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

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