ll see this but if u do can u pls tell me what lights you use for your beardie?

[@lesliemosquera1769]

Could you use this enclosure setup for a baby Sulcata tortoise?

[@treetuzz2074]

Wow, this was incredibly useful! Thank you so much for making this video, I now feel super confident in making my own!

[@mightymorphingreptiles]

Hey thank you so much for taking your precious time to watch my video! I’m glad it helps bring you confidence as it was intended! :)

[@orianamoss3786]

After I watched this video Now I feel ready to build one on my own! Easy to follow instructions! 👍🏻

[@jacobiglesias8925]

Where can I find how much was spent for everything? Love the video and the project itself. Good stuff. Again where can I find how much you spent

[@zachcraft798]

Ok I have some points to address. 1. Love the name, I am a power rangers fanatic so that alone got you a sub from me. 2. Love how you are straight to the point and very detailed at the same time. 3. Awesome video. This has made my decision to buy my coworkers 75 gallon that much harder because I’d rather just build my own tank. Great job! Can’t wait to see more content.

[@mightymorphingreptiles]

Thank you so much for the kind words Zach! I really do put the consideration of the viewers as I make the videos. As I hate when people drag things out myself. I’ll make sure to keep pressing record!🤙

[@annissanicola6056]

Thank u for showing us how you put the lights in a lot of people leave that out

[@mightymorphingreptiles]

You're welcome and thanks for watching!

[@user-ic8zs5sc6j]

Is rhere any other paint o can use becuase since i am in canada i cant get drylok products

[@andreemarshall7533]

I followed your video and built one just like yours, I think my dragon will love it, now I have to find a place to put lol any way excellent video, it was real simple to follow your directions

[@stanky-danky760]

What kind of sliding tracks are those?

[@mightymorphingreptiles]

They're is an amazon link in the description

[@CarlosOrtega-lm5hs]

Where did you get your uvb fixture

[@britneybaldwin7772]

I came searching the comments for the answer to this question as well

[@mightymorphingreptiles]

DragonHaus use my coupon code “MightyReptiles” for 5% off. It an arcade t5 fixture.

[@mightymorphingreptiles]

DragonHaus use my coupon code “MightyReptiles” for 5% off. It an arcade t5 fixture.

[@trinjadee]

How would you go about making a 6 x 3 x 3? I love your video and would like to make a bigger size for my bearded dragon

[@lobes4president767]

So you didn't have to cut the acrylic at all?

[@paschen94]

What whatt is your uvb?

[@BobNutty-k4z]

Is this just regular old wood? Also, for future reference, I would suggest cutting, sanding, then painting or staining. And after it all dries then put it together after checking for any imperfections :)

[@TheCricketRancher]

Is anybody aware of a reason for using Birch plywood? Given that you're coating it with Drylok does it really matter?

[@ambercarroll4181]

How much did you spend in total for all of the materials

[@paschen94]

Does it hold temp?

[@beardeddragongamer7240]

Idk why but the light socket keeps flipping my breaker every time I plug it in so what should I do for that

[@genesisISjustgeneis]

How much did this all cost but not counting the light bolbs

[@sageherring8622]

Also curious

[@Dhdowned]

The thing you put the glass on is 1/8 inch in the link but the glass is 1/4 inch, i scrolled down a little and saw the correct size by the same people

[@menzuma1]

oo, by far the best video so far , easy to follow. Thank you my brother

[@mightymorphingreptiles]

You are very welcome

[@menzuma1]

@@mightymorphingreptiles why would you water proof the cage, specially if your going to build background for it. Thank you again for this wonder inspiring DIY

[@JessicaChilll]

I am building this as we speak! Thank you so much for this informative video!!

[@gaygirl_straighttalk]

How did the build go? I want to build one for my beardies as well.

[@chaletstarr4215]

What type of light did you use and how did you hold it up with the brackets? Help please!

[@raider_6604]

Great video ! But what if we don't have any power tools at home except the drill

[@mightymorphingreptiles]

Hey thanks for watching and I appreciate that. To be honest I can’t really answer that question I guess you’ll have to improvise.

[@RainCloud99]

Such a fun and easy tutorial. How heavy would you say this is?

[@mightymorphingreptiles]

Hey thank you so much for taking the time to watch my content! It’s actually pretty light for it’s size. I’m able to lift it by myself no problem. But don’t use cheap crummy wood like melamine: that stuff sucks and it’s like 90 pounds if you make it like this.

[@mdoug9001]

Paint and caulk non toxic?

