Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am planning on buying a new terrarium for my adult dragon, and have been looking at acrylic ones. I hear advantages and disadvatages of both. Any input would be appreciated. Any suggestions on types of terrariums and where to buy them would also be appreciated. I know their is a vast number of sources to buy them from, so I only ask if anyone has gotten a really good deal with superb results. thanks

I have glass terrariums (Glasscages.com) but am over them. It takes a lot of watts (expensive) to push heat down into an open top cage with a screen when heat naturally wants to rise out. Consider a cage like at customcages.com

It costs me $25 a month in electric to properly heat each of my 4 x 2 glass terrariums a little more for a 5 x 2. I do think they are good looking though.

wow those are some sharp looking terrariums, BDlvr.
We chose to house our beardies together a few months ago. On the advise I read in a book, we are using a stock tank (available at any live stock store) and they have been so happy. Not the prettiest set up but they have a ton of room, also allowing for numerous basking spots and a great temp rang. If you go down that road you might want to look into mercury vapor bulbs. You will still need a florescent UV tube for the length of the tank and incandescent lights along with the mercury vapor bulbs at the basking points. If you have color morph dragons this will give them the best color. Or so I have read. If you would like I can post a picture of it.
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----ALICIA ROTH----

I was out at The Dachiu's yesterday. They are friends and a well known breeder of 11 years. Dachiu.com Rob rebuilt his setups and I am thinking of redoing mine they way his are. His cages are and were Melamine but now they have the sliding front glass doors at an angle inward which keeps them from trying to climb the glass and above then is an opening for ventilation. I am also giving serious consideration to putting all of my Dragons together so we'll see.

Thanks for the compliment.

The only disadvantage to acrylic tanks is they can scratch. Other than that, they have the same general disadvantages and advantages as glass tanks (except for weight, as acrylic is lighter...but thats the only real difference between glass and acrylic tanks).

Like glass tanks, acrylic tanks can be expensive (maybe more so than glass as you can find glass tanks real cheap used, not so much the acrylic).

As for prices, I have not really priced acrylic tanks, as I find they are no better for me, than glass tanks (other than lighter weight). They are about the same or more in cost than glass tanks. For companies that make them, a search on the 'Breeders/Dealers/Stores link above under cages, will show many places that make/sell cages, though not all will use acrylic. The kingsnake classfieds will have some listed under the 'cages' section and doing a google search on 'acrylic tanks or cages' will bring up alot of hits as well. Then you can compare prices, shipping costs etc.

The cheapest way to go for dragon cages is to build your own. Even if you lack any carpentry skills, there are plenty of ways to get somebody to build it for you. Many places online will sell cage plans/designs for a pretty cheap price. Many regulars here will be happy to send you plans for free, just need to ask. Or you can just describe what you want to a friend/family member, bored retiree, student (who may love to do a project in woodworking glass, or a teacher may love to have such a project to give his glass to work on), etc.
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PHLdyPayne

I recently purchased a 65 gallon Acrylic terrarium from "Glass Cages"...and really like it...it has sliding front glass, which makes it very easy to get into for feedings and cleanings...and it looks nice to...if you go to the Glass Cages Company web site at www.glasscages.com , and then go to the Customer pictures section...the 65 Gallon Terrarium Slider / 65 Gallon Acyrlic Slider pic is my set up...Gary
65 Gallon Acrylic Slider Terrarium