The exo terra is very nice but I find that much of it is wasted on vertical space when it comes to garters. It would be much better if it was turned on it's side so that you can place heat emitters and/or basking/florescent lights no more than 18 inches above the substrate. For garters, think big area, low ceiling. Mostly, I buy low profile 10-40 gallon long slide-lock tanks through craigslist, for about a dollar a gallon. Also picked up plenty of dome light fixtures for around $5 each. By far, the most expensive equipment is the bulbs (ceramic heat emitters and basking bulbs) and remote wireless digital thermometers I have.