Buying Vivariums

[abcat1993]

I just wanted to start a thread on buying vivariums for your snake
(or other reptiles). I wanted to see if there are any good websites or stores that are relatively cheap and look good.

[Stefan-A]

Well, again there's the possibility that I didn't understand you correctly, or that you actually meant something different:

Unless I have got it all backwards, nobody except for a few people worldwide makes and sells vivariums (as in "terrarium that simulates a part of an ecosystem") and I can pretty much guarantee that they aren't cheap. It's something you're going to have to make yourself and I wouldn't even consider it.

[abcat1993]

By vivariums I meant enclosures in general. I was looking online for 20+ gallon glass tanks for my snake, which it will most likely need eventually.

[KITKAT]

I found a nice 20 Long available at Petsmart for $55.99. It has a built-in sliding screen top.

However, when I priced a regular 20 Long and a Tough Top to fit on top, the price came to $42.99.

Not sure the sliding top is worth an extra $13.00...

Also, one can usually find a 40 Long available at Walmart for a REALLY good price when compared to a 55.

For those who are not familiar with this size... a 40 long is the same exact floor space as a 55 gallon tank, but the sides are not quite as high.

[abcat1993]

For a garter floor space is, as you said, more important than the overall height, since they generally don't climb (or at least mine doesn't)
I don't have a walmart near me, but we do have a Target. I am goingn there today and will look

[abcat1993]

I was considering a 40 gallon tank from petsmart for my snake (not anytime soon). Would that be WAY too big, or just too big (or too small)?
At the rate my snake is growing, I wouldn't be surprised if it was 3+ feet long.

[KITKAT]

The more room you give your snake, the happier he or she will be :)

A 40 is a perfect tank, in my opinion, because it has the same base size as a 55, but it has somewhat lower sides, which makes it easier to get that basking area warm.

[Stefan-A]

Both of mine climb, so I can't really say extra height is wasted space. Then again, I've made the upper branches work as an extra basking spot and that keeps them in the open and easier to observe.

[suzoo]

I have mine in a 55 and they also clime. I put a little log in as an extra basking place also. And I'm still trying to post my pics, I'm not computer literate enough, I really stink at it! lol

[drache]

my favourites here in the US are glasscages.com
they have a huge variety, are very reasonable and will modify for a reasonable charge
they come to most major expos
I call them about a month ahead, if I want a modification
the most expensive tank I got from them was a 4'x2'x17"
I had them put in sliding doors (modification)
it came to $180.- total
I don't have the time to build tanks
I do build racks for the tanks
they're a bit rustic
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//525/IMG_0596.jpg
I'm gonna redo this one after we move
I was so entranced with the sweeping grain on the center board, that I didn't realize how warped it was
also - I want to fit another tank or two

[Cazador]

Very cool, Rhea. I didnt' know such a place existed, and they do seem to have very good prices!

Rick

[abcat1993]

Wow, that's a good deal. 4' X 2' X 17" is what, a 75 gallon tank? How much is shipping, because most places I've seen with tanks that big have them for sale for $150-200 (before tax). I might buy my 40 gallon breeder from there then (or what would be close to it) since Petco sells them for the "great" price of $110!

[adamanteus]

Matt, I would guess that shipping on such a bulky and heavy item would be pretty expensive. I think Rhea mentioned that they go all the reptile expos. Maybe you could get one from a local show next time?

[abcat1993]

I was trying to convince my dad to go do the one in Madison or Chicago, although the one in chicago is this weekend and I completely forgot about it, so thanks for reminding me.

[drache]

shipping costs are horrendous on glass tanks
absolutely get them at an expo
they also have pickup drops Chicago once a month
those have a very reasonable charge
in case you can't wait for the next expo
try this page

Glasscages.com - Deliveries / Show List (http://glasscages.com/?sAction=Deliv)

I think they want three or four weeks pre-order for modifications - less for their regular stuff

They also sell tank frames, sheet glass and plastic

their stuff is basic, but I'm very happy with my sliding glass tanks
and the good thing about basic is that one need not make agonizing aesthetic choices - it goes with everything else basic

[KITKAT]

You can sometimes find tanks available on craigs list or freecycle.

[abcat1993]

I might be going to a Chicago reptile show/expo thing on the 14th, so I'll look there. Otherwise, I think I'd try craigslist.

[drache]

Wow, that's a good deal. 4' X 2' X 17" is what, a 75 gallon tank? How much is shipping, because most places I've seen with tanks that big have them for sale for $150-200 (before tax). I might buy my 40 gallon breeder from there then (or what would be close to it) since Petco sells them for the "great" price of $110!

I forget what the exact size of a 40G breeder is, but just for comparison:
Glasscages has a "40G long" (35"x18"x13") for $50.-
With sliding doors it's $100.-
The 17" tall one with the same footprint, they call a "50G tall" and it's $20.- more.

[KITKAT]

Nah... go to Walmart. Cheaper. Where I get all my 40's.:rolleyes:

[drache]

they have tanks at walmart?
how much are they?
there isn't one around here, but I'm curious
any tanks at our local stores and pet chins are way more

[KITKAT]

Depends on which Walmart and what city you are in, but yes, here we have a small pet store in our Walmart, and if I watch for them, I can get 20L, 29, 30L and 40L at certain times.

[abcat1993]

What's the pricing of the 40s?

[KITKAT]

It's been awhile... maybe a year since I got one, but it was $63.

[drache]

that is a good price
and I think that must be near the bottom price that one can get a new one for
that size at glasscages costs $70.-, so that's pretty close
I can feel okay about that

[abcat1993]

But it's probably higher quality at Glasscages (probably doesn't matter if you're not putting water in it though).

[drache]

I can't say that their basic tanks are great quality
serviceable, but sometimes the top frame can be loose
their sliding door cages are much better quality
a bit more expensive though
but I've thought of it this way:
the basic tank at petco is still more expensive than the same size with sliding doors from glasscages
there - purchase upgrade justified