Reptile & Amphibian Forums

We are now currently looking at showcasecages.com as a possiblilty for our firt GTP cage. The size is 24"L x18"H x16"D. Has anyone ever heard of them and what do you think.
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While I have never heard of them the cages look nice enough, have you looked at http://www.exo-terra.com/en/products/glass_terrarium.php

or

http://www.visionproducts.us/htm7/cages.html

Good luck with your choice and tell us what you decide on!

I do not have any personal experience with Showcase Cages but have heard from others that they are very similiar to Visions. Both of these cages, as well as the Exo Terra's, in my opinion, are not effecient cages for chondros by design. That being said, many chondro keepers use them but few, if any, will tell you they work well "out of the box". Based on what I hear from others, modifications are needed for them to be used effectively, and even then, not efficiently.

The major problems I hear about the Showcases and Visions are that they do not maintain heat and humidity well. Some models are difficult to mount heat panels in and ceramic heaters are not effecient. They sag over time and sooner if stacked.

There are numerous threads here and on other forums detailing the inefficencies of the Exo Terra's. Maintaining heat and humidity is very difficult in a screen top enclosure and glass is the worst insulator you can have. I am sure people who use them will defend them, claiming you can modify them to work for you; however, even with these mods, they are still inefficient. They look nice, I will give them that.

Bart

What is recommended? One day I will own one and would like to know the best enclosures both for the snake and me, of course the snake comes first but ease of cleaning and of course viewing is a must as well…

I can't say what "is" recommended to imply that I speak for the entire chondro community but I think most would agree that the cage should be made of a material that is a good insulator (wood or a "good" plastic), solid top for mounting a heat panel (preferred heating method by most) and side ventilation so the heat and humidity isn't sucked right out the top.

For young chondros, many people use basic rubbermaid or sterilite tubs. Nothing fancy because the animal will eventually grow out of it. If it is a neonate or yearling, I would spend more on the thermostat than the cage. Here is a link to one example of a tub setup: http://www.finegtps.com/cagingbabies.htm

You can also use a rack style setup using tubs. I prefer this over the example above because it is more energy effecient. For cages, here are some links for examples. I can only recommend the first two from personal experience. Note that with the Barrs cages, many have screen tops but he will make them with solid tops at your request.

http://www.pvccages.com/
http://www.herpcages.com/
http://www.boaphileplastics.com/arborealcages.html
http://www.repti-racks.com/

If you have good carpentry skills, you can build your own. Here is a link illustrating a good design: http://www.finegtps.com/cageplans.htm

Good luck,
Bart