[@lr6508]

Is the back screwed into the top and bottom or top and bottom screwed into the back? My end pieces mocked up won’t fit.

[@illprophet8928]

Can I use OSB instead of birch plywood?

[@LeslieAnn713]

Wow !!! Man where were you when I was researching how to build an enclosure for my bearded dragons a year ago ? This built was so much easier to follow by the way I used painters tape as well to hold the boards until put in the screws Good job 👍 I hope you have a dyi how you did the background of the enclosure Nevermind found it 😃

[@mightymorphingreptiles]

I actually do have one for the background in my DIY playlist! Thanks for taking the time to watch my content!

[@raine946]

Why did you need to cut off 1 inch of both the 2x2 I did that and it's so uneven now

[@jalo1272]

Can I use another type of wood than birch?

[@mightymorphingreptiles]

Yes as long as you seal it up.

[@jalo1272]

@@mightymorphingreptiles ok greats, thank you very much

[@KylesMonitors]

This works fine for a beardie but won't last for anything that needs high humidity, especially if it has claws. Drylok doesn't seal wood, it makes a barrier around the wood that will resist water as long as it's perfect and undisturbed. Animals rubbing against or climbing it will wear it away and punch holes in it. The enclosure shifting and high heat will cause it to crack. Both of these expose the wood to any moisture that's present in the enclosure and let the wood to rot out under the paint where you don't see it until the paint starts flaking off. You need a plastic liner or you have to apply a 2 part epoxy to the wood if you'll have damp substrate or the walls or floor will get wet frequently. You can also use PVC instead of wood to build the enclosure and then you don't have to worry about it rotting out.

[@mackstates]

is there a specific type of liner that’s preferred?

[@kathyschell9837]

Oh my goodness. I got my whole tank built and we were To the point of mounting the lights we got The basking light mounted. But when I watched the video I Didn't hear. You say that you Used brackets to put the UVB light In ,What brackets ,Where do I get them and what kind of screws do I need for them? I can't believe I missed you saying anything about the brackets especially since I watched the video Mutiple times 🤦‍♀️

[@Noah_b9_s4]

How come when I look up if drylock extreme is safe for bearded dragons and it says no?????

[@mightymorphingreptiles]

Because it can release some voc fumes as it’s curing out. It totally isn’t safe if submerged in water for long periods however I’ve never had a problem using this stuff over the years. You can use drylok original if you so desire for assurance

[@brentknapp8800]

Don’t need a lock on the doors?

[@Isjoshey]

Would spruce be ok for a ball python?

[@justinboggs6213]

Does it matter if it's not birch plywood could it be pine or something along those lines?? Also if you do respond would it be ok to stain and polyurethane the outside and maybe drylock the inside or maybe even poly the inside too and not use any drylock?? Plz any help would be deeply appreciated.

[@jeremydillon4385]

What would be the best way to create a lock for the sliding doors? We have a cat that would figure out his way to open the door.

[@OakMtnTTV]

they sell sliding door locks

[@Darth_SurgeYo]

I think it’s really simple but you didn’t even out the openings for the vents. Some of the cuts you made in the air weren’t straight either, besides that, it looks good. Would have been good to know total cost. Also is that coating safe? Does it give off toxic fumes?

[@GabrielYeager]

This is amazing, thank you! Best build video I've seen for these.

[@mightymorphingreptiles]

Thank you, I tried to make sure I added every step and got straight to the point.🤟

[@nathanielmocoy5891]

You're not using T5?

[@mightymorphingreptiles]

That was a t5 lol

[@RichCrandall-q9h]

I built a similar enclosure 3 years ago. Is it possible to link what material you used for the slider track for the doors? That was my most difficult issue I had. But those looked like they worked great. I'd really appreciate it. Ty

[@Toothless_the_Bearded_Dragon]

Is this a recommended size or can I make it larger?

[@Loungefly37]

I've wanted a beardie for years so I'm making this my summer project build with my dad wish me luck. Subbed dude!

[@mightymorphingreptiles]

Beardies are totally awesome! You’ll love having one! And thanks for subbing dude!

[@BethDuncan-n8m]

I don't understand what keeps the doors in place? Did I miss something?

[@darrinto]

Where did you get the long UV light from

[@renjiege4946]

why does the side panel board measure 18.5''? I thought it should be 24 - 3.5 - 2.5 = 18''. Is it because of the measurement error when you cut the top piece?

[@renjiege4946]

nvm, I see you mentioned in other comments you actually cut 1.5 instead of 1. That makes sense. Great contents. Thanks for sharing and keep up the great work!

