Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I know this isn't quite the right place for this, but might be the most helpful. I have a guy selling a 20 long and a 29 gallon used tanks. How much do yall think they should be worth?

" I have several 10-gallon tanks that I would sell for $7 each (normally $10.99 at Petco) I also have a 20-gallon long for $30 (normally $52.99 at Petco,) a 20-gallon high for $25 (normally $37.99 at Petco,) and a 29-gallon for $45 (normally $79.99 at Petco.)"

He is offering me the 20 long with lid, heat fixture, uv fixture and lock for $50 or the 20 long and 29 with 2 of each of the above for $110.

I was thinking of the 20 long for a baby beardie and the 29 for two cresteds. Wondering if this deal is worth it. Thank you for quick replies, trying to get it Saturday or Sunday if possible.

I think you answered your own question. Personally I would only use glass aquaria for fish or turned on end they work great for Arrow frogs. But that is not the right answer.

The answer to the question is simple economics. The economy is based on a given good, availably for a price in which a person is willing to pay for said good.

If you are willing to pay a $110 for two aquria that you can fill and be happy with than you answered your own question.

I don't think anyone else will give you a better answer than you already gave yourself in the question. There maybe debate on the use of aquaria in the hobby but that is neither here nor there.

Good Luck
Jeremy

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"I am become death, the destroyer of worlds" July 16, 1945 Robert Oppenheimer

1.1 Double Het "Sharp" Snow Red Tailed Boas -Coming Soon-
0.1 Albino Red Tailed Boa -Coming Soon-
1.1 Hypomelenistic Red Tailed Boas
2.0 Double Het Stripe Albino Red Tailed Boas
0.1 Suriname Red Tailed Boa
0.1 Anerthrystic Red Tailed Boa
1.0 Ball Python
1.1 Rhinoceros Iguana's
1.0 Green Iguana
1.1 Cream Golden Retrieviers
1.0 Pomeriaian
0.3 Catus Terribilis
0.1 Spouse

Do you mean plastic tank instead of glass, or are you saying the wooden enclosure with plexi/glass front is better? I'm not quite sure. I don't know if these are plastic or glass if that's the debate, and if you mean a homemade wood one, I don 't have the tools for it right now. To tell the truth, I'd much rather build one out of wood. Thank you for the quick reply. I'm not wanting to pay anything that is a rip off and I don't know what the prices for tanks are now. I made my enclosure for my other two lizards and never had to buy one before.I'm off to petsmart to check out the new prices.
Thank You

I meant that you should pay what you feel is fair. Like you said in your post. "20-gallon long for $30 (normally $52.99 at Petco,) a 29-gallon for $45 (normally $79.99 at Petco.)"

Thats $75 by your numbers minus the heat fixtures and UV fixtures. If the fixtures them selves are worth $35 then $110 sounds fair by your numbers. So you inharently answered your own question.

The debate I was refeering to was the use of Glass aquaria in the hobby. Most herpers believe these are the old way of housing and there are better housing options out there. These other housing options are better suited to allow airflow and contain heat/humidity. Most hobbist believe that Glass aquaria are for fish not herps.

If it were up to me I would spend the $110 on a enclosure meant for the animal I was interested in keeping. Take the time to research the needs of the animal and build an enclosure to suit that animal.

Do you currently use glass aquaria?
What do you keep?
What are your interests?

There is a lot out there you just need some good research. If you built one enclosure for a pair of lizards than you are probally more than capable. I build all my enclosure and am happy with most of them. That is my true passion in the hobby.

Jeremy

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"I am become death, the destroyer of worlds" July 16, 1945 Robert Oppenheimer

1.1 Double Het "Sharp" Snow Red Tailed Boas -Coming Soon-
0.1 Albino Red Tailed Boa -Coming Soon-
1.1 Hypomelenistic Red Tailed Boas
2.0 Double Het Stripe Albino Red Tailed Boas
0.1 Suriname Red Tailed Boa
0.1 Anerthrystic Red Tailed Boa
1.0 Ball Python
1.1 Rhinoceros Iguana's
1.0 Green Iguana
1.1 Cream Golden Retrieviers
1.0 Pomeriaian
0.3 Catus Terribilis
0.1 Spouse

Thanks. I feel stupid, didn't think of it like that. I went to Petsmart and a 29 was only $30 something. I personally like building but I'm lacking in tools now for it. I think I can borrow a circular saw, I guess it would suffice.

I don't keep anything in glass although my home built was plexiglass with a wood frame. For this I want to make it as tropical/naturalistic as I can.

If I were to build a 24 x 24 x 24 inch with sliding glass front how much would I be looking at? I need to run down to lowes and home depot to check prices. It is for cresteds so I don't really need the uv light and only need a small heat lamp. I was thinking that I'd built it a little taller and have the false ceiling for the heat lamp. Any suggestions for a crested cage?

