Best place to buy 20gal terrariums?

[RedSidedSPR]

I'd like to buy a 20gal terrarium soon, for my next garter or water snake, which ever is next. But the ones at my pet stores are $70-$80 bucks. I know a lot of you have recommended Craigslist, but my area (Raleigh Craigslist) doesn't have any except for the occasional piece of crap.

[Mommy2many]

Try flea markets. They should be active now or soon.

[RedSidedSPR]

Thanks, I will. But I don't have many near my area...

[ConcinusMan]

I get all my tanks on craigslist. It's best if you're not in a hurry. You can post a wanted ad or be patient, check every day, and bingo, a deal will come up. I never pay more than $1 a gallon. That goes for slide-lock 20 and 40 gallon reptile tanks. I also paid the equivalent of $50 for my 55 gallon long tank, which is 4 feet, X 1 foot. Then I paid around $20 for a screen that fits the top.

I even found a 6 foot long glass tank once for $75 but I don't have room for it.

[kibakiba]

I got a really nice tank from the thrift store. It's a Zilla 20 gallon. It was missing the top, but I contacted Rob Moneyhan (someone from Zilla) about a replacement and they shipped one to me free of charge. I haven't received it yet, but he had to order it for me, and should be here in a couple weeks. Try looking for them at second hand stores. We got the 20 gallon for 5 dollars. Very much worth it.

[guidofatherof5]

I got a really nice tank from the thrift store. It's a Zilla 20 gallon. It was missing the top, but I contacted Rob Moneyhan (someone from Zilla) about a replacement and they shipped one to me free of charge. I haven't received it yet, but he had to order it for me, and should be here in a couple weeks.

That is good customer service.

[ConcinusMan]

I got a really nice tank from the thrift store. It's a Zilla 20 gallon.

yeah, that's the one's I'm talking about. Sliding screen top with locking tabs. People offer them up on craigslist pretty often.

[drache]

one needs to be patient, but they do pop up on craigslist
in my area there's also freecycle, so you might check whether there's something like it where you are

[ConcinusMan]

Yeah, patience is needed. I'm always checking. Every few months at most, something pops up that I can't pass up. If I ever get this old hide-a-bed couch out of my snake room, I'll probably setup another shelf system like my other one. I'm going to have to. There's a few more species/morphs I just gotta get in the next few years. I have the empty tanks for it now. Got them by watching craigslist and paid very little for them. A few of the 20 gallon zilla slide lock tanks, I only paid 10 or 15 bucks for and they're practically new.

[justme]

Craigslist is definitely the way to go! ;-)

By the way, I've purchased brand new 20 gallons from Petsmart for 20 bucks in the fish department. I build my own "dual sided" screen top lids with chrome hinges and handles. ;-)

[RedSidedSPR]

I get all my tanks on craigslist. It's best if you're not in a hurry.

I'm not in a hurry. I'll keep checking it, maybe post a "wanted" ad...


I got a really nice tank from the thrift store. It's a Zilla 20 gallon. It was missing the top, but I contacted Rob Moneyhan (someone from Zilla) about a replacement and they shipped one to me free of charge. I haven't received it yet, but he had to order it for me, and should be here in a couple weeks. Try looking for them at second hand stores. We got the 20 gallon for 5 dollars. Very much worth it.

That's the same one I have, but I got it at Petsmart for 70 BUCKS!! Looking back I wish I had found a used one. Jeez, $5?


one needs to be patient, but they do pop up on craigslist
in my area there's also freecycle, so you might check whether there's something like it where you are

I have freecycle too, but never really used it. I will though.

[RedSidedSPR]

Craigslist is definitely the way to go! ;-)

By the way, I've purchased brand new 20 gallons from Petsmart for 20 bucks in the fish department. I build my own "dual sided" screen top lids with chrome hinges and handles. ;-)

How?

