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I saw a post from a while ago has resurfaced about modifying exo terra enclosures for Chondros. So being the nice guy I am I decided to share my build from last year as I took some pic along the way. Either way I know no one wants to hear me go on and on so here is the step by step.

1. Remove the screen from the exo terra top (easily done by pulling out those rubber strips) and cut the middle brace out (use a small saw dont try to break it)



2. You need to get a good measurment of the top, better yet take it with you to home depot or lowe's and get them to cut you a piece of plexiglass that will fit tight in the frame. While you are there get some clear silicone and a small undercounter fluorescent light. Drill holes to mount the light before you silicone and jam the plexi into the frame. once you put the plexi in the frame let it cure before you add the light.



3. As seen above while the top was left to cure you should have been working on your perches, so while at lowe's or home depot get some small pieces of plexi cut to use as perch holders. Do good measurment on where they will be placed and use the silicone to adhere them to the exo terra walls. (the trick here is to put the exo terra on it's side, put down the perch holders and place one or two books on them to get it tight untill it cures, than do the other side the same way).

4. So now you should have what the picture above shows done, you than can give it a little character by adding some firm black paper/board (or colour of your choice) to the side walls/top of the cage.



Picture shows the strings used to hold it in place while it dried. (just dab a little silicone in the coners so that from the inside the board does not look messy).

5. You now need to heat this thing, I used desert ray panels (www.bigappleherp.com) as I saw was a good choice by a member on this forum. Look under the heat section for them, best part is the are inexpensive and really work. Be sure to get the corret size pad so do a little measurment with your light fixture in place to understand the size space you are working with.



6. The exo terra has holes in the top frame that should not have been coverd if the build was done correctly and is where all your wires will lead out.

7. I worried about ventilation but have come to find that the spaces in the front where the doors are and the ventilation strip below them is more than enough, and this thing holds humidity like a champ.

8. Add greenery,Chondro and enjoy



sorry about the Pictures I took them with my phone along the build, I was not going to post this but I saw that the question about exo terra builds came back up and thought that it could be helpful. By the way this is a 18 cube exo terra.

One tip that I learned (use masking tape when using silicone as it will make the end result alot better)

Thanks for looking
Anryn Malcolm