Indoor Russian Enclosure

[TheTortoiseKing]

Hello! I am looking to make a 8x4 enclosure for my Russian and was wondering if anyone who has a russian and has any ideas/blueprints for easy enclosures that I can build myself. Thanks!

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

Do any of the ones in here happen to jump out to you? Because a lot of them are actually form the forum, I might happen to know the threads they’re linked to, or maybe you’ll get some suggestions on building materials etc, for whatever kind of set up you’re thinking

Enclosure inspiration

Howdy folks! Hope everyone is well! As you all know, I’m a big fan of making threads that cater more towards visual learners like myself, I’ve really been wanting to create a thread full of adult enclosure inspiration for a while now, I’ve managed to find some great references over time! I do...

tortoiseforum.org

 

[TheTortoiseKing]

I was thinking something like the ones in the second photo because those seem like my level.

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

I was thinking something like the ones in the second photo because those seem like my level.

For that kind of design it’d be good if you can get some thick pvc boards? Then I’d seal the edges with some silicone, I don’t think you’d need lining for it if you used pvc, you could also technically use melamine boards, I know folks say not to use wood type materials because of moisture damage, but honestly if you lined it really well with pond lining or something, you can make it last no problem

 

[TheTortoiseKing]

Do you think I would need some sort of support system for that to make it stable?

 

[OkAdiza]

Hello, if you decide to use PVC, take a look at this post. It is for a Russian, although you would need to adjust for the measurements you want. Sadly, this forum member passed away, so you wouldn’t be able to ask questions on this exact build.

Here is another out of PVC, though 7 by 4.

If you have a stable, sturdy/solid table or stand for it to go on, you should be fine. I think the larger you go over 8 by 4, you would need more supports, like this one. This was one someone did for a leopard.

I currently have a 8’by 3’ tortoise table out of pvc that is sitting on top of another pvc closed enclosure of the same size and it is stable.
Also, if you are able to get nice straight cuts for your pvc, using pvc cement will hold it together solid, but you can use Loctite Marine sealant inside for the seams to be sure.
Hope this helps.

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

This is a closed chamber, but this popular thread gives tips on gluing and cutting the PVC:

Building your own Expanded PVC Enclosed Chamber – For Beginners

I have recently been asked to do a post on building an enclosed chamber using PVC, and to tailor the post to those that have NO fabrication / wood working experience and the resultant lack of tools. So, that’s what this post is about. If you have even basic wood working or metal working skills...

tortoiseforum.org

 

[OkAdiza]

This is a closed chamber, but this popular thread gives tips on gluing and cutting the PVC:

Building your own Expanded PVC Enclosed Chamber – For Beginners

I have recently been asked to do a post on building an enclosed chamber using PVC, and to tailor the post to those that have NO fabrication / wood working experience and the resultant lack of tools. So, that’s what this post is about. If you have even basic wood working or metal working skills...

tortoiseforum.org

Yes! This is great. Used this to build both of my PVC enclosures.