DIY Reptile Enclosure with Screen Top - How to Save Hundreds!

[@SimplyBetta]

What do you think of these DIY enclosures? Are they worth the effort? Do you have a guess about what creature will be in my next video?

[@alejandraespinosa9030]

Chameleon🤔😱😍😂

[@swchannel795]

Hello im from indonesia. I like your vidio

[@nature_tour7406]

Where do u buy the custom made doors?

[@SimplyBetta]

Dominic Tran probably something around this size at the smallest!

[@LonMoore]

A crested gecko

[@sophiawitman9931]

This is perfect timing for people who want to do this themselves because PetCo is having their dollar per gallon sale right now! So you can get a 20 gallon long for $20! That’s an amazing price!

[@chocolabp7649]

Too bad I'm not in the US right now.

[@SimplyBetta]

Thanks for pointing that out!

[@arianarejas3318]

Sophia Witman they brought it back? I thought it was just a summer thing ?

[@sophiawitman9931]

Ariana Rejas I think they do it every quarter. So every three months!

[@TSS161]

In the first 50seconds alone, the breaking glass made me jump and the "Who's that Pokemon" bit made me laugh. a whirlwind of emotions

[@SimplyBetta]

Hah! :)

[@CreativePetKeeping]

What happens when you give a preggo girl a hammer.... lol It looks great!

[@SimplyBetta]

Hah!

[@fireballbruno9158]

You too should colab!!!!it will be amazing!

[@SimplyBetta]

@@fireballbruno9158 Stay tuned in a few weeks! ;)

[@fireballbruno9158]

yes!!!!! I also just did this to a 10 gallon I had to test it out! Soon I’ll do it to 20 gallon as well! It works amazingly!

[@JimMeeker]

OK, I love those conversion kits. I have a few 10-gallon tanks sitting around that I've been wanting to convert to terrariums. This solution is perfect!

[@bingsu7824]

When you said “560 bucks.” It was so crisp and bitter 😂💀

[@SimplyBetta]

Yeah I put some real stank on that

[@salamannader]

"and I love spending money on them" LOL NO Imma try to see if I can do this with the 20 gallon long or something a little larger for my crested gecko when he gets a bit larger!! This got me SO hype!!

[@SimplyBetta]

Haha I think it's worth it. For a crestie it might be super easy to skip the glass breaking part and just silicone a door onto the tank - since you won't need a heat source or UV bulb (though I know there is debate on UV for cresties)

[@salamannader]

@@SimplyBetta For sure! I'll probably end up doing a 40 gallon or a 20 gallon long.

[@salamannader]

I use a heat source in the winter but currently don't really use a UVB

[@pantastic94]

The Pokémon clip!! 😂 this was a great video even tho I will never have a reptile ever in my life lol

[@tsitsu8345]

why not?

[@nicholasbaxley1693]

I'm really digging the look of these, especially the doors, they are so clear. It's really a cool project that i would consider doing myself. Thanks for showing us this!

[@SimplyBetta]

Glad you like them! Thank you

[@createdshocked4700]

Very good. Good to see someone shown how to do it. Sadly I’m a bit away from this method. Used 45cm cube costed me around $90 with top lamp cover, heat mat from exo terra, bulbs and few more things. They are used but in great condition. If you reading this and thinking is this worth to buy used or make one on your own I will say to suggest you what to do depends. When you live in country like Canada or USA you can go for own custom build. The problem is when you break aquarium you pay more. One more thing you have to make additionally a background. You need to be a bit artistic to make good looking one for yourself. I never tried it but holy grail you can do that! Just check some projects you like or another KZbin video showing you how to. You can also use a spray to shape from it background. Very tough work but doable. Don’t be scared. You can still buy some exo terra terrariums in very good price half of or even lower when used. You just need to make a bit of work.

[@jhurley4481]

In future when you break the glass cover it with tape both sides, so you don't get as much mess. Great work ,they look very good.

