What material to use for a new terrarium?!?!

[ShawnD.]

Hey guys, im new to the forum and just wanted to say hi as an opener lol. I want to make a terrarium to my specs!!! My specs are 36in high by 36in in length by 24in in width EXACT. I know height doesnt mater but i just like the way the tall terrarium's look. I dont plan on building it for a lil while due too me planning and drawing out the tank making sure everything while be placed in the right place and to try and rack up a few extra bucks lol. My question to all of you would be what material due I use to make the tank. As of right now im considering Plexyglass from homedepot!!! My only concern with plexyglass though is scratching, im sure after a while it'll get pretty beaten up. I know that glass panes would be ideal and thats really what i would like it to be but i havent exactly priced it yet and im afraid it might be way too expensive. But like i said, i have'nt priced it yet so i may find my self using it lol. This question is a total shot in the dark but would anyone have any ideas of around what price range a pane of glass 36in by 36in would cost me. And does anyone else have any suggestions on what material to use if glass turns out to be too expensive?

 

[ShawnD.]

I didnt place this post in the wrong spot, did I?

 

[fl_orchidslave]

What kind of gecko do you plan to put in this?

 

[houseb]

Plexiglass will fog up after a while, but will probably be cheaper. I'm not sure how well plexiglass does with a UTH mounted to it either (warping, melting, etc). In addition, if you decide to use it instead of glass, you will not be able to construct it with aquarium silicone since it doesn't form a strong bond with plexiglass; you will probably want to use some sort of acrylic cement. I know some people on this forum have enclosures that are built with melamine/wood and only have glass on the front, which could save you some money on your build. Hopefully someone more knowledgeable will be able to help you out.

 

[tiedxupxinxknots]

Plexiglass will fog up after a while, but will probably be cheaper. I'm not sure how well plexiglass does with a UTH mounted to it either (warping, melting, etc). In addition, if you decide to use it instead of glass, you will not be able to construct it with aquarium silicone since it doesn't form a strong bond with plexiglass; you will probably want to use some sort of acrylic cement. I know some people on this forum have enclosures that are built with melamine/wood and only have glass on the front, which could save you some money on your build. Hopefully someone more knowledgeable will be able to help you out.

Don't wanna steal this thread, but how does melammine work with a UTH? Will it burn it? Or will I have to put it inside the tank and cover it with substrate till it gets the right temp or a thermostat?

 

[houseb]

Honestly, I'm not sure how melamine works with a UTH, but I have seen a few people with that sort of set up. I personally use fish tanks and tape the UTH to the underside of the tank (on the outside).

 

[EnigmaEcho]

if you want to use something that will last forever and work great with uth, try starfire glass- its expensive, but if your looking for the best, go with that