Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am constructing a 90" by 40" by 48" enclosure for a couple of monitors(still undecided on which species between a few arboreal monitors. The glass will be on 2 sides. 1 pane will be about 34 by 72" and the other about 40 by 72". I am not sure what thickness of glass to use and if tempered is needed based on the size of the glass. If anyone could help, It would be greatly appreciated.

Plexiglass is an attractive option for reptiles, however it can be scratched by the monitor's so it will become aesthetically poor over time. I'd recommend 1/3" panes or you can use smaller if costs or something makes an impact, by bracing/dividing the large panes into halves. By providing a proper aboreal perch and climbing options the animals shouldnt put too much strain on the glass. I'd check around other custom cage builders and ask them, many are willing to help no problemo

I am not a fan of plexi glass. Do you guys think 1/8" would break too easy.

The only thing that concerns me is the size of the panes, if you did divide it up by bracing it yea 1/8" should be fne, but if you have to have a whole pane of 40x72" I would be concerned with only using 1/8" glass. By putting a brace across the glass so it would be 40x32 panes you might have more luck, but if you can use quarter inch thick glass for the sides that would still be best, even if you did brace it as mentioned. Monitors can be strong and heavy and push things around with some force.

Thanks man. I wanted to do it out of melamine but I am having second thoughts about that.

Anyone else have any thoughts

Have you considered polycarbonate (Lexan)? It's more expensive, but it is a little more scratch resistant, doesn't yellow like plexi and is virtually unbreakable.
My father works in the plastics industry and after speaking to him at length I'm going to use polycarbonate for several cages I'm about to build.

You can find it on the internet with a little searching or go to a local supplier of industrial plastics if you can find one in your area.
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