[@SimplyBetta]

Ooooo good idea

[@amaramaloney9308]

okay i’m not sure if my logic doesn’t make sense but- would it be easier to use a glass cutter?? so you don’t have so many shards everywhere

[@NeLsInFiNiTy]

This was an amazing way to convert the terrariums. I actually have the same 20 gallon tank left over from my bearded dragon when he was smaller, so now it sits in storage but this is a great idea to do with it. Thank you for the share :)

[@sarahs7253]

Saving money is always worth the work and time. Plus you did it yourself!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Love the intro! Man, I’d hate to be an unfilled tank in your house. Especially after they all just saw what you did. Haha

[@SimplyBetta]

Fear is how I keep them in line :)

[@arleneodonnell6187]

So happy to see you again! Your baby is adorable 😍 I love that you put in the effort to make this happen. It’s always time or money, but you saved a ton of time from work doing it. Take care

[@SimplyBetta]

Yep, time or money! Which to choose? They're both precious

[@ez3748]

lost my mind at the "who's that pokemon" bit hAH queen of comedy

[@SimplyBetta]

Lol I was wondering if people could relate :P

[@danielleb.7055]

Heck yeah its worth it! I got 4 kids so time is tight and money tighter. The rrason ive never tried was bc the doors were intimidating but now knowing I could order for a decent price this may be something that I will do sk I can get that crestie my boy has been asking for ( aka Im ready and able to make time for it as well( many people get their kids animals assuming they will not have to help nor end up caring for it their own and this is when animals suffer and end up having to be adopted out and many animals just die bc nothing is nothing is done this wont be happening here)). Thanks for making this and showing these doors. I already watched your video with the animals you got they're amazing creatures ! Have an awesome night.

[@Spirits2000]

🌿 Love it 🌿 Love the Home made so much better 💚

[@aurorasurrealis1032]

I was happy to hear it was just a quarantine tank. They look good for being just that! I will maybe try to make something like that!

[@SimplyBetta]

Yeah, I think these are too small for long-term keeping for these critters. I have a larger one in the making soon for when I put my pair together :)

[@emili6881]

That actually look amazing

[@fireballbruno9158]

OMG I NEEEEEEEEEDED THIS!!!! Thanks for it I never thought of removing he top !

[@SimplyBetta]

Glad it could be a handy idea!

[@sharoncarter9854]

I love the diy videos!!! I mean, who doesn't love to do something themselves, and save money! It's a win win in my book! Wonderful job!

[@SimplyBetta]

Thank you - and I like making DIY videos! :)

[@hannahsstressed8101]

Exo terras are so expensive and diy works sooo well, this is SO worth it

[@lindahenderson840]

Brilliant! I would make them any day not only for the money saving but for the satisfaction that you have made them :)

[@SimplyBetta]

Thanks! I was pretty proud after lol. I might try again with a larger-sized one soonish

[@ellenspalding7310]

I'm a mother of 4 small kids and saving money is great!!

[@CRAZYPINKHAMST3R]

I'm so glad you made this video! Thank you.

[@kerrypitt9789]

Sometimes it is more than saving money, sometimes it is just in us to DIY. You did a good job young lady. Caught the subliminal "Send Help!" St Bernard with Martini's dispatched! 😅😂

[@SimplyBetta]

Haha thanks Kerry :) I'll be awaiting those dogs

[@peculiarone339]

Personally, I would go the DIY route if it comes out with a similar product for less $$$. I have been thinking of doing this but didn't know how - so THANK YOU!! Perfect timing!! It seems a lot of my favorite youtubers have been doing Gekko vids, and while I wasn't big into reptiles, Gekkos are SUPER cute!! 😍 I'm excited to see this new series no matter what the new critters are!! Love to see you back in my sub feed!! 💗 👍

[@SimplyBetta]

Glad this might come in handy for you! :)

[@jackanddan]

We are actually working on something very similar right now and you are right it is much more cost effective....👍

[@SimplyBetta]

So much more!

