Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Has anyone ever had a crocodilian break a glass aquarium? I need to build an enclosure for a 7-8' nile. I am planning on it being built from plywood and fiberglass with 1/2" tempered glass on the front window. Any thoughts on him breaking the glass?

John Paner

I would go with polycarbonat for something that large. Polycarbonate is virtually unbreakable.Tempered glass is strong but can break.Most manufacturers will not worranty the glass after delivery.It has bin known for spontaneaus breaking.I would not trust it.

The problem with acrylic is that it will scratch.

Acrylic will scratch and then it looks awful. I would go with glass.
But I would'nt have the glass at the same level as the croc.
Whether he does a head snap or tail smack or lunges at the glass if the glass is a little higher than him it will take away a lot of momentum.
Where I use to work we had a 9 foot plus 300lb female salt. She would stand up and lunge against the glass the whole wall would shake. This was a huge piece of glass. It never broke.
I don't know how tall you'll make your enclosure but if you could go up a few feet with something other than glass I think you would save yourself alot of heartache. Not to mention perpetually cleaning glass.
D.C.

The idea with this enclosure is to see the croc in and out of the water. Basically this will be a large aquarium. 16' long, 8' wide, and 3' deep. I need this to hold him for about a year.

John Paner

Well, most likely it won't break it, since the glass will be holding back some water, and the water will prevent the croc from hitting it at full force.

IF it were a problem, places like St. Augustine, wouldn't have their salty in a similar type exhibit(although it is deeper). Several others zoos use glass as well, and it doesn't seem to be a problem....however, the crocs may be more acclimated to people.

I would call or visit the facilities and ask them what thickness of glass they use. Maybe you'll just have to go up to 3/4 or 1-inch, just to be safe. Cincy Zoo has a glass fronted exhibit for their large acutus as well, but he usually stays in teh back of the exhibit away from the glass. I think nearly ever place I've been too in the North houses their crocs behind glass...they simply don't lunge at the glass. If the croc does do this repeatedly, I'd have second thoughts about displaying it.

MCH

Here's the pic:

Chris

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