Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm looking to get a 60 gallon cage for my future bearded dragon, but can't decide if I should just buy a cage or attempt to build one. If I go the building route (the side I'm leaning towards), about how much would I be looking to spend on materials? Also, does anyone know of any good sites to get ideas on how to build a cage? And what materials are safe to use?

Thanks in advance!

Most of my vivariums have been built. They are made out of melamine-coated plywood, which is a great material to use. Seal the edges with a non-toxic sealant. The good thing about this wood is the sealant and the melamine coating both keep water out of the wood itself, so rotting from constant humidity isn't a problem. The materials shouldn't cost too much and you can position everything where you want it (UV lighting, bulb placements etc)

Copy and paste this url. Great info on building cages step by step. http://www.arbreCptiles.com/graphics/cdcbr3.gif

I also went with melamine. Very good material and looks pretty nice without having to paint or stain it. Very safe for those reasons too. Don't want the heat to give off strong fumes from the stain or paint. I put screened vents on each side, and one in the back for ventilation. These cages hold in heat very well. I put the light fixtures on the inside wire out the back, so I could stack one on the other. Really good idea if you plan on keeping multiply dragons. If you hit the link Mystical Dragons below. I have a pic of the cage the first day I put my dragon in it. It was rather plain then, but I made it look really nice now, need a new pic
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Mystical Dragons

http://www.arbreptiles.com/cages/tips.html
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Mystical Dragons