Exo Terra Terrariums

[AuroraB4Dawn]

Hi, I'm new to the world of BD's, but I was curious on peoples opinion on the Exo Terra Terrariums before I get all my things together to purchase a beardie. I understand that they are not as wide as some would like for a dragon enclosure. But I really enjoy the front glass doors. I don't have the time or resources to build my own enclosure. However, I was thinking about getting the 36x18x24 exo terra terrarium, because then I can still build up. I believe that the 36x18x18 is too shallow for allowing the dragon to climb around, I don't want any accidents with light fixtures or escapes. If you could give me some insight it would be much appreciated. Thank you. ~Madi

 

[Claudiusx]

Shallow as in not tall enough or not deep enough?

18 inches in height, and in depth is a good.

It is what 40g breeders are.

-Brandon

 

[blue11]

HI HI and WELCOME to the BEARDIE WORLD!!!

so i think this is the viv your are talking about:

http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4070851

The PLUS side to this viv is that it does open in the front. thats the best, front opening doors. The downsides are that with the rock wall in the back, you wouldnt be able to mount a ReptiSUN 10.0 tube against the back, it would have to sit on the screen top. which isnt the end of the world, people do sit their tubes on top of the screens, just make sure there is no plastc between the screen and the UV tube ... the tubes dont put off significant heat so dont worry about it resting right on the screen.

Ideally you want nothing, not any kind of barrier at all between the UVB tube and the beardie. This is so they can get an un-interrupted full spectrum for the full benefits of the artifical "sun rays"
if you did get this, you also want to think about the extras your would need - A dome top to put his heat bulb in and A hood for your UV tube.
If you are not happy with the measurements of this viv, go with your gut and dont get it. you will kick yourself thinking ARG, i learned this the hard way lol .... oh man, i did. i would have saved SO much money if i just would have done my research and asked questions like you are FIRST!!! smart person you are! So in short, dont settle. Make sure like 100% sure you are getting EXACTLY what you want, preferably one that will you can use from now through their adulthood.

If you get a custom viv built (or if you are carpentry minded, alot of people build there own .... ummmm lol i had someone build mine for me)
but if you get a custom viv, the builder will mount all the fixtures INSIDE the viv for you so you dont have to deal with a hood and a dome. All the wiring will be done for you.

Better yet, you can get the exact size and measurements you want .... typically a 4x2x2 (or even larger) is what most people really love.
I had my 4ft x 20inches x 18inches custom viv built with all the wiring and fixtures done, for about 70 more dollars than that ExoTerra is priced (which is what you would spend on domes and a hood anyhow)
so you can get customs vivs that are actually much larger than this Exxo Terra with everything done inside for you, for not much more $$$!
I actually looked at this same viv you are looking at, then decided to go bigger and get one made out of AVB. it holds heat SO well, and is SO lightweight!!! super easy to clean too. It has sliding plexi-glass front doors. Im just really happy with it.

This isnt a bad viv you are looking at, but just a heads up and a tip, you can get a bigger one, with all the wonderful trimmings mounted inside, for around the same or a little more money, depending on where you buy from. There are a few great sites on the net where you can order custom vivs

Im really excited for you ... do you already have your beardie and are upgrading or are you waiting till you get your new viv?
~Emily and Miss Blue :mrgreen:

 

[blue11]

OH!
and if you have any other questions at allllllll just ask! no question is dumb!!! its the only way to learn, if it wasnt for bd.org, i shiver to think how my beardies life would be so different going on pet store info only.
i never hesitate to ask any questions on here, or even post if im just worried about something that doesnt seem right with Blue. the best part is that there is just about always someone on here will have an answer to even the trickiest of questions, has been through a similar situation and can share info, and most everyone always has awesome suggestions!!! im glad you are here, its an AMAZING site with some really AMAZING people! its the best best best place to be welcome welcome

~Emily and Miss Blue

 

[AuroraB4Dawn]

Thank you soo much for the quick replies. Currently I do not own a dragon (there are no local breeders and the pet stores or out of stock with them :/ ). I want to get my set up done first, cuz I'm planning on DIY'ing my own hideouts and climbing fixtures instead of buying through a store. Also the tank would be in the coolest room of my house (Not much room elsewhere), and winter is nearly here, so I'm terrified that the insane lake effect blizzards that come every so often will disrupt the temps. So I want to maintain my temps before adopting my very own scaly friend.

I believe the exo terra background can be taken out and cut, to fit the needs of other decor or possibly lighting. I was already contemplating on whether mounting the light inside or over top, by cutting the screen or covering the light with extra screen.

 

[blue11]

another thought ....
if you do decide on this viv, i do know those rock walls in the back of Exxo Terra's do slide off and out if you did want to mount your UV tube back there.
Or if you like the rock wall, which your prob do, you could always take it out and cut half of it off, then put it back in, leaving enough room to mount a an 18 inch UV fixture inside. That way you would still have about 15 inches (give or take) of rock wall in length in the back
~Emily and Miss Blue :mrgreen:

 

[blue11]

HA!
simulataneous posts and we were posting the exact same thoughts about the wall .... wierd! ha!
~Emily and Miss Blue :mrgreen:

Its great that you are setting this all up first and getting steady temp readings before you get your beardie.

 

[AuroraB4Dawn]

Haha, that is so funny Yes, I want to be super careful, and correct, I have a limited experience with reptiles, I was to young at the time to own one so they were not cared for properly But now I want to be a responsible mommy with my beardie. I know this is off topic, but I also was wanting to do tile, is there any specific shades/colors that might be preferred? because I'm afraid of getting something too dark and acting like a heat rock and burning him/her.

 

[blue11]

YAY FOR TILE!!!!
awesome!
i use grey/slate coloured tile from lowes. Ive never had a problem with the tile getting to hot at all. I see alot of people using tan tiles too .... i just happened to like the grey. whichever you find that you like
best subtrate around in my opinion, makes life so much easier, so safe, and looks amazing.
Lowes has ALWAYS been SOOOO grat and nice about cutting them for me.
~Emily and Miss Blue :mrgreen: