Aquariums versus Reptile Terrariums

[AntMan612]

I noticed that aquariums tend to be significantly less expensive than terrariums of equal dimensions: on the order of half the price. Granted that the terrariums include a sliding screen top, I am still suspicious that the price is just to take advantage of consumers who might believe the terrariums are more appropriate for reptiles. Am I missing something?

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

A single gecko could be housed in a 10-gal aquarium (minimum) with a screen lid added. You can get aquariums for around $10, and a screen lid for around $7-8.

 

[Ccrashca069]

I have tanks and terrariums. Just price the tank and screen top and the price of the terranium and compare the price. I like the terraniums more just because mine lock. I like the locking because I get my niesce and nephews here sometimes and it is sometime hard to keep your eyes on them 27/7

 

[AntMan612]

I currently have a "20-long" ZooMed terrarium, that I purchased for $65 + tax at PETCO. I've had it for a year and I'm happy with it, but I'd like to purchase a second enclosure (for future geckos). It sounds like I could make a wiser purchase. Does anyone have problems with cats getting in the non-lockable screen tops? (I don't have any cats now, but I'm thinking ahead.)

 

[Ccrashca069]

I have 2 cats that like sleeping on top of them. To help protect the top, I put a screen top over the terranium lockable lid. None of the cats tried getting into the tanks or terraniums yet.

 

[david13]

i use a wooden tank

 

[MagPie]

Yeah I ended up buying a 20L aquarium from Petco for $20 when they were having their $1 per gallon sale. (great deal btw) The only real difference between the aquariums and the reptile tanks, besides the sliding lid, is that the aquarium will have thicker glass than tanks meant for reptiles. Case in point I have cracked the glass on the reptile tank merely just by squeezing the sides to pick it up.... not a bright idea haha

Now I have both, with cats. The aquarium I have a pretty solid screen (meaning its not a flimsy mesh) with the clips that lock it into place pretty well. The reptile tank with the sliding screen with the mesh has been broken into by my exroommate's cat.... my cats don't get onto the screens at all.

 

[acpart]

I don't like the ones with the sliding tops because all my tanks are against the wall. So if I want to open one, I have to slide it out and then reach over the top to get inside. The most cost effective, if you have the time, is to haunt Craigslist and ebay. I sell complete set-ups so I'm always on the lookout for very cheap tanks and covers. If you're worried about something or someone getting into the tank with the screen cover, you can get locking clips for very little extra.

Aliza

 

[ReptileMan27]

Tanks are cheaper and work fine for leos. I use to keep all my leos in tanks but when you get more then a couple leos, tanks take up to much room. I love custom type cages more then tanks, they look nicer but of course cost more. If your looking to use something besides for tanks but affordable I reccomend http://www.herpcages.com great cages and cheap..