I constructed my Chinese Water Dragon's vivarium by converting Ikea's Tunhem cabinet. This will make a living space that is 3 feet wide x 1.5 feet deep x 4.5 feet high, with storage space underneath.
With much inspiration from:
Basic Materials List:
I started out by cutting the vent holes in the sides of Tunhem with a jigsaw. During this process I discovered why the Ikea furniture pieces are so light. They are basically constructed by putting a hollow pine board skin surrounding a paper honeycomb. This was a bit frustrating because I didn't want moisture getting into there and rotting the paper, but I devised a solution.
From the pieces I cut out I separated the pine wood skin from the honeycomb material, and cut strips of the appropriate size to glue into the spaces surrounding the vents. I then siliconed all the gaps around the insides of the vents and places where wood pieces made joints.
Next, I cut the molding in appropriate sizes using a hand miter box to make vent frames for both inside and out. This was difficult and I recommend an electric saw. Some of my cuts were not exactly 45 degrees but I made do with them.
Then I stapled the hardware cloth as screens over the outside of the vents, then screwed in the molding on both sides to make pretty frames. I recommend pre-drilling all screw holes.
After completing the vents I used silicone around all the gaps again, around the outside and inside of the frames, etc.
Next I put the Tunhem together according to Ikea's instructions, with the exception of installing the glass shelves. Instead I cut a 1x4 to a length of three feet to install as a substrate dam, then put one of the glass shelves in the bottom of the living space and siliconed it into place to protect the bottom from moist substrate, then installed the substrate dam across the bottom of the front, on top of the glass and set back about 3/4 of an inch to allow space for the doors, and screwed in on either end. You will also notice from the pictures that I had to undo the top window frames and make a cutout to allow for the door hinges.
I put several wood strips, about 2"x1/4" and 38" long, across the back as support. The Ikea backing for the cabinet is somewhat flimsy.
Finally, I polyurethaned the interior in three coats and used silicone in all corners, joints, crevices, etc., and installed utility locks on the doors.
The lighting is aquarium hoods screwed into the ceiling (you'll see that I still needed to get another UVB bulb, but I wasn't finished yet). I wired them together so they are on the same plug. There's also a clamp lamp with ceramic heater. I plan to install another clamp lamp nearer the bottom with a UVB bulb, and another clamp lamp with basking bulb elsewhere in the vivarium.
After letting it air out a for a week I placed two L-shaped shelves in at various heights, using the shelf mounting already included in the Tunhem. I added substrate, climbing branches, plants, vines, hidey holes, etc.
Hopefully Ikea makes a good vivarium!
UPDATE: I ended up replacing the original substrate, which was inert potting soil, with repti-carpet, because the soil got too heavy when soaked and caused the bottom shelf to bow a little. The shelves were made from fiberboard because it was cheap, and despite many coats of polyurethane the stuff still absorbs moisture and bows. They should ideally be replaced with a different material.
Lights on
Vents from the interior side
The substrate dam and glass bottom
Interior vent detail
Interior vent detail showing the pine
wood strips and silicone I put in to cover the gaps
Lighting
Exterior side, doors open
Finished!
Close up, closed doors
Close up, open doors
Dr. Gonzo hangs out inside
Both of the Water Dragons