Why Use DIY Eurostyle Vivariums for Dart Frogs
Eurostyle vivariums are ideal enclosures for poison dart frogs and have become more popular over the years. Although building a eurostyle vivarium may seem complicated, it is a straightforward process. These vivariums were initially made popular by European hobbyists, however, hobbyists and facilities all over the world use them to house dart frogs.
Eurostyle vivariums have several key advantages including better passive airflow and ventilation, removable sliding doors, and the ability to make custom dimensions. Hobbyists such as Troy Goldberg have made comprehensive DIY guides on how to build eurostyle vivariums. The first steps are often planning what size vivarium to build and getting your glass cut. Unfortunately, it can be inconvenient to go through and figure out what exact pieces of glass you need for your custom vivarium. In an effort to streamline the process, I have developed a calculator to help you get the exact pieces of glass cut for your custom vivariums. Special thanks to Troy for providing an image of his vivarium and testing out the calculator!
Eurostyle Vivarium Calculator
How to Use the Glass Calculator to Build Your Custom Vivarium
Fill in the following fields and the calculator will give you a list of glass you need to get cut to build a custom vivarium of that size.
IMPORTANT NOTES
DOOR OVERLAP: For the purposes of this calculator the doors will have a 0.5 inch (12.7 mm) overlap no matter what size you make. If you would like to adjust the overlap to the doors update the list before getting the glass cut. Additionally, the sliding glass doors should be 1/8th (3.175 mm) inch thick, so definitely let your glazier/ glass cutter know.
DAM BRACES: For every 30 inches (76.2 cm) in length the calculator will add another dam brace to better support the substrate dam and front vent lip. This can be siliconed as needed in the center of the front dam. Feel free to add as many additional dams as needed to complete your vivarium.
MEASURE TWICE AND CUT ONCE, please confirm all measurements are accurate for your application before getting the glass cut! Additionally, please let your glazier or glass cutter know to polish the edges of your panes to prevent any cuts!
Why Build a Eurostyle Vivarium for Dart Frogs
Eurostyle vivariums are ideal for tropical dart frogs because they are able to hold high humidity while providing adequate airflow. A key aspect of eurostyle vivariums is the front vent perpendicular to the sliding doors as well as a top vent located in the center of the top. This causes almost a chimney effect pulling in air from the front vent and exhausting it from the top. Because of this the top layer of your vivarium is able to dry out easier between mistings while also holding high ambient humidity. It also helps keep your glass free from condensation.
What Size Vent Should I Use for my Dart Frog Vivarium?
Different dart frog hobbyists prefer different sized vents for their enclosures. Vent size is variable depending on several key factors including your climate, frog room, and vivarium size. If you keep your vivariums in a relatively humid environment you may need larger vents. Conversely, if you are in a dry environment such as a garage you may need smaller vents. I find a good rule of thumb is to pick a size anywhere from 2-3 inches. Larger vivariums also may require larger vents. In my opinion it is better use larger vents and dial it in by covering it with additional glass if needed.
Eurostyle Vivariums vs. Traditional Terrariums (Exo-terra, Thrive, Reptizoo, etc.)
Although Eurostyle vivariums have key advantages when compared to commercial terrariums such as exoterra, thrive, or reptizoo they do require more work to build and can be costly. Additionally the sliding door makes it much easier for fruit flies to escape. You can help prevent this by using feeding stations like a piece of banana. Additionally, you can run a bead of silicone in between the doors to create a tighter seal.
In my experience, the gap between the sliding doors and cost are the only negatives when compared to traditional terrariums. Some hobbyists may consider it more work to build a eurostyle vivarium, but traditional terrariums usually require extra effort to make them fruitfly proof and to create an appropriate lid.
Overall, both a eurostyle vivarium and traditional terrarium can provide great homes for your dart frogs and have their own place in the hobby.
How to Build a Eurostyle Vivarium
For a comprehensive tutorial on how to build a eurostyle vivarium, watch Troy Goldberg's video! He does a great job going through all the steps and is constantly making updates as his process evolves. Additionally, there are some good posts on dendroboard explaining how to create a eurostyle vivarium: Constructing a European type Vivarium Step by Step | Dendroboard
