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Does anyone do a swinging door for converting aquariums to vertical vivs? Like the zoo med brand vivs have? If not, why is that?
I should be more specific, wanting a door that swings left/right, not up/down...
Yes, I am already looking into a next viv :wink: everyone said it was inevitable lol. What I am thinking of doing though, isn't more frogs yet, just separating my imis perhaps.
Lisa
In central NY
R. Imitator 'Cainarachi Valley' 2.3.0
R. Imitator 'Cainarachi Valley' Froglets 8 and counting.
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The swinging door type is much harder to make and design than a hinge and a "folding down" or dropping door - like a vert kit door. I like the drop/ fold down as well as the swinging kind.
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It seems like there would need to be a surface, like a table or something out in front to support the door when it was dropped down?
Another thing that concerns me is having to open it all the way... Keep in mind I have zero reference point to compare to, but my imis seem very bold. They don't hide or scatter when I open the tank or put my face right up by the glass to look at them. Sooo, I'm terrified that they would jump and come out! Especially since it would be a 10g (for just 1 pair, if it happens at all).
Lisa
In central NY
R. Imitator 'Cainarachi Valley' 2.3.0
R. Imitator 'Cainarachi Valley' Froglets 8 and counting.
Posts: 10,389
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I like the drop-down vert kits for 10 gallon grow-out and temporary tanks that are usually stored on the upper shelves of my bakers racks. The drop down door rests on my chest as I feed or do maintainance to the viv.
but...all things being equal....the side opening type door is a little easier for big / large sized enclosures.
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I make my verts with side opening doors
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I think sliding doors would be much easier. Especially when your talking a larger viv. The larger the door, the stronger the hinge needs to be to support the weight of the door...says the engineer in me.
Derek
1.5 kids and a bunch of frogs
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As Phil said, the 10gal or even 20g is tolerable for drop down doors, but 29s are a real pain. I would never keep a fantasticus family in that style due to their stealth and speed. Side open doors and deep tanks are 2 details all my future vivs will possess.
Jeff, Interested to see pics of design and build of your tanks, if and when you have time to post.
Thx
Scott
Scott - North Dallas
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Derek, yeah, it makes sense on the hinge needing extra strength for side swing... On a good enough size tank, I like the idea of sliding doors best actually. I've seen those in pics but had forgotten about it.
Jeff, I would also love to see how you do yours, when you get a chance.
And last but not least, Phil, could you correct my title from very to vert for me? I didn't check my spell checker before submitting. :roll:
Lisa
In central NY
R. Imitator 'Cainarachi Valley' 2.3.0
R. Imitator 'Cainarachi Valley' Froglets 8 and counting.
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I have 6 vivs like this. I started out doing 2 40 gallon breeders using cabinet hinges, and epoxy. They're still up after 2 years. However i am going to do them over because i made the vents too big. There was a thread on DB a few years ago with directions on how to make them. I took them and made some modifications along the way. These are 29's with metal piano hinge, which I like a lot better. I also mounted the piano hinge two different ways and prefer flush on the front better
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Thank you for posting those Jeff!
Lisa
In central NY
R. Imitator 'Cainarachi Valley' 2.3.0
R. Imitator 'Cainarachi Valley' Froglets 8 and counting.
