I love to re-use items and make unexpected things from them. I really don't like the look of the vivariums that are mainly available and was wondering if any of you have created beautiful but practical vivariums and terrariums using unexpected or unusual things. I have been looking at old haberdashery cabinets and museum display cabinets thinking they would make very attractive homes, they're basically wooden framed tanks with sliding or opening doors.

I would love some help in the practicality of using such items or making your own vivarium. It is very important to me that it can be able to be cleaned and be clean. I don't like the idea of wood that might get damp or end up housing a mite infestation. I'm a little over the top on this so it's very important to me.

Terrariums are also of interest to me as I would love to make some for the house though not necessarily for housing any animals. I know some of you have experience of self contained systems so any pointers would be lovely.