[kibakiba]

The first tank I got was a 15 gallon, for 60. I regret that. The 20 gallon we got was 60, but on sale. I regret that too. At least the 5 dollar tank makes up for that ;)

[justme]

Any hardware store - go to the screen aisle (for screen doors) to pick up your supplies. I used gorilla glue to glue on the hinges and handles. Make sure you sand down and scratch up the smooth, metal surface areas before bonding. The screen lids I made (when pushed up from inside the tank) makes a very slight gap that only the tiniest baby garter can possibly slip out of (not an adult) so out of precaution I use a tank clasp for added security. Anyway, making screen lids can be a bit time consuming but I thought I'd add it here. ;-) By the way, I am currently building a wooden, turtle basking furniture with nesting sand box area from scratch. It's huge but I believe the hardware store can be a reptile hobbyist's best friend! ;-)

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/132.jpg

Another reason to go to the hardware store. Black silicone, eco earth, foam, and you can build caves and fake rocks that are washable! Here's one of my samples.

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/18.jpg

And here's a youtube vid for screens.

YouTube - How-To Build a Square-Cut Screen or Storm Window Kit (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLhZ7IVq7Ac)

Goodluck Redsided SPR! ;-)

[drache]

thanks for that vid - very helpful

[RedSidedSPR]

Thanks. Might try that. I Like the caves you made.

[justme]

I've kept amphibians (still have some) and have learned a lot from blackjungle.com. Great website! Here is a link to one of their showcase displays.

Showcase Terrarium - a set on Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29741813@N05/sets/72157623154473638/)

Although this is NOT for garters, their methods have taught and inspired me greatly. For example, I have learned very simple things such as how to bond 2 pieces of wood together (where it holds securely and is nontoxic) and I have incorporated their techniques on many of my setups including snakes. Anyway, just wanted to pass on a great website that I feel is inspirational.

Welcome to Black Jungle Terrarium Supply - The Natural Choice! (http://www.blackjungleterrariumsupply.com/)

[RedSidedSPR]

Thanks. I'll check that out soon.

[tminc]

I have 20 that you can have,just come vacation in austin with a truck!

[RedSidedSPR]

Not happening:D Thanks though

[ConcinusMan]

Here we go. This is exactly the kind of thing I'm talking about. I hope it isn't gone yet. I'm snagging this up: 55GAL TANK W/SCREEN LID $ 60 (http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/pet/2373236057.html)

[Mommy2many]

Hey Richard,

I just saw one this past weekend in my area for $35.00.
Couldn't get it, cause I don't have the room.

[RedSidedSPR]

Nice.

Well the whole 20gal longing is gone, because hopefully this week, I'm getting one of Scotts new babies!! Either a anery or a melanistic! So all I'll need is a 10gal until he gets big enough to go in with my other.

Already found one (lots more choices with the 10gals) FOR 10 BUCKS!!
Gonna pick that up tomorrow!

[guidofatherof5]

The scene is set. All that is needed is the snake.
Looking forward to seeing your snake.;)

[ConcinusMan]

Ditto

[Millinex]

Craigslist is probably one of the best markets you can find. I go through a ton of aquariums off there. A lot of people sell snake+tank for a very low margin. I keep the snake in a rack system and sell off the tank at a higher price. I picked up a pair of corn snakes with 55 gallon setup with lights etc for $50, sold the cage the next day for $75.

Never buy from a pet store, the prices are just raw stupid, and never pay $10 for a 10g tank on craigslist, you can find them for $10 brand new in wal-mart, I sell all my 10g tanks for $5, 20s for $15, 29s for $20, 55s for $50, 75s for $60, these are about the most stable prices around here. If you're in a pinch, go pay $5 for a plastic bin until one comes along, and be patient. No reason to pay $60 at petsmart just to "have it sooner".

[infernalis]

I pick up several aquariums a year along the side of the road in front yards for free.

I have 3 55 gallon tanks that were all free.

I used one for rats.

Picked up 2 big tanks with chrome frames and slate bottoms for free, the caulking is rotted out, but they cleaned up perfect, and I don't care if they are watertight.

[Millinex]

I pick up several aquariums a year along the side of the road in front yards for free.

I have 3 55 gallon tanks that were all free.

I used one for rats.

Picked up 2 big tanks with chrome frames and slate bottoms for free, the caulking is rotted out, but they cleaned up perfect, and I don't care if they are watertight.
Yea, watch the free section, plenty of stuff there. Although, I never figured why people would buy an aquarium, which isn't customizable for some high price, when they can build something larger and more effective for half the cost?

