40g breeder or 90g tall? Better living?

[amazingparkour]

Hey all, currently my BD is in a 40g breeder with the dimensions being about 36 x 18 x 17''. I recently acquired a used 90g tall terrarium. It measures about 24 x 24 x 36''. I was wondering if the (obviously bigger) 90g tank would make a better enclosure for her. The 40g has more ground space for her, while the 90g has more vertical space. The shape of it is perfect for fixing branches to allow her to climb several feet high, but there are several problems. One being how BDs are semi-arboreal, meaning they frequently inhabit trees but aren't completely arboreal. The other problem, the bigger problem , is that it's gonna be a pain to take her out. With all these branches in the way, or if she's sitting on the bottom floor, she's gonna be hard to grab. So the main question is, do beardies prefer a large ground area, or a large height? I can't have both, it's either one or the other. Keep in mind that the 90g offers 50 more gallons of space, whether horizontal or vertical- but the idea is will she utilize it?

I'd expect the 90g tank would change the temperature gradient too. The top half of the tank would be the hot end, while the bottom half would be the cool end. Lighting should be fine, with UVB and heat lamps at the top over the mesh.

 

[TheWolfmanTom]

Floor space is always going to be better for your pooper.

 

[luvanimals]

They like to climb on large, low branches. Mine prefers basking and hunting on the ground though. I would definitely go with the 40 gallon breeder.

 

[amazingparkour]

Thanks for the input all...figuring that they're desert reptiles, it makes sense to prefer more ground area.

 

[EShell]

Another issue with a tall tank is that you will always come in looming over your Beardie, which makes most of them nervous. The 40 breeder has more than 10% more floor space than the tall 90. For these reasons, I'd suggest the low tank as well.

 

[amazingparkour]

Another issue with a tall tank is that you will always come in looming over your Beardie, which makes most of them nervous. The 40 breeder has more than 10% more floor space than the tall 90. For these reasons, I'd suggest the low tank as well.

Gotcha. I think the 90 tall would be better suited for a tree-dwelling species...so I'll hang onto it for future cases.

 

[RolandKyramere]

With those dimensions, you could probably make a pretty awesome crested or gargoyle gecko set-up.

 

[amazingparkour]

With those dimensions, you could probably make a pretty awesome crested or gargoyle gecko set-up.

I'll keep those in mind for when I have the cash and dedication, thanks.