[@kasperaquatics]

I think your idea is great, not a hard project and the savings is fire 🔥

[@LindenEdwards]

Great stuff. Hot tip. covering the glass with packaging/sticky tape before you break it up. Makes most of it come out together and far less glass shards flying off when breaking it up. Rubber mallet doesnt send glass shards flying as much as a hammer.

[@SimplyBetta]

Good to know! :D

[@Cola18188]

I vote for a crested gecko. They are the easiest and beginner friendly arboreal reptile. Chameleon are a advance care and harder to keep in a glass encloser

[@RescueDogTreats]

Okay...bigger tank later...chams? I like DIY because of the feeling of accomplishment you have when completing it and going through the problem solving process along the way (something I hope you teach your kids ...btw). Cheers to you!

[@SimplyBetta]

Agreed! Someday I'll have a wall of terrariums and they'll be DIY :)

[@Made4more1432]

I love how inventive you are! I am so beyond jealous of your ingenuity

[@SimplyBetta]

Haha thank you. Luckily anyone could do this! :)

[@Lflower1Stars]

Great 👍 job. I'm sure whatever reptile species it is for will live happily in their new home.

[@SimplyBetta]

[@expselena8230]

Yes, we love a money saving queen! I just built a 2 ft by 4 ft hamster enclosure under 140 dollars versus the 200 dollar (sometimes 100) 75 gallon tanks that’s still smaller than my enclosure. The terrarium lids also add an insane cost a 20 gallon tank lid separately was about 25 dollars. Let me just say I saved a lot, mine looks better, and my hamster is happy. (It was also kind of fun not gonna lie)

[@HomeDronen]

Awesome price cut! Great results for your labor...Congrats!

[@SimplyBetta]

Thank you! I think so too, totally worth it if you don't need the "look" of an exo-terra

[@Cgraseck]

Yay, more videos👍👍 Great vid! Please be careful about Salmonella with the little ones in the house. Cheers, Chris

[@SimplyBetta]

Oh yes, we are careful :)

[@devinparkinson2285]

I wish id have thought of this BEFORE putting together my 6 bioactive conversions

[@Katied2017]

I’m excited to see the new reptiles!

[@SimplyBetta]

Yay! ;)

[@julianfelix9372]

Thank u so much! I have white tree frogs and wanna convert my 20 gallon tank and I need the uvb lamp for my live plants in there

[@nolasdollsandaquatics9386]

Those look amazing...Great Job.

[@eloughman21785]

See now that is really neat! I would love to make my own tank! Great work Taylor!

[@SimplyBetta]

Thank you, glad it might come in handy!

[@aknightowl17]

Ooo, I hope tokay geckos! I did this exact thing when I got mine years ago but it was all diy and i didn't do as nice of a job. Yours turned out beautiful and I'm sure whatever you got loves them!

[@SimplyBetta]

Ding ding ding! ;)

[@wonderbread9038]

Great diy video!

[@lynnern57]

I love them. Saved the video for inspiration!

[@Owlcopettube]

I love this idea, might just have to try it myself!

[@tauracook4076]

Love the doors wish I knew u could buy them like that before I made my own and took me forever to get it right now ill be doing more tanks like this thanks u sooo much

[@kayleighdrouin6378]

I have those i heart gecko doors. 29 gallon set up for a crested gecko. I love it ♡♡♡ i do like the idea of doing a screen top. In the future i might do another enclosure with a screen top

[@SimplyBetta]

They're pretty nice!

[@TRAPSQUAD187]

This was great Thankyou you just saved me a lot of money this is genius

[@DixieGirl9876]

Turned out great! I usually go the DIY route.

