Switching to Exo-terra/Zoo-med enclosures

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Saurian

New member
Hey all was wondering what enclosures you guys use. Was more interested specifically in the size and what species. Im usually just use tanks but I like the look of these and seems like you can do a bit more with them then tanks and have more.

So, what size does everyone use? What size would you use for 1.2 phants? 12x12x18? 18x18x24? what about 1.1 sikorae or 1.2? Just to get an idea. Thanks.
 
Aimless

Aimless

Super Moderator
I would strongly endorse exo terra as opposed to zoo med. I've used both, and while the single-pane front door of the zoo med is aesthetically nice and usually slightly cheaper for the same size, the way the doors latch sucks. also, IMO, exo terra's divided front door is useful for minimizing escape routes when you open for cleaning and feeding.
 
pakinjak

pakinjak

Member
They've supposedly fixed the door latch problem. I have a couple newer ones and have had no problems so far.
 
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Saurian

New member
Looked at some today. The exotic terra 12x12x18 or the mini looks really small to me for a pair of phants.
 
pakinjak

pakinjak

Member
The bigger the better, when it comes to Uroplatus if you ask me. If you have any doubts about size, go the next size up until you feel good about it.
 
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Saurian

New member
With phants at least in my experience sometimes have issues with getting the food in lger furnished. Vivs.
 
thorrshamri

thorrshamri

Moderator/The French Viking Moderathorr
Saurian said:
With phants at least in my experience sometimes have issues with getting the food in lger furnished. Vivs.
Click to expand...

I agree. I mostly use "small" enclosures for Uroplatus species to help them spot prey more easily. I should mention I like to fill their cage with a lot cork pieces, branches, plants...just as examples, I tried to keep a half-grown sikorae in a 24" high and it had trouble finding prey, while there were no such problem in a 18" high. Likewise, I had to house my henkelis in 24" high tanks, I tried 48" high before for several months and many times they did not see the crickets well, so prey was wandering inside the tanks for too long, which is obviously not good.
 
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mikew1234

New member
12x12x18 should be ok for phants. I have never kept them, but have thought about it on many occasions. Just waiting for the right ones. None of these dull tan/olive ones selling for 350 for a male. As for the latches, They seem to have fixed them. My first enclosure was purchased shortly after they came out, the latch broke within 3 weeks. I now keep that one closed with one of their locks. My newer ones seem to have no issues with the latch or lock. Nothing has broke off any of the newer ones yet.
 
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Peter B

New member
I agree with Pakinjak: the bigger the better for Uroplatus. I keep pairs of phants in 18x 20x 24 tanks and find that a good minimum size. Just make that there is plenty of food available and that the food (crickets in my case) have plenty of good quality foodstuffs available. That way they will never harm your geckos and stay always gutloaded. Even when they wander around in your tank for a week.
Juvies of all species I keep in small critter-keepers.
Guentheri I have in 20x20x40 and lineatus in 40x24x100 without feeding problems.
 
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Saurian

New member
Thanks for the input guys. I have never used these but look like they take up less space and look better for natural vivs. In your guys opinions for I can get a better idea what equals what. I dont know why I have such a problem picturing dimensions I always have. See below

what sizes of exo-terra would be equal to:

standard 10 gallon:
standard 20 gallon:
standard 29 gallon:
 
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Peter B

New member
Saurian said:
Thanks for the input guys. I have never used these but look like they take up less space and look better for natural vivs. In your guys opinions for I can get a better idea what equals what. I dont know why I have such a problem picturing dimensions I always have. See below

what sizes of exo-terra would be equal to:

standard 10 gallon:
standard 20 gallon:
standard 29 gallon:
Click to expand...

You guys schould switch to liters and centimeters :biggrin:
 
Fumbles

Fumbles

New member
I know it's besides the point but if you get an aquarium with an inset frame you could build one for pennies on the dollar vs those box brand terrariums. And it'd be unique and tailored to your needs. You'd need to be inclided to do it yourself though. Took me about 2 hours. Forget that cheesy latch - home depot: window section.
 
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Saurian

New member
yeah I modified tanks to be use vertically and just use the metal latches for gates and stuff. Works great,.
 
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