Display tanks that open from the top, like a tub?

[enginee837]

Cake (albino male) is getting this one! I've been wanting to find proper display setups for awhile. I was waiting for all them to reach adult size/mostly stop growing before buying the permanent ones... now the time is nigh... They've been in tub setups, which honestly just looks completely DIY (which it is) and pretty ugly.

The display tank is going in the dining room, which means I'll finally have a big extra spot in the animal room for a new addition.

ETA: Funnily, they don't even open from the top exactly, even though that's my thread topic... Kind of opens at upper-side. :s I think that would work quite well too.

Awesome! Being that I have a few bp's that were moved from tubs to glass, here are some pointers. If you already know this stuff I apologize, I am sure someone will come along that will appreciate it.

1.Visibility - None of the BP's we had that were moved from tubs to glass were used to being able to see out of their enclosure. If they are in a busy room be sure to cover the sides so they are not afraid to come out of their hides. You can start with 3 sides and slowly expose the rest as they adjust.

2. Humidity - We are in az, humidity is usually in the 37-40% range. Glass tanks get a bad rap for humidity but it is not the glass that is to blame it is the screen top. Get some Plexiglas cut at your local hardware store and cover the majority of the screen. Our typically have just enough space for the ceramic heat emitter to fit on the screen. It also helps to put the water dish on the warm side.

3. Temp - Glass conducts heat well so it will have a much wider temperature range across the enclosure than you are used to with tubs. I highly recommend getting the enclosure set up and give it about 4 hours for the thermal gradient to set in then check the hot and cold spots with a thermal gun. Once you have it all dialed in it should be great. We keep our house at 74 deg all year and all day and night so we have pretty consistent temps once the cage is dialed in. If you have a wide temp range in your house you may need to keep a closer eye on it.

In the end, glass is a little more challenging but you cannot deny the benefit of being able to see your little critters!

Hope this helps!