[@mightymorphingreptiles]

Thank You and I'll make sure to keep pressing record!

[@K1NGST0N13]

Hey great video man! How much will all of these supplies cost?

[@theredruby1416]

I’m gonna try building this myself but just curious is one vent really enough?

[@wallyandmyboytobyvideochan9730]

I wood love new tank made for my breaded dragon. Your one u made was amazing I have breaded dragon called Yoshi if I had one made I wood have it red

[@skooochie]

How long did it take & how much did it cost please?

[@rammsteinfan1984]

Thank you so much for posting this video. I plan on upgrading my ball python to a permanent enclosure. I plan on using PVC instead of wood. I’ve been looking for a good easy video to follow.

[@jericaroush4786]

Will this be big enough for 2 dragons? And can I used sand in it?

[@jonathankoons8721]

​@jericaroush4786 yes you can use sand but its not recommended to house 2 beardies in the same enclosure as they tend to fight

[@anyeetee4533]

What was the budget on this build

[@kimberlygardner8392]

Can I ask you a question I don't know if you don't answer me or not but the two boards that goes on the top and the bottom for your sliding glass why did you buy one that was 1/4 and one that was 1/3. Then take the one that is 1/4 and cut an inch off of it, couldn't you just buy it two 1/3 so you wouldn't have to cut the 1-in off. Love your videos you are one of the people on KZbin that I'm only watch for the subject because some of them don't know what they're doing some of them say that the enclosure cost $100 but it's really about a $400 enclosure it's crazy😊

[@paygehinck1305]

Does the light socket have to be porcelain? I have a plastic one will that work?

[@mightymorphingreptiles]

Plastic has a lot higher chances of melting and catching fire

[@Habitualhomebody]

For a bearded dragon, should I also put a vent on the bottom of the cool side too? Thanks!

[@ez_russ]

how much money would you say this all cost?

[@CrazyDogLadySky]

Can you make a video on how to build a snake enclosure? Like for a boa and/or ball pythons?

[@khyiarstanley9529]

Do anyone knows where to get the slider tracks (for the doors) 😢 HELP

[@mightymorphingreptiles]

link is in the description

[@jrock6407]

We are building a similar enclosure. Do you know where you got the tracks for your plexiglass doors? What they're called or any help would be much appreciated.

[@robertculen2949]

Great guide. I'm not sure what I did wrong, but despite my measurements being on point the windows are a tad loose and don't stay in the tracks 😭gotta modify some swinging doors.

[@mightymorphingreptiles]

That’s a bummer I’m sorry to here I’m not sure and good luck

[@robertculen2949]

@Mighty Morphing Reptiles Great guide. I'm not sure what I did wrong, but despite my measurements being on point the windows are a tad loose and don't stay in the tracks 😭gotta modify some swinging doors instead. Between the top and bottom front boards for the door, I have 18 and 1/2," when you put down 18.5" did you mean a half inch like I did or was that a mistyped to mean 5/16?" Cause it seems closing the gap by a few fractions of an inch would have worked.

[@mightymorphingreptiles]

I think somewhere in the description I mentioned that I made a slight error in the edit of the video and then made the correction in the blue print

[@kkathy33]

What's the thickness of the acrylic glass? I'm about to use this guide to build my own!

[@mightymorphingreptiles]

I believe it is 1/4” it should say on the label of it in the video or in my description. Make sure to look that over

[@CALIFASgarcia]

That came out really good nice work keep it up👍💯

[@mightymorphingreptiles]

Thank you! I’ll make sure to keep pressing record!🤟😎🎥

[@wcamericanmade9828]

The reason the 2×4s are actually 3.5 is the wood mill cuts it to 2×4 and then they set it in a kiln to dry and it shrinks to 3.5. Loved the video quality content!

[@mightymorphingreptiles]

Hey thanks for educating me on that! I seriously never knew why they did that! Appreciate you taking the time to watch my content

[@takore2]

Pretty sure it's because they are rough sawn to 2x4 then the additional milling to smooth out the surface drops it down to that final dimension. If it was shrinkage from drying then there would be a lot more variety in dimensions of lumber which isn't good for dimensioned lumber.

[@peta5352]

Great instructional video. However, the UVB light should not be the same length of the enclosure. It should ideally be 1/2 the length of the enclosure (and on the same side as your heat lamp). Your beardie needs a shady side for getting away from the light. And also add a hide of some sort so they can have complete shelter away from the light.

[@lou4x_581]

Would love to know how i would put a top opening on this