GTP Adult Vivarium Size

[Zoe]

Hi,

I'm planning out cages for my adult GTPs. My pair is about 2 or 3 years old and they look small in 24 x 18 x 24 exo-terras.

I've found nice glass cages that are 32"X18"X24. Everything I have read recommends a two foot cube (or larger). The cages I have found exceed the cubic footage but does that compensate for the fact that the cage is only 18" deep, or is 24" in each direction a necessity?

Thanks,

Zoe

[DavidG]

You want more side to side space than up and down. 24 is almost a minimum when dealing with adult chondros. If they look small in the 24/18 cubes then I'd wait a while before moving to a bigger enclosure. Glass cages aren't exactly ideal. Check out pvccages.com for quality pvc ones! Are these animals in separate tanks?

[Brandon Osborne]

5 gallon buckets. As long as they are healthy and thriving. I am in the process of going back to smaller cages. IMHO, they do better and are much easier to maintain. I had more success breeding them in racks and 24x24x16 cages....with light bulbs for heat.lol. I'm switching back to racks now with Sterlite 76 qt. tubs. I think they measure 16X23x15 or close to it. Choose what works best for you and your animals.

[Zoe]

You want more side to side space than up and down. 24 is almost a minimum when dealing with adult chondros.

By "side-to-side", do you also mean "back to front"? I agree that 24" is the bare minimum width which is why I went to the 32" wide.

If they look small in the 24/18 cubes then I'd wait a while before moving to a bigger enclosure. Glass cages aren't exactly ideal. Check out pvccages.com for quality pvc ones!

I'm just not a fan of pvc. I like to do planted tanks with backgrounds and sides, and I make my own lids with built in RHP and lights, so I think I maintain pretty good conditions. If you have further concerns though please let me know, I want to achieve the best possible for them while maintaining something like that I find visually pleasing.

Are these animals in separate tanks?

Yes.

[Zoe]

This is what I have now for the male:



The female is in a plastic box because I just got her.

What I make next will be similar to that but bigger and hopefully nicer.