kstwrites90
Member
Hello everyone,
I will be a first time owner, and I've been researching enclosures and the best types for a reasonable price. I was wondering if it was possible to turn a regular 40 gallon aquarium tank into an terrarium with a door on the front (removing the glass pane and replacing it with the door)? If it is, what would you use for a front door and how could you install to the front? Are there conversion kits for this type of thing? I know there are for geckos and other arboreal reptiles on a smaller scale, but is there for large, horizontal enclosures?
I've read front doors are better than tanks because bearded dragons do not like you reaching down from the top for them, as it mimics prey, so that it is why I would prefer a terrarium. For those that have regular aquarium tanks, have you noticed if it distressing them if you do go in from the top for them? Also, since tanks are glass, is it hard to keep them warm? My house stays on the colder side in winter and hotter in summer.
Also, would it be more cost effective to simply build a simple enclosure? The breeder I've chosen says oak and birch are safe to use, but are there other types of wood (no melamine, as I've read it can release toxins and be harmful)? Is plywood safe and durable? I would tile the entire thing if I went this route, so would sealing the wood still be necessary? Safety for my future little guy is of the utmost importance to me.
Thanks for any help and suggestions,
.ks.
I will be a first time owner, and I've been researching enclosures and the best types for a reasonable price. I was wondering if it was possible to turn a regular 40 gallon aquarium tank into an terrarium with a door on the front (removing the glass pane and replacing it with the door)? If it is, what would you use for a front door and how could you install to the front? Are there conversion kits for this type of thing? I know there are for geckos and other arboreal reptiles on a smaller scale, but is there for large, horizontal enclosures?
I've read front doors are better than tanks because bearded dragons do not like you reaching down from the top for them, as it mimics prey, so that it is why I would prefer a terrarium. For those that have regular aquarium tanks, have you noticed if it distressing them if you do go in from the top for them? Also, since tanks are glass, is it hard to keep them warm? My house stays on the colder side in winter and hotter in summer.
Also, would it be more cost effective to simply build a simple enclosure? The breeder I've chosen says oak and birch are safe to use, but are there other types of wood (no melamine, as I've read it can release toxins and be harmful)? Is plywood safe and durable? I would tile the entire thing if I went this route, so would sealing the wood still be necessary? Safety for my future little guy is of the utmost importance to me.
Thanks for any help and suggestions,
.ks.