Is this really a good idea?

[ThatGreenRanger]

So lately I have been noticing my beardie is getting close to outgrowing his 20 gallon tank. 40 gallons are super expensive, especially the ones with the sliding/doors in the front. Me being me, I started trying to find an alternative, when I came across these

for $20 at my local walmart. Now I dont know about where you come from, but when I saw the $100-$300 price range on some 40 gallons with the access in the front, and then in turn saw the 50 gallon rubber maid container, the gears in my head started turning. Im asking all of your opinions on taking one of theese rubber maid containers, getting some screen material or plexi glass and making a new home for my little buddy. My main concerns are is it safe? Or is there something in the plastic that could potentially harm my dragon? Do you think that the heat lamps could possibly melt the bottom or sides of the container? How would you go about adding ventilation/viewing/ spots for lights? I have recently seen pictures of breeders using smaller clear plastic containers but havent seen anything else on the subject. Im here to listen to what anyones got to say so dont be shy! Thank you for your time and effort in helping me figure this out, and by saving me money.

 

[charmander16]

No it's not a good idea.

Also getting a 40 gallon tank is an even worse idea. If you already have a 20 gallon tank then you need to get at least 75 gallon tank or a 4X2X2 viv.

The best thing to do is buy one used on craigslist. Really there is no reason to buy a new viv. There are tons of used ones for sale much cheaper. It's still going to cost you over $100 most likely, but there are some good deals out there if you look around.

I would not get a 40 gallon at all, that would be a waste, because in 6 months he would outgrow that too and you'd be needing to buy another new viv.

You could use that plastic bin as a short term solution while you look for something bigger, but as a permanent home I'd say no.

And in terms of breeders, many breeders have no concern at all for quality of life of their animals they are just trying to maximize money. Why have a pet if you don't even care about it's quality of life?