build or buy??

[jakk]

cheaper to build or buy a large viv

im talking 4x2x2 or 5x2x2

[Asha]

4x2's are easy to come by, there's usually a few in the equipment classifieds here. I bought one made specially for me for £90, still had to fit the lights, make holes for mat and stat etc, and go and collect the thing though.

Building is definitely cheaper over all though. The wood isn't too expensive and B&Q will cut it to the measurements you want. Glass runners, vents, and fixtures are only a few pounds - same goes for the tools you need (typically wood screws, screwdriver, sealant, a drill with hole saw attachment to make vent holes). And then it's just finding a local glazier for the glass.

Haven't made my own yet, but will be as soon as the uni term is over and I have some free time! Plus I need to buy a drill first too!

[ratboy]

If you can find a second hand one... buy.

[Asha]

Yeah, forgot to say that - second hand are just as cheap as building

Got this one for £50 from another member on here: http://www.reptileforums.co.uk/habit...d-boa-viv.html

[cbmark]

build if you cant find what you want second hand i always build myself

[Dale42]

i have made a couple and i only saved myself about 20 pound which still is not bad and i really enjoy making them the only thing i find is finding glass runners to be a right mission and where i have found them they want 15 pounds for the top and bottom which are 8 foot each, aswell as ou put more time and care in the vivs which the 1s i have got in the reptile shops have been not that good

[gibby]

just posted my plans for a viv build

[slartibardfast]

Build - this double viv cost me less than £30 and £25 was for the glass.
IKEA is the place to go - I got a wardrobe flat pack from the bargin basement for £1 - size, 7x2x2 feet



Andy

[snickers]

I enjoy building vivs. I've found it's easy to build functional boxes, but I don't have the skills to create anything good enough for the living room. DIY vivs are only a bit cheaper, and the glass and runners is always a bit of a trial. If you can find something decent second hand thats the way to go for functional vivs. If you want something on show then buy from a professional unless you know what you are doing.

[Declan123]

Always cheaper to build from scratch IMO