CrabbyJ's DIY Crabitat Project

For presenting do-it-yourself projects for your crabitat and for discussing and displaying custom built crabitats. Also for questions and reviews on equipment and products. *Stores and their reviews now have their own section in Classifieds*
Locked

Topic author
CrabbyJ

CrabbyJ's DIY Crabitat Project

Post by CrabbyJ » Mon Jul 14, 2014 6:17 pm

Hey I need some advice on making a DIY crabitat, I'm going to explain my idea that i got from others on this site that have built them (Esp Kip) :) This will be from scratch and I have never done anything like this before but I am very handy for the most part :)

My Plan: (Roughly it's a 300 Gallon Enclosure)

I want to have a bottom "Substrate box dedicated for the sub and have a top enclosure the can be removable for cleaning, moving etc.

I was planning on using wood glue and screws to join the panels together along with outer metal braces on the edges/corners for extra support. Then I was going to use silicon to seal of the corners and edges and line the wood box with a pond liner. (I'm nervous about molding however with this option, what is a false bottom and how do I incorporate it into my design?) <----?????? Any Tips?

The bottom Enclosure measurements:

48" (4ft) X 24" (2ft Deep Sub) X 24" Wide

I was planning on using 1/2'' plywood for the starting of the box using (3) 48" X 24" panels for the front and back sides and bottom then (2) 24" X 24" end pieces to make a wooden box

Image

As for the Top Enclosure Goes:

I was going to use the same plywood and have (2) boards 43" X 24" for the sides and (1) Board for the back which would measure 43" X 48" for the back piece and join it together like I will the bottom box part by using wood glue silicon, screws and metal braces.

Then do the same thing and line the inside of the top enclosure with the pond liner (Worried about crabs chewing through it or wood molding behind the liner though) <-----?????? Any Tips?

Should I use plastic sheeting under the pond liner on both top and bottom? or anything else to prevent mold and mildew??

Image

After I get the Top and Bottom Done I need to figure out the top of the enclosure and how to include a hood light and (2) Heat Emitters for heat since I cannot use UTH, how do I molt the Heat emitters? and what type of top should I use? I'm still stuck on this part :P

Image

Looking for advice and answers to a few questions I have, this will be a long project and I will update as I go along :) I was inspired by Kip so any advice from him would be AWESOME! :) Thanks!!!!!!


Topic author
CrabbyJ

Re: CrabbyJ's DIY Crabitat Project

Post by CrabbyJ » Sun Aug 10, 2014 9:43 am

I have since changed the measurements to make the substrate less deep, I believe I'm going to about 17-18" of substrate now, trying to figure out what type of 2 part epoxy to use since I can't find that info anywhere, seems like I will need more protection with the pond liner against the wood since crabs can claw and chew right through anything and I don't want to the wood to mold.

I am starting the bottom base this week constructing the base out of the wood, going to make it more secure with cut 2X4's for a frame. I guess I will just wing this whole project since I can't seem to find any one to help, though I enjoyed reading about everyone's custom builds

User avatar

CallaLily
Posts: 3831
Joined: Sun Aug 03, 2008 9:05 pm

Re: CrabbyJ's DIY Crabitat Project

Post by CallaLily » Sun Aug 10, 2014 10:05 am

I don't have any answers but wanted to wish you luck. Im looking forward to seeing your progress. Have you checked out Wodesorel's build thread where she converted a display case? I think you might find some answers on the epoxy there.
http://hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/ ... 52&t=74173
And curious_kitty's thread may help you some too: viewtopic.php?f=54&t=74449

Sorry I can't be more help.

User avatar

Sunndannce
Posts: 20
Joined: Mon Mar 24, 2014 2:22 pm

Re: CrabbyJ's DIY Crabitat Project

Post by Sunndannce » Sun Aug 10, 2014 10:34 am

I recommend using Pond shield.
It's an easy epoxy to use, it's non toxic, and safe for aquariums. Infact, you might want to use it instead of a liner on all the indoor of your design!

Http://www.pondarmor.com
I share this world with a few crabs, a kid, a furry four legged barking kid, a wonderful man, and a lot of nonsense. Life is full of fun, and I'm full of life.


Topic author
CrabbyJ

Re: CrabbyJ's DIY Crabitat Project

Post by CrabbyJ » Sun Aug 10, 2014 2:20 pm

WOW THANKS GUYS!! Just want to make sure I do this right for my exo kids :) I want a smaller version of Kip's build that is about 300 gallons total :) I will check out your suggestions! and of course will update on my progress :)

User avatar

kip.rogers357
Founding Member
Founding Member
Posts: 168
Joined: Fri Jun 18, 2004 9:06 pm
Location: Roswell, New Mexico
Contact:

Re: CrabbyJ's DIY Crabitat Project

Post by kip.rogers357 » Mon Aug 11, 2014 1:52 pm

Hey, just saw this! Hope you got my PM, if not let me know and i'll post it here.
Good luck on this build! Can't wait to see the progress! :D
17 Year Crabber!
27 Hermit Crabs - 1,020gl Crabitat


Topic author
CrabbyJ

Re: CrabbyJ's DIY Crabitat Project

Post by CrabbyJ » Thu Aug 14, 2014 2:59 pm

Thanks everyone especially KIP! for giving me all the great suggestions! I'm going to start this with some $$ I got for my Birthday and again I will post my progress here :) You guys all gave great ideas and I'm thinking of some last minute changes to my design :) Thanks!

User avatar

kip.rogers357
Founding Member
Founding Member
Posts: 168
Joined: Fri Jun 18, 2004 9:06 pm
Location: Roswell, New Mexico
Contact:

Re: CrabbyJ's DIY Crabitat Project

Post by kip.rogers357 » Sat Oct 11, 2014 3:23 pm

Any updates?
17 Year Crabber!
27 Hermit Crabs - 1,020gl Crabitat

Locked