Thank You

3/4" Thick 49" x 97" laminated for $21.95. I couldn't find any infused, even the shelving was was laminated. I'm thinking of 20 x 20 x 24 and making a canopy to go over the lights about 6 inches tall. I'm not sure how tall a small heat lamp is, never had to worry about it before, so is 6 inches overkill? I might check on making it out to the 24 x 24 x ? to utilize more of the board. I will have to ask on the crested forum about floor space compared to height. I'm not sure if there should be a ratio or just make sure there is enough room for them to climb around. I know there are locks for the sliding glass, but whats the best way to lock it if it is a flap? I'm not sure 20 or 24 inch wide is worth the sliding glass but I'm leaning towards it as a way to lock and secure my geckos.
Thank You for your input

you could also make a screen cage for your cresties. get some aluminum window screen frame and some screen. aluminum screen if you plan on feeding them crickets, if you feed them t-rex crested gecko diet, which i highly recommend, you can use fiberglass screen. its easier to work with. then get some spline to hold the screen in the frame,a spline roller some corner connectors, some small hinges, and a small turnbutton to hold the door closed and viola. to cut the frame, get a cheap hacksaw, and use a razor blade for the screen

here is a pic of one i made a while ago, i have had a pair of gargoyle geckos breeding it up in there for over a year. i used a scrap piece of expanded pvc for the floor but you could probably just use screen if you are using paper towels instead of soil or other such substrate.

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scaledhabitats.com

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scaledhabitats.com

That seems pretty cool. I'd definitly use the aluminum screen for it. So is mesh better for them than a wooden one? I think the 3/4" would make the cage pretty heavy. Any problems keeping humidity or heat? My house is in Georgia an it's being kept from 68 to 70 degrees. It does get pretty humid here so I don't think that would be a problem. I'd never made a screen cage. Do you know of any detailed plans for me to study because I'm not sure what any of that stuff is. Only problem for me is that I have a cat that I have to protect them from. What dimensions would you suggest a crested cage be? I was playing with the idea of 20 x 20 x 24 or 24 x 24 x 24 but after looking at the dimensions laid out, I don't think I want it so deep. Looking for size suggestions as well. Thank you for the idea on the screen. I'd never seen anything but chams being kept in those.

I agree with Scaled, a screen enclosure for the geckos would be an easy as well as cheap too make.

However your bearded dragons will need something more resistant to claws. Melamine would be a good choice, it holds heat well, relativly inexpensive and easy to work with, and it is resistant to "small" lizards claws.

I purchase my melamine from a cabinent supplier as it is usually better quality than the sheets at Home Depot, Menards, or Lowes. However the pre-cut shelving is often pretty good quality so I would not rule it out.

The trick with the full sheets is moving cutting and using the sheet. A 4x8 sheet of melamine weights a great deal significantly more than a sheet of Gypsum board or 3/4 ply. You will need a second person and a vehicle capable of moving it. I do it by myself but I am stupid!

Also another problem with the 24" wide cage with sliding fronts is the opening will be small really small, less than 12". Also a Adult bearded dragon does btter in a 4'x2' enclosure. Mine are 4'L x 2'W x 2'H large enught to provid one Adult ample romp room as well as a trio during breeding.

Also are you looking for enclosure to breed or display these animals?

A lot of Crested keepers have moved there stock into a rack setup, in fact I have a rack custom built for my crested geckos. Granted I havn't bought them yet but summer is drawing closer. Just a thought.

Good Luck
Jeremy

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"I am become death, the destroyer of worlds" July 16, 1945 Robert Oppenheimer

1.1 Double Het "Sharp" Snow Red Tailed Boas -Coming Soon-
0.1 Albino Red Tailed Boa -Coming Soon-
1.1 Hypomelenistic Red Tailed Boas
2.0 Double Het Stripe Albino Red Tailed Boas
0.1 Suriname Red Tailed Boa
0.1 Anerthrystic Red Tailed Boa
1.0 Ball Python
1.1 Rhinoceros Iguana's
1.0 Green Iguana
1.1 Cream Golden Retrieviers
1.0 Pomeriaian
0.3 Catus Terribilis
0.1 Spouse

Thank You for the reply.

The 20 long tank would have only been temporary for a beardie that is 8-10 weeks old. I'm dropping that off my list for now and focusing on getting these cresteds and their setup. The 24"x24"x24" was what I was thinking about for the geckos. Looking at the dimensions, I might scale back on the depth of the thing.

My choices of melamine that I can find right now is 49" x 97" in 3/4" for $21.95 or 15 5/8" x 35 1/2" in 3/4" for nearly $8.00 each shelf. I pulled a peice out and found out that it is suprisingly heavy. I looked at plywood to seal but it all seemed too flimsy.

