Feedback on display cages

Currently my husband's bearded dragon and our rosy boas are in display-type cages. All are set up in top-opening tanks, and it's kind of a pain. We'd like to convert to nicer, easier to access front-opening display type cages. Tried doing a search on the forum for feedback on different brands and models, but all I could find was older threads, and things may have changed since then (when I say "older" I mean 3+ years). So I'm looking for feedback.

Needs:
For bearded dragon we'd like to get something big enough for him to grow up into. He's still young, so he'll grow, and currently in a 36"long and starting to look a little cramped, even though he can still move around quite well. We have read 48"long x 24"deep x 24" high is good for an adult, so we'd like to get something close to that size for him. Need to be able to provide him with UV lighting and heat, but also ventilated enough that he doesn't get too wet (desert species after all).

For the rosy boas, I think something around 24"long x 12-24"deep would be good. Need to be able to provide heating, and enough ventilation that they don't get too wet (again, desert species).

Preferably the cages should be stacking, to save on space.

Currently considering the following brands, but torn on price, quality, and feedback I've read so far. Input is much appreciated, whether in support or against one of these, or for another one (feel free to suggest!). I'm concerned about some of these cages having the lighting and heat in the enclosure with the animal.

(not listed in any particular order)
Vision Cages
Showcase Cages
PVC Cages
Dragons 4 U cages

Here's another to add to your list: http://www.constrictorsnw.com/cagess...ularcages.html

Currently my BCI females are in 48" Boamaster enclosures, but I suspect they will each need a 60" enclosure when full grown. ConstrictorsNW has a good reputation, which is why I'll be ordering from them.

I only have experience with vision cages since that is what I use. I started off with glass enclosures, picked up a used vision cage to try it out and haven't looked back. They hold heat really well, are stackable, and have the nice light drops on top for lamps and UVB so the lights are still on the outside. The only thing that I dislike about the vision's is that there is a little lip around the glass sliding doors on the inside that my corn use to wedge himself in and it made it impossible to get him out (this is only an issue for snakes, I keep my BTS in them no problem). I have since filled the lips with some soft foam that I got from Lowes and it is no longer an issue. The glass doors are nice and you can get a display lock to keep them shut. I have heard some people say the larger (6+) ft cages can sag a little in the middle, but I don't have anything that big and haven't seen sagging on any of mine. I too am in SoCal (north county SD) so I can pick up vision cages locally, the avoided shipping charge is a plus as well.

Animal Plastics has a top opening for heating lamps and ventilation specifically for beardies/uromastyx. So the lamp isn't physically in the cage. It's under their specialty cage category:
http://www.apcages.com/home/Specialty/uromastyx.htm

And AP racks are stack-able, reliable, and reasonably priced.



These are really pricey, but amazing display cages.
I've seen a few in person and they are impressive.
http://www.cagesbydesign.com/t-majesticreptile.aspx

I have a showcase cage and I love it. It looks very nice, there is ample ventilation, and the area for dome lights is pretty big, so there's less likelihood of the fixture melting the surrounding plastic.
The lips above and below th sliding doors is much greater than the vision cage though, but I filled the, using "great stuff" expanding foam.

Another vote for Animal Plastics here.

Thrilled with my Animal Plastics T8, and their customer service. Highly recommend.


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Thanks for the input so far!

How does heating work on the Vision Cages and Animal Plastics? Can I put heat tape on the outside, so the animal doesn't come into direct contact with it, without worrying about melting or warping the cage? I feel like that's a silly question, because I have the stearlite bins for my ball pythons sitting on heat tape without trouble (thermostat controlled of course!), but I need to ask just to make sure. :rolleyes:
I guess part of that question includes, would heat on the outside be able to make it through to the inside the way it does with a stearlite bin?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by satomi325

These are really pricey, but amazing display cages.
I've seen a few in person and they are impressive.
http://www.cagesbydesign.com/t-majesticreptile.aspx

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Those are amazing! But wow... you are right, pricey! :O

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sorraia

Thanks for the input so far!

How does heating work on the Vision Cages and Animal Plastics? Can I put heat tape on the outside, so the animal doesn't come into direct contact with it, without worrying about melting or warping the cage? I feel like that's a silly question, because I have the stearlite bins for my ball pythons sitting on heat tape without trouble (thermostat controlled of course!), but I need to ask just to make sure. :rolleyes:
I guess part of that question includes, would heat on the outside be able to make it through to the inside the way it does with a stearlite bin?

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I have flexiwatt on the bottom of my AP cage. There is a spot for it and the thermostat probe. It works great!


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