[@SimplyBetta]

Thank you! :)

[@DeChane369]

I’m all about saving money, I bought an I heart geckos conversion for a 20 gallon and trimmed it to size for my 29 gallon tank where my Gargoyle gecko lives and I have 2 more conversion kits for my crested geckos but I think I’ll make 1 big enclosure for them and house them together

[@Katied2017]

I loved this video. Excellent job!

[@SimplyBetta]

Thank you, i like these little tanks :)

[@KatWCPT]

These are super neat, and I was going to do this (without breaking the side), so that would’ve been $60 for the tank and conversion kit. Downside (for me at least) is the tank wouldn’t have a 3D background. A 12x12x18 cork bark background at my LFS is $30. So that’s $90 with a background that doesn’t go all the way up (or down if I adhered it up high). Or I’m spending $120 to get two to fill the whole 30”. That same LFS has Exo Terra mini x-talls (which aren’t on Exo Terra’s site, so maybe they stopped making them?) for $95 and those setups come with a background. The mini x-tall is 12x12x24. So it’s 6” shorter than a 20L, but saves me the wait and the effort, and the background fills the whole tank. Seemed worth it to me! But maybe I’ll try this in the future if the background doesn’t seem worth it.

[@SimplyBetta]

Well its all about weighing the pros and cons! It definitely sounds more reasonable to go the exo terra route for you. Getting a BG and saving a lot of time and effort is a "pro" for the exo terra

[@Ueglqbroqvrj]

This video will be a MAJOR help when I need it. Long story short, I'm ordering a conversion kit to make my tank vertical, and I'm not adding a screen lid quite yet because the need for UVB isn't urgent, but I'm wondering if I could put in the door now and smash the glass later? Would that damage the door?

[@markhunter2244]

Super money saving idea 🤓

[@SimplyBetta]

Thanks! Totally worth it in my opinion. Next time I'll try with a bigger tank though

[@cocacolits]

Well done ty for keep doing vidieos you tha best. And yes DIY is thes best to keep doing your hobbies couse we just enjoy more all the process

[@SimplyBetta]

Thank you

[@JustsBob]

I'll go with a chameleon ... might be the only reptiles I would like to have.

[@SimplyBetta]

Nope! Man they're so pretty though :0

[@Melmac1756]

Great vid! 👍

[@MusingsFromTheDen]

You're an absolute dyamo, woman! There's no stopping you! 🤣💪 The terrariums look great. 👌 I'll be interested to see how they work out for you. 😊

[@fishkeepercole2464]

Carpet Chameleons would be really cool for those!!!

[@cuddleswithcavies9969]

I reckon your mystery reptile is a crested gecko! They’re very cute and love to climb!

[@SimplyBetta]

Good guess! But nope :) I would love a little girlfriend for my current crestie

[@ronr7855]

If you live where they have Reptile Expos and if LLL Reptile is vending there you can pre-order a Exo Terra 18x18x36. The cost right now is $149.99 and they will have it at the Expo, NO shipping costs. From LLL's web page " Exo Terra Rainforest Terrarium 18 x 18 x 36" $149.99 each Size: 18 x 18 x 36" This new size of extra tall Exo Terra Glass Terrarium is ideal for arboreal reptile and amphibian species! It’s unique rooted background makes it a great habitat for a number of tree dwelling species

[@SimplyBetta]

I looked into that! But sadly I am NOWHERE near any kind of expo. Like it would take a full day hard drive halfway across the country to get to one. Maybe if I was buying like, ten enclosures, I would do that!

[@Littlewings1211]

My guess is either a chameleon or frilled dragon although chameleons apparently do better with screen fronts instead of glass type fronts and both will need substantial upgrades in the future especially if you're putting a pair together. Oooh, or it could be leaf tailed geckos, those things are so cute 😍

[@SimplyBetta]

All good guesses! And all critters I would love ;) But nope!

[@Littlewings1211]

@@SimplyBetta Hmmm.... you already have a crested gecko don't you? Or is is a leopard gecko? Maybe dart frogs? A snake?