The width of the opening if I was to do sliding glass is the reason I said I wasn't sure if it was worth it. The only advantage is that I know I could lock it that way to secure it. If I use hinges on glass what can I do to make it lock?

As I've mentioned, I have a cat that roams the house so I have to secure them from him, I'm sure he'd get through the mesh. I had been thinking about setting them up in my closet anyway as extra protection. I know they need air circulation though so I don't think its a good idea. There is an air vent in the closet and with the heater it stays warmer than my room. I think in the summer it would stay cooler with the A/C which would be a good thing since it gets so hot here. Mesh would help with the summer heat but not sure of keeping it 5 - 10 degrees above room temp, any problem with that? Of course I'd have it open to see them when I am home but I want to be on the safe side with the cat. Then I'm only worried if I go with mesh.

If I go with mesh, I don't know how to do any of what you said or how you connect the frames. Is there anyway to do the bottom in wood so it would hold the bed-a-beast or ecoearth type substrate? I want to set them up for my personal display. I want them as pets and if they breed it's secondary. If it is to go on my shelf I'd have to cut the depth down to a mere 12". A 24" x 12" x 24" should be about 29 US gallons I believe which is what is recommended for a pair as a minimum. If I have it on the floor or on a stand it could go as far as 18" in depth.

I plan on getting materials in the morning so any last words before I start out will be appreciated.

>>My choices of melamine that I can find right now is 49" x 97" in 3/4" for $21.95 or 15 5/8" x 35 1/2" in 3/4" for nearly $8.00 each shelf. I pulled a peice out and found out that it is suprisingly heavy. I looked at plywood to seal but it all seemed too flimsy.

Like I said Melamine is really heavy, unless you are experianced in wood work or have all the tools I would try and build a cage around the shelf. You could use one shelf top and bottom another two cut down for the sides and a last one for the fronts. For the back they make 1/8 paneling, this can either be tacked on or glued or if you have the means routed into the back of the cage.

3/4" Plywood is a little lighter than than the melamine but tends to warp. It also requires sealer to protect it from the inhabitants and vice versa. The melamine would be an easier path.

>>The width of the opening if I was to do sliding glass is the reason I said I wasn't sure if it was worth it. The only advantage is that I know I could lock it that way to secure it. If I use hinges on glass what can I do to make it lock?

Thats why I recommend going wider than 24", such as using the entire 35" for the floor. I 35" wide cage with sliding fronts is pratical. As for a hinged door this can be difficult with glass but acrylic can be used well with hinges and and barrel lock. Like the ones used for a gate, but smaller.

Last as far as attaching the screen panels together self tapping sheet metal screws wil work great or pre drilling and using pop rivets will work as well.

Good Luck
Jeremy
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"I am become death, the destroyer of worlds" July 16, 1945 Robert Oppenheimer

1.1 Double Het "Sharp" Snow Red Tailed Boas -Coming Soon-
0.1 Albino Red Tailed Boa -Coming Soon-
1.1 Hypomelenistic Red Tailed Boas
2.0 Double Het Stripe Albino Red Tailed Boas
0.1 Suriname Red Tailed Boa
0.1 Anerthrystic Red Tailed Boa
1.0 Ball Python
1.1 Rhinoceros Iguana's
1.0 Green Iguana
1.1 Cream Golden Retrieviers
1.0 Pomeriaian
0.3 Catus Terribilis
0.1 Spouse

Do you see any problem with having it in the closet? There is the vent in there and I could put a small fan for circulation. I'm not sure how much airflow geckos would need and like I said, the door would be open when I am home. I would like to go with the screen version if I can keep it safely kept away from the cat. The shelf is a closet shelf made of the wire shelving peices.

Are you suggesting a 35" x 18" x 24"? I'd have to figure out if I can cut that from one sheet if I go melamine, and don't need to worry about it if I go screened. I think I'd rather hinge the door on some plexiglass. I'm not sure what kind of lock you are talking about with that though.

I had no idea that the melamine was so heavy. Really would need something lighter but don't have the time for offgassing any sealers. I hope to get them before next weekend and have nothing else to put them in.

Thank you for your replies. I know I'm asking on short notice and I appreciate the quick responses that I have recieved.

>>Do you see any problem with having it in the closet?

Nope, my entire collection at one point was housed in the closet of my dorm room.

If you are going to buy a whole sheet you can probally get away with building a bigger cage. More like 48"Lx 20"Dx 20" H this one sheet will give you enough pieces for two 20x20 sides two 48x20 floor/ceiling one 48x18 back and two litter dams top and bottom. These are rough numbers as I don't know how you will be doing your joints. Also if you use thin 1/8 tile board for your backing you can probaly make the cage a little bigger with the same amount of material.

