as far as asthetics or display the aquarium is the way to go... as far as function, cost, and ease of use I'd go rubbermaid. Rubbermaids keep heat and humidity WAY WAY WAY WAY better than aquariums and are pretty inexpensive... in most cases a good human heat pad, a rubermaid, two hides, a branch of some sort or basking rock, and a water dish.... you're set! for substrate just throw down some newspaper (cheap and easy to change just make sure the ink is dry)