A 55 gallon generally will run you about $75 here ($50 if you get it from me). That's what, 4x1.5x1.5 if I'm recalling right? For $100, I can build a 7x4x4 with light fixtures/switches, sliding doors, built in water basins, with locks and stand.

-Mike

[RedSidedSPR]

The scene is set. All that is needed is the snake.
Looking forward to seeing your snake.;)


Still not sure whether to get the Anery red sided, or the Melanistic eastern...
But whichever it is... It'll be TOMORROW!!

[guidofatherof5]

Come on tomorrow:D

[RedSidedSPR]

It may actually be TODAY!! Mostly Scotts choice. Whenever it's convenient for him. He doesn't allow us to got there, he has to come HERE.

[guidofatherof5]

I understand Scott's decision to come to you.
In the same way the Bat Cave isn't listed :D

Looks like it will be soon on your snake.
Best of luck.

[ConcinusMan]

The bat cave:rolleyes:



Never buy from a pet store, the prices are just raw stupid, and never pay $10 for a 10g tank on craigslist, you can find them for $10 brand new in wal-mart, I sell all my 10g tanks for $5, 20s for $15, 29s for $20, 55s for $50, 75s for $60, these are about the most stable prices around here. If you're in a pinch, go pay $5 for a plastic bin until one comes along, and be patient. No reason to pay $60 at petsmart just to "have it sooner".

Those prices sound right about in the range I pay usually, sometimes cheaper. That price list is a good guideline to follow. If you're paying more than that, it's too much. My first 55 long I got in trade for a 4 foot pueblan milk snake. I got the milk snake in a 20 gallon long for $25.

[infernalis]

The bat cave:rolleyes:



Those prices sound right about in the range I pay usually, sometimes cheaper. That price list is a good guideline to follow. If you're paying more than that, it's too much. My first 55 long I got in trade for a 4 foot pueblan milk snake. I got the milk snake in a 20 gallon long for $25.


Funny, I keep my adult pueblan in a 55.

[Millinex]

I keep mine in a shoebox rubbermaid. =/

[ConcinusMan]

I wouldn't doubt it. And Wayne, yeah that tank was too darn small for the snake, that's for sure. That's just what she came in, and for $25 I wasn't complaining. The snake was way underfed and having a lot of trouble shedding when I got her too. The owner didn't even have electric service at their house and it was cold. I fattened her up over 6 months, got her in better condition and shedding properly then I traded her (snake only) for the 55 gallon tank. She now lives with a friend who keeps her in a big enclosure in heated reptile room and she's doing great.

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//689/medium/GEDC0742_Small_.JPG

http://img694.imageshack.us/img694/741/gedc0738.jpg

[RedSidedSPR]

I keep mine in a shoebox rubbermaid. =/

Is there anything you don't keep in a shoebox rubbermaid? I've never thought your methods were cruel, but I'm thinking that this time. Milksnkaes need room.

[Millinex]

Is there anything you don't keep in a shoebox rubbermaid? I've never thought your methods were cruel, but I'm thinking that this time. Milksnkaes need room.
I don't keep monitors/bearded dragons in rubbermaids. The only snake I would probably keep out of one, would be too large to buy one, or indigo snakes. Milksnakes do fine in rack systems.

[ConcinusMan]

Milksnakes do fine in rack systems.

This is true. They are rather sedentary by nature and are quite content to bury themselves in the substrate of a tub and stay there. They're not naturally inquisitive and active as garters. At least that's been my observation.

[infernalis]

all of my milk snakes live under their water bowls.

[RedSidedSPR]

I agree they aren't near as active. But...

Can I ask, why you don't keep Beadies and monitors in tubs?

[Millinex]

Beardies because I appreciate them far too much, they don't need huge enclosures, but I Give them an aquarium anyway. Monitors because they are thinking and have cognitive reasoning, and are 100% trainable animals.

[ConcinusMan]

But not because they require UV huh? You're a strange one.

[RedSidedSPR]

So you don't appreciate snakes, so you keep them poorly?

Look, I respect your opinion, and I'm not trying to annoy you. Sorry.

[RedSidedSPR]

GOT THE SNAKE!! Baby anerythristic. Beautiful little guy!