Enclosure Upgrade - All American vs. Focus Cubed?

[itsjustkarma]

I need to upgrade my BP’s enclosure but get really overwhelmed with all of the information out there. She’s currently in a 20g glass tank (used the foil method for the screen top) which has managed but really want something that holds heat/humidity better without a bunch of mods. Trying not to break the bank.

I came across these All American Cages but saw another thread on here that the 1/8” ABS plastic is frowned upon. They’ve been around awhile and have great reviews - wondering why they wouldn’t be a good option? With shipping, it ends up being around $320 - whereas the Focus Cubed is going to run $420 or so. I like the AP but can’t support the 24” depth right now so trying to stick with options around 18”.

All American Cages (36 x 18 x 18 with one cut out for heat lamp) - https://allamericancages.com/collect...32246032859194

Focus Cubed (36 x 18 x 18 with cut out for heat lamp) - https://focuscubedhabitats.com/produ...rama-36x18x18/

Thoughts?

[Homebody]

I came across these All American Cages but saw another thread on here that the 1/8” ABS plastic is frowned upon.

I've never seen one, but 1/8" seems crazy thin. The doors are 1/8"! So, I wouldn't buy one without seeing it in person, or getting a recommendation from someone I trusted.

[GoingPostal]

I don't know about either of those companies but both seem pretty high priced if they aren't coming with heat built in and if you want to keep humidity and heat better, don't get one built for a heat lamp, get one with a solid top and RHP built in.

[Malum Argenteum]

I saw (and handled, and talked to the owner) the AA cages at Tinley (reptile show here in the Midwest) last time around. I was looking specifically at the smaller sizes (~24" long) and thought they were a decent value for the price. I also emailed the owner with a question and got a prompt and reasonable response. The enclosures are more sturdy than their weight suggests. On the larger sizes, though, I think a PVC enclosure a better option.

I have only limited experience with acrylic on animal enclosures (my old DIY crestie viv had some acrylic panels, as did my long ago DIY iguana enclosure), but I wouldn't personally use an enclosure without glass sliders if one was available -- acrylic bows and cracks and scratches. Having to rule out the 24" deep enclosure is a pretty big bummer; an AP T5 would be my choice for the length/height you're looking for.

I agree that using a heat lamp on these is not the right idea, and an RHP (with a quality thermostat, of course) is. I have a bunch of AP cages, and recently put some silicone bumpers on the end of a couple doors to hold them open 1/4" for additional ventilation. The effect on humidity of that -- 4 square inches of vent space, the same area as 1/4 space around a 6" heat lamp cutout for a 5.5" dome -- was substantial, and a heat lamp would create a chimney effect that would increase the air loss. RHPs are also much safer and much less expensive to run.

[itsjustkarma]

Appreciate the responses and glad I checked in here before making a purchase I may have not been too happy with - alas, back to the drawing board. I'll look further into the APs but the wait time is a bit longer than I'd like.

[Mr. Misha]

The AP wait time has definitely increased over time but it's worth it. They're easy to put together and asthetically look great.

I've had my AP enclosures for over 10 years and they have held up with no issues. Remember, that these animals have a 20+ year lifespan so you're in it for the long haul in regards to enclosures.



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