stock tanks

Metal versus plastic: which is better? why?

I found a deal on some plastic ones to replace my current setup. The plastic dimensions are actually slightly larger than the metal ones of equal gallons.

What do you use?

use metal, trust me it will save you some time. The plastic ones wrap with all the dirt in it and its harder to make the above cage on top of it then on the metal one

I agree use metal I have used both for my monitors

I figured plastic was superior because it does have an insulation factor and is larger.

The tubs would be the enclosure. I would take cue from pro exotics as they use the same setup for their ackies(meanign they use troughs, although they do use metal). The plastic would allow 11+ sq ft of floor space where the metal allows under 8.

For the top I planned to make an attached "L" shaped top of Plexi 1/4" thick. Ceramic fixture on inside of top to keep heat under lid. The lid would allow direct access to a 1/3 of the tank. I hoped to make a dolly which I could somewhat frame to keep the tub from warping. Our dollies at work hold 3500 lbs. so weight should not be an issue.

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Originally Posted by suzuki4life

I figured plastic was superior because it does have an insulation factor and is larger.

The tubs would be the enclosure. I would take cue from pro exotics as they use the same setup for their ackies(meanign they use troughs, although they do use metal). The plastic would allow 11+ sq ft of floor space where the metal allows under 8.

For the top I planned to make an attached "L" shaped top of Plexi 1/4" thick. Ceramic fixture on inside of top to keep heat under lid. The lid would allow direct access to a 1/3 of the tank. I hoped to make a dolly which I could somewhat frame to keep the tub from warping. Our dollies at work hold 3500 lbs. so weight should not be an issue.

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I've been using a large Rubber Made stock tank for years without any warping issues. It's a thick bugger.

It also has a slightly larger footprint than a galvanized one.

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Originally Posted by Skiploder

I've been using a large Rubber Made stock tank for years without any warping issues.

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I have also used the Rubbermaid stock tank without warping issues. They are made to be filled completely with water, so they can handle being half filled with dirt just fine.

Crickets can easily climb the wall of the plastic stock tanks though. The metal offers a bit more resistance to climbing.