Good Luck
Jeremy
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"I am become death, the destroyer of worlds" July 16, 1945 Robert Oppenheimer

1.1 Double Het "Sharp" Snow Red Tailed Boas -Coming Soon-
0.1 Albino Red Tailed Boa -Coming Soon-
1.1 Hypomelenistic Red Tailed Boas
2.0 Double Het Stripe Albino Red Tailed Boas
0.1 Suriname Red Tailed Boa
0.1 Anerthrystic Red Tailed Boa
1.0 Ball Python
1.1 Rhinoceros Iguana's
1.0 Green Iguana
1.1 Cream Golden Retrieviers
1.0 Pomeriaian
0.3 Catus Terribilis
0.1 Spouse

sorry this is so quick but im on the way out the door to south florida till wednesday. do a google search on "do it yourself window screen". there is instructions on there about making your own window screen. after you have 6 screens made you just make a box out of them with one side being a door. ill try and find a link when i get back if you havent found one by then.
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scaledhabitats.com

Thank You both for your input on this. I am going to try figuring out how to do do the screened cage for them. I see two advantages to it. Won't keep as much heat in the summer and then the weight.
The room temp in the house is 68 - 70, should I be able to easily keep the screen enclosure in the 75 to 80 degree range? I have to wait for materials as the family is dragging me to church.

bighurt,

I do not want to offend you but I think your response was a bit snobish. You have implied that people still using glass tanks for reptiles are less of a hobbiest than those who are using custom built housing. I would guess that the number of people using glass tanks far outnumber those using cutom built enclosures. I'm talking about people wanting to display one or a few animals, not huge collections kept in rack system.

A 20 gallon aquarium purchased to house a baby bearded dragon can be adapted very easily to hold a corn snake once the bearded has moved on to larger accomodations, and if the corn snake is moved the same cage can be used to house a colony of firebelly toads or a tiger salamander. Many custom cages, espescially those made of wood do not offer that funtionality. in other posts you made mention of using melamine for custom cages. In my experience, this is fine for totaly arid environments like those for beardeds or other desert lizards but for most snakes or any other animals that require even moderate amounts of humidity it will eventually fall apart. Large boids in a melamine cage can be a recipe for disater, even though the malamine is water reststant it is not water proof. Spilled water dishes and light mistings can eventually swell and separate the coating from the wood beneath.

The cage unit you have shown is very nice but I can see a few problems with it. The heat source is situated where the animal can actually come into contact with it and burn itself. You mentioned humidity control, a glass tank with a screen lid would offer as much if not more humidity control than the small vents in the cage you show. I don't know what you are planning on keeping in these cages so these issues may or may not be of concern and if you built it with specific animals in mind and these issues are not a concern then fine, the point is, cutom cages are just that, custom, the are not as adaptable as an aquarium. My first custom cage was remarkably similar to the one you have pictured. For my boas it lated me about 3 years. I still use it now for some desert lizards and temporary housing but for day to day housing of my dumerils boas it will not work.

Again, I do not want to sound as if I am ragging on you. You have made many good suggestions and I do agree that in many cases custom cages are the way to go. The single biggest drawback that I can think of for glass aquariums is that without customization they are only suited for a top opening cage, and I just don't like, especially for tall, narrow tanks. The only unmodified fish tanks I use right now are when I am quarantineing animals, once they are ready for their permanent home most of them go into custom tanks. Most of these custom tanks however are converted aquariums. I'll take the side out, flip it on the other side put a hinged dooer in and a screen top and voila a perfect front opening cage that will stand up to the driest or wetest environment I care to subject it to. Still, fish tanks remain a very practical and simple option for most beginning or small time hobbiests.

Steve Schindler

Steve,

Sorry I offended you, I re-read my post and in no way did I imply anything other than he answered his own question. But like I said if you were offended, I'm sorry. Your right, a lot of people still house reptiles in aquariums I once did, but they are not economical and I feel my enclosures are very well suited to meet the animals needs.

But I am not going to start an argument, you want one of those send me a message or go to the Monitor Forum. Your entitled to you opinion so have a nice day.

Jeremy
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"I am become death, the destroyer of worlds" July 16, 1945 Robert Oppenheimer

1.1 Double Het "Sharp" Snow Red Tailed Boas -Coming Soon-
0.1 Albino Red Tailed Boa -Coming Soon-
1.1 Hypomelenistic Red Tailed Boas
2.0 Double Het Stripe Albino Red Tailed Boas
0.1 Suriname Red Tailed Boa
0.1 Anerthrystic Red Tailed Boa
1.0 Ball Python
1.1 Rhinoceros Iguana's
1.0 Green Iguana
1.1 Cream Golden Retrieviers
1.0 Pomeriaian
0.3 Catus Terribilis
0.1 Spouse