[@charondamotley9275]

Love diy good job I would try tfs😃

[@ScooterFXRS]

On breaking glass .... masking tape on the glass [wide tape for complete coverage on both sides] would have kept glass from flying everywhere.

[@SimplyBetta]

Thanks for the tip!

[@Lynn-64]

I think you did an awsome job doing the DIY. You did save quite a bit of money. Yaaa you could have ordered a new terrarium but doing your own is kind of satisfying. Soooo I think you got a leapard geko. That's my guess.

[@SimplyBetta]

Thank you, it was pretty satisfying :)

[@tamararomo6593]

I love a good deal story! 😢 I'm just so happy!!!!

[@EmsPlantPlaceEmmaLeeFreistadt]

These are great! I’m totally going to do that!! I think they are chamomile’s!

[@SimplyBetta]

Good guess! Nope, though I think chams are so beautiful

[@sksee882002]

Nice ! Keep it up... await the next one...😁

[@SimplyBetta]

Thanks, I had fun :)

[@antiochkennels]

Great work!!!!

[@SimplyBetta]

Thanks! ;)

[@supgohan]

Tylor u look aged n tired at 7:30. Hmm keeping lizards n reptiles should be fun. I cant have it where i live. 👌ur great as always

[@SimplyBetta]

I was 8 months pregnant, so yes I was looking aged and tired. Lol!

[@johnnystamper195]

Or find them used on fb best way to go but still like the video thanks.

[@TheWaterBox]

BTW, if you went with a 40g Breeder, it would be close to the Exo-Terra small (36x18x16) and still save tones of money I think.

[@SimplyBetta]

Yeah! That’s going to be the next one I make - a 40g breeder. It should be spacious enough to house my pair together too. The pre-made door for a 40g is more expensive but I might be up for trying to make my own door instead

[@TheWaterBox]

@@SimplyBetta Can't wait to see! You can probably see about talking to a guy with a laser cut machine to cut the acrylic for you. See how much that'll cost you. I'm working with an old friend who has one on some baffle designs for a sump but not sure yet if that's the way to go. Just have them cut out the design and then use acrylic hinges to attach the door part. If you want I can into you two and you can talk to him and see what he can do for you

[@jukeytheduke]

Awesomeness.

[@SimplyBetta]

:)

[@khaosjavier]

What website did you go to buy the doors

[@lizaknight4753]

Do you think this would work for a 40 gallon breeder?

[@ceciliacook5935]

How did you get the glass out from under the black plastic frame? When I broke the glass all fell out except for pieces under the black frame

[@snakelady6708]

You've likely figured it out but, I'll answer anyway for those that may have the same question. I use a handheld glass cutter, flat head screwdriver, and putty knives before I use my shop vac. Those simple tools go a long way in getting that glass out, in my experience at least. Also, a safer way to break the glass is to use tape on both sides where you intend to break and put that side down on a flat, covered surface such as using an old towel. It'll help control the glass shattering and makes it easier to clean up. Always remember to wear gloves to protect your hands, goggles for you eyes, and closed shoes so you don't stepson any stray shards. Safety first, folks. Hope this helps.

[@Beverly19571]

I love them great work

[@SimplyBetta]

Thank you!

[@EssElle89]

I think you are getting created geckos, chameleon or dart frogs ?

[@kellieblood7928]

How has this held up? I’m considering doing it!

[@SimplyBetta]

Good! If I could go back in time I would take more care to get a perfect silicone seal around the bottom of the door - I missed a little corner on both tanks so they would drip. Ugh! ;)

[@AaronLewisOfficial]

Woweeee! Looks amazing !

[@SimplyBetta]

Thank you! :)

[@vanphungto]

love it

[@parrotbill9072]

Going out on a limb here after only seeing you break the glass so far but my guess since you already have Gecko, you're setting up for a Chameleon because they like tall enclosures like you're making. My favorite is the Panther Chameleon because they're so brightly colored, and probably the most beautiful in the world.

