Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am close to switching my baby Sav over to a bigger cage with a dirt substrate and wondering if anyone thinks it is a bad idea to put burrowing dirt/sand in a Big Apple herp acrylic cage. Do you think it may crack? I have thoroughly sealed the bottom seams but am worried that the cage won't be able to deal with the weight of the dirt. I was thinking that I could get some kind of plastic bin for the bottom if the cage can't deal with the substrate. This is a 65 gallon cage and I know it will not be big enough for an adult Sav but it could hold me over for a few months.

Thanks in advance.

I guess thats a question more so of the grade of acrylic or polycarbonate that is used in the cage. Keep in mind sharp point (rocks/stones) pressed up against acrylic can crack it.

Nonetheless, look at how they have the cages utilized on the website, a few branches and some fake grass or 1" of moss or mulch. Then instead think of 300 to 500 lbs of dirt on one. Better off probably investing for the long term with one enclosure, I procrastinated with my Water Monitor like you are going from one enclosure to the next and that just leads to problems.

But then again you can do what you want, and what is going to work for you.

Goodluck,
mike.

Thanks for the input Mike. this is a cage that I already own. I am thinking of sticking with mulch for the time being and trying dirt at a later date; probably when the lizard outgrows this 3' x 18" x 2' cage, which I'm guessing could be rather soon...
I may end up enlisting my Dad the woodworker to help me make something. Then I will have to figure out where to put the thing in my tiny condo!