Advice on enclosure selection

[suivezmoi]

So I'm in the beginning stages of decided if I'm going to get a beardie or not. At the moment I'm trying to price out start up costs and see if it's something I can afford (I don't like to start things unless I'm able to do the most I can for the animal in terms of space and stuff)

I've found a breeder in San Antonio, and they also make custom cages. I'm trying to decide if the best option is to get a custom cage from them, or if I should get a tank off CL and then get the rest of the stuff necessary. I'm trying to decided which is the best option cost wise and stress wise.

So the custom cage that I'm thinking about is 36" x 24" x 18" cage, (I'll include pictures) it has acrylic sliding doors that open to the front and it's made with 1/2" to 3/4" MDF covered with melamine. It has 3 screened vents 16" x 8" vents, one on the back and one on each side. It comes with:
-600 watt poreclin incandescent lamp fixture
-18" T8 fluorescent light fixture.

I'd be adding wood trim on the outside for $50, little door handle things for $15 and another 600 watt porcelin light fixture for night heath for $20 (though I could upgrade to a steerable heat light/ CHE fixture for $35, not sure if I need it)

This all ends up being $310 or if I wanted a 48" x 24" x 18" with all the same stuff it comes out to $385

Here are some pictures of the cage

I am thinking about DIYing a basking rock/hidey hole. I'm still trying to look int the whole thermometer, timer things and what else I might need. I want to make sure I have a big enough space for a beardie, and have it be something I do not have to upgrade anytime soon. So what are ya'lls thoughts? Should I go with the custom set-up, or just get an aquarium and try to do the rest on my own.

 

[suivezmoi]

The breeder is South Texas Dragons in San Antonio if anyone is familiar.

 

[CooperDragon]

That's a very nice looking enclosure. I would use a T5 light in one that size rather than a T8 though. The T5 has an optimal basking distance of 12-14'' from the bulb while the T8 has an optimal distance of only about 6''. I'm sure you could retrofit that enclosure with one if needed. I'd get one about half the length or a little more (22/24'' should do nicely, mounted on the basking light side). Something like this http://www.lightyourreptiles.com/22-t-5-ho-fixture-high-output-with-arcadia-d3-12-ho-bulb/

If you wanted to go all DIY, you could build one of the crossfire enclosures and have full customization control. It comes down to how handy you are I suppose. Here are some plans for the crossfire that may be helpful https://beardies.dreamwidth.org/2145.html

Lighting is one of the more crucial elements so I'd put most of your budget toward proper lights. Then you can DIY "furniture" and use sanitized sticks and rocks from outside. Lots of options there. Keep in mind that you'll also need to have feeders on hand. I like using dubia roaches. They cost a bit more than crickets up front but if you start a colony they become self sustaining after a few months and are cheaper in the long run (and easier to take care of than crickets).

 

[Taterbug]

I would get as large an enclosure as your space and budget will allow. When you dragon is grown you will both appreciate the space for adult sized furnishings and enrichment.

If your not handy that's a decent price, but a few tools and some room to work and the viv cooper linked you is pretty easy and a good size. Mine cost about 100-150$. I wouldn't go smaller than 48x24 if you can help it, and even then I ended up building a 48x24x48 enclosure. Also, depending on the type, acrylic scratches alot easier than glass does.

At 18" a reflected T5 may eat up alot of the vertical space. If you place it in the front, against the lip area you can get more use out of the enclosure and not be blinded by the UV light shining into your eyes. The lamp should be basically shining on the dragons back wherever you end up mounting it.