How It Works

It is critical to have air and water movement in a vivarium to prevent bad bacteria, disease and fungal growth.  With our systems, we have essentially achieved the miniaturization of a greenhouse.

Our patent-pending Air Flow System pulls air from one part of the vivarium and pushes it through to another part of the enclosure ensuring the plants receive constant air movement.  This system significantly improves on existing passive air systems that rely on vents and screens to move air.  Good air flow is important in temperature control and stability, equalizing humidity throughout the vivarium, and keeping bad bacteria and fungus from getting out of control.

The Water Flow System (patent-pending) is also a separate chamber within the vivarium that hides a small pump and humidifier (ultrasonic fogger).  This chamber also accommodates the addition of a heater and/or chiller (not included) which would allow you to simulate day/night temperature fluctuations.  The pump pulls water through the substrate, filters the water and aerates plant roots, and pushes the water over a drip wall or other water feature.

The water flow also activates the humidifier, which produces a mist that rolls through the vivarium just as clouds roll through the treetops of a rainforest.  And, all these systems can be synchronized with controllers or timers so you can spend more time enjoying your hobby.

Benefits of Acrylic

There are many benefits of acrylic - and also many misconceptions!  The history of acrylic dates back to discoveries in the late 1700s, with manufacturing of acrylics beginning in the early 1900's.  The acrylics of today have seen significant improvements over those of even 30 years ago, resulting in many of the benefits you can read below.

• Customization of the vivarium – complete flexibility to design the necessary systems and place them where they are needed
• Display is crystal clear with a 93% transparency rating – higher than glass!
• Acrylic is 17 times stronger than glass which decreases breakage
• Because acrylic is 50% stronger than glass, it is less expensive to ship and easier to move
• We use only high quality cast acrylic, which is highly scratch resistant; any scratches that do occur can be easily buffed out
• High color stability, UV resistance and thermal stability
• 20% more insulating than glass, so temperatures are more stable
• Bacteria and fungus resistant
• Leak-proof seams are welded for strong, permanent bond
• Ease of adding misting systems, drains, heaters, chillers,  and other components to recreate the exact environmental factors to keep your animals and plants happy

Want to know more about the history of acrylic?  Click here.

Limited Lifetime Warranty

• Do not use any product that contains ammonia, alcohol, or abrasives such as Windex, Comet, Ajax, Lysol, Vinegar, or other commercial cleaners when cleaning the acrylic surface of your acrylic vivarium.  Doing so could cause crazing and/or cause the acrylic to lose clarity.  Use only mild soap and water.  BioVivara does not warrant against crazing or spider cracks – these are caused by incorrect implementation and/or maintenance.
• Protect your vivarium from chemical fumes, including paint, varnish, etc.  Use of such cleaners, or exposure to chemical fumes, will cause the acrylic to gradually lose its clarity.  In addition, do not use coarse sponges or pads to clean the vivarium.  A soft cloth and water or a polish made specifically for acrylic should be used for cleaning.
• High intensity lighting, such as Metal Halide or fluorescents are often incorrectly installed.  This type of lighting should be installed a minimum of 14” above the acrylic vivarium top.  Fans should be used to provide sufficient air flow to keep the acrylic vivarium top cool.  Failure to follow these recommendations could cause damage to the vivarium not covered by this warranty.
• Do not lift or carry the vivarium by the frame, move it while wet or filled with water or any materials/contents, as this could cause damage to the frame.  Always completely empty your vivarium of contents before moving and provide maximum support of base to prevent stress damage.