Reptile-One VS Exo Terra

[falconboy]

I've never owned or looked closely at the Exo Terra vivariums but bought one the other day for my frogs. Other than the fact that the cheapo plastic door opening mechanism looks like it will break after a little use, the just seemed 'cheaply' put together, with varying amounts of black silicon along the edges etc. I've only heard good things about these, but I'm wondering if Exo are getting 'cheap' in their manufacturing?? It isn't TOO bad, but considering they aren't the cheapest thing for what they are I expected a bit better.

Anyway, other than the quality concerns, I'm thinking I'd prefer the Reptile One brand, as I would prefer the mesh sides for easier misting of the frogs and the sliding doors rather than the hinge opening doors. My dwarf frogs are escape artists and I think the sliding door is a bit better as its a bit more controllable as to how much open it is.

Enough of the gas bagging - my question is this, do the reptile-one tanks still come in the 30x30x45 size (this is all I need for a few dwarf frogs) as the smallest I've found is a lot bigger and overkill for whats going to be put in it. I'm sure I have seen the same smaller size as the Exos in the reptile one but noone seems to know about them - does anyone know?

Thanks

[sengir]

OK reptile one does do the 45 long x 30 high x 30 deep. They might suit your purpose better but from usung both I prefer the Exo terra ones. Reptile one wiht the side for misting might suit but couldn't you use the mesh top n the exo terra ones to mist. The little plastic lock on the front of the exo terra tanks you were referring to is actually a very sturdy lock and does put up with a hell of a lot of bashing. But in answer to your main question you can get the reptile ones in the size you are looking for.

Hope I have been of help and best of luck wiht whichever you choose.

Cheers

[falconboy]

Thanks for that mate but the exos are 45 high (high is better than long for tree frogs as they prefer to be up high) vs the reptile-one are long. Plus, trying to maximise tanks in a small area so the taller ones are better.

Yes, misting from the top is ok, but eventually I will have a group of them on shelving with just enough room above (ie below the shelf above it) for a long fluro on the top of several of them, so misting from above will get a bit difficult. Oh bugger! Thinking about it now, when they are set up properly close up side by side misting from the sides won't work either as I won't be able to get to the sides. Oh well, looks like I might have to stick to the exos afterall and just open the doors to mist.

[wood_nymph]

wow i had a 45cm cube as you know falcon, but i liked the quality although i know the one i brought was very old stock, like old as in before they included the rock background with the tank

[sengir]

As to the old stock, the only major difference is the inclusion of the rock background. Reptile one do a tank that is 600 long x 600 high x 300 deep which would probably not bem uch better. I have been using the exo terra ones for quite sme time now bth old stock before they had the backgrounds and new when they do have the backgrounds and hey can take a beating. I understand your dilemma with space, tell me about it. The missus has banished me to the smallest room in the house for my reptiles etc. Not happy. Well like I said before hope you have some success either way wiht which ever of the tanks you choose.

Cheers

[BIGBLUE]

Some models of Exoterras are up to 600 mm high and 600mm long, Is there a web site showing some of the Retile ones cages?

[frognut]

I have 3 exo-terra tanks with frogs in them all and love the tanks. They are very easy to clean.They have a web site and you can check out all the different size tanks. If your frogs are escaping you might want to try putting up a tea towel across the area when the door is opened , put a weight on the tea towel so it doesn't fall. Also a piece of paper towel rolled up to go in between the door and the side of the tank when the door is opened. The gap is just the right size for young red-eyes to get out( found this out the hard way). This is a good idea if you are feeding them flies too, no flies through the house when you need to clean the tank. Sorry for gabbling on. I hope this helps.

[falconboy]

Thanks frognut.

Yes I agree, the exos are a good tank in terms of style etc, just thought maybe the reptile-one was better for those reasons. I might stick to the exos afterall.

Thanks all.

[Scag]

i was looking at these yesterday and was considering one for my python, do you think they would be suited to a python as i want something that looks nice and resembles a piece of there natural enviroment.

[geckodan]

I have 130 exoterras set up at present and would not have a reptile-one in my yard (other than the small terrestrial enclosures they do) as everything seems to escape from them with consumate ease (thats what happens when a fish tank compant tries to cash in on the reptile market without knowing a thing about reptiles).
The exoterra locks are bomb proof.
I would love if they did a low flat one but they don't
Current sizes are : (w x d x h)
30 x 30 x 30 cm
30 x 30 x 45 cm
45 x 45 x45 cm
45 x 45 x60 cm
60 x 45 x45 cm
60 x 45 x60 cm

This is new product just released overeseas. Will be here soon
http://www.hagen.com/canada/english/...PSUBCAT=310307

[sengir]

Hey dan a better link to these is here
http://www.exo-terra.com/en/products..._terrarium.php
I am pretty sure they will be here within 2 months.

CHeers

[falconboy]

Thanks guys.

How fire/melt proof is the mesh on the top of these exos? I will be using some for geckos and want to heat from the top - shame the top frame is plastic too.......

[sengir]

Well I have seen a 100watt ceramic heat emitter sit directly on the top of these and have no effect, the mesh goes a bit blackened that is all.

CHeers

[geckodan]

Originally Posted by falconboy

Thanks guys.

How fire/melt proof is the mesh on the top of these exos? I will be using some for geckos and want to heat from the top - shame the top frame is plastic too.......

The black cross bar will buckle and melt so keep the lamp off it. I have all my lamps mounted inside using a mounting block siliconed to the side and an adjustable batten holder attached to this. Works bloody well and the cord just runs out via the cord slots at the back.

[geckodan]

Originally Posted by sengir

Hey dan a better link to these is here
http://www.exo-terra.com/en/products..._terrarium.php
I am pretty sure they will be here within 2 months.

CHeers

The only problem with them being front slide opening is you can't put them side to side on a shelf.