Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello, does anyone know where I could purchase sheets of 4 x 8 1/4 inch acrylic at a reasonable cost? I live in Wisconsin.
Thanks for any input !
John

John,

Your best bet is to start by calling plastic distributors in the major cities withing driving distance of where you live. If you have or can borrow a vehicle than can carry them you'll save a lot of money this way.

If you can't haul it yourself then at least you've located the closest places and should save on shipping. Acrylic is pretty heavy so this is a concern.

It really depends on how many sheets you need and what the minimum order is from any given company. Only then can you decide if it's worth the drive.

But in general with sheet goods you're always better off finding a local/regional supplier. This time of year it might even be cheap for you to rent a Uhaul or trailer/hitch to go pick it up.

Again, that would depend on how many sheets you need.
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Current snakes:

0.2 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Silver/Yellow)

3.3 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Green)

2.1 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black)

3.3 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black & Tan)

Hurley area (way up there). I only need a couple of sheets for now. I guess I was wondering if Menards,Home Depot, or some other "superstore" might carry the acrylic sheets and who would have the best price.

>>Hurley area (way up there).

I'm guessing that's not an afternoon's drive to Chicago, LOL?

>>I only need a couple of sheets for now.

I would stick local, then.

>>I guess I was wondering if Menards,Home Depot, or some other "superstore" might carry the acrylic sheets and who would have the best price.

With acrylic you really get what you pay for. If they carry Plexiglass brand then they might be a good place to start. If they just carry a generic brand I don't recommend it. It really depends on what you're using it for.

For cheap cages with framed, hinged doors a cheap acrylic is fine. It may yellow, warp and scratch a bit but it will work. If you're solvent welding panels together to make a cage then you really need a higher quality acrylic.

Plexiglass is good enough in that regard.

Beware that if you ask for Plexiglass many people use that as a general term for any acrylic. Make sure it's actually plexiglass if that's what you need.
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Current snakes:

0.2 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Silver/Yellow)

3.3 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Green)

2.1 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black)

3.3 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black & Tan)

The acrylic is for the basic snake cage where I would frame in the piece of glass. I don't want anything that would yellow over time, so I guess I will check plexiglass prices in my area.
Thanks for your help,
John

So this is just for doors with a wooden or other solid frame?

The cheaper acylic can yellow and is much more sensitive to many of the disinfectants we use in herpetoculture.

I believe Plexiglass will be fine.
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Current snakes:

0.2 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Silver/Yellow)

3.3 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Green)

2.1 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black)

3.3 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black & Tan)

No, it would be for the front, the main viewing area.

>>No, it would be for the front, the main viewing area.

Regardless, if it's going to be in a frame and not solvent welded to another piece then you should be fine with something of decent quality.

I would still not use the generic stuff from Home Depot and similar places unless they have actual plexiglass.
-----
Current snakes:

0.2 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Silver/Yellow)

3.3 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Green)

2.1 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black)

3.3 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black & Tan)

When it comes to Acrylic (plexiglass), the superstores are definately not cheaper. Look in your local phone book under plastic distributors or fabricators, give them a call and see what kind of price they give you.

Once again, when you call ask for 4x8 sheets of 1/4" acrylic, (not plexiglass), this will give them the hint that you what you want and what you are talking about.

Also, some distributors will even cut the sheet to the sizes you need for the same price.

Hope this helps

Mark Mertens

Sorry, it's Plexiglas, I spelled it wrong.

Thanks,

Mark Mertens

n/p

Midland Plastics in Weston (near Wausau) would have any and all Acrylic and/or expanded PVC, glue, and any other accesories you may need. They will also give you any technical advice you need.