[@SimplyBetta]

Panther chams are so pretty! :D

[@parrotbill9072]

@@SimplyBetta Yea I actually was looking into breeding them at one time. I looked at pages and pages of them and all were so beautiful I couldn't make a choice. Then I found how delicate they are, if you stand in front of the enclosure too long admiring them, they can stress out and get sick. How could you not stand and admire them too long? So I go to sites like this an admire them all I want... www.cbreptile.com/product/panther-chameleon-for-sale/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw84XtBRDWARIsAAU1aM3MTDyL8lf5Vv8pi6trervpN0sEC0KKddJEh3Nr2YiUAsS-ANme3moaAmjREALw_wcB

[@jeremymorrell4682]

It's gotta be Phelsuma klemmeri. Frogcube.com is a great source for conversion kits too. The owner 3-d prints all of them, but you need to buy your own glass to the dimensions provided. I believe he has a 40 breeder size that has sliding doors that looks really sleek, as well as smaller sizes.

[@abbydziob9805]

I want to do this for my crestie, but I know know if it’ll be enough ventilation without the top taken off, and just the new door.

[@fishorbust2849]

Probably not, I'd definitely break out the top and add a screen

[@tracys_plants]

I like these better than the exoterras. The doors look super sleek and modern. I have eco terras and don’t like the look. Would definitely go your route next time

[@SimplyBetta]

Well thank you! :)

[@mollyfitzie]

would absolutely have put in the effort to save the money! doing the project is half the fun!

[@SimplyBetta]

Agreed! Someday I'll make like a wall of gecko tanks and they'll all be DIY. somdeay in my dreams

[@nonyaisk7559]

this is an older video but i want to do this with a 30 gallon aquarium, where could i get a door?

[@weloveyou1234]

I'm guessing dart frongs. Or some kind of colourful frog! 🐸 X

[@SimplyBetta]

Nope! Good guess though, frogs would be fun

[@MsLizzy2010]

I would want to save money to make a terrarium. I bought a used one that I have to fix. the screen is very bad. so does the screen top works?

[@Tokiitoxic]

For cohabbing geckos only a few specie you can do this with so I’m gonna guess day geckos, eurydactylodes, tokays and leachies im not sure about others maybe eurydactylas?

[@SimplyBetta]

One of those :)

[@emmareynolds8272]

I'm thinking about doing this but I'm just so scared the rest will break and my whole tank will be ruined. Anyway to avoid that??

[@AidynNichi]

Those first 3 seconds destroyed me 😂

[@SimplyBetta]

Haha it was fun

[@tinksmith4964]

Personally I prefer exo’s just cuz I hate messing about with things & also it’s so much more satisfying to keep professionally made glass tanks - I’d use them, but I’d always be saving to upgrade so in the long run - a little pointless for me at least

[@SimplyBetta]

Yeah I get it! Too bad they're so dang heavy, otherwise I would love the 36" tall ones. I can't be lifting around like a hundred huge awkward lbs though. Whenever I upgrade I might go the custom cage route instead

[@MegaMindyLou]

You might have to start a second mom channel. I wanna hear all about your new baby! Hope everything went well. ❤️

[@fatbeardeddragon9265]

I wish I would have thought about this

[@lmp8932]

A very good idea, I wish I had thought of it a couple of years ago before I bought and Exa-Terra! Velvet gecko??

[@SimplyBetta]

Good guess! But nope :)

[@lmp8932]

A tiny Chameleon? I'd love one of those :)@@SimplyBetta

[@TheWaterBox]

This is a GREAT video! Now I wanna do one so I guess I have to get a new pet. ;)

[@lynnseiber9216]

Leopard gecko. Possibly the albino ones from Aquashella Dallas

[@SimplyBetta]

I WISHHH