Exo Terra or Nat Geo cages?

[kayoung]

Hi I am getting all my supplies so that I can get my first ball python and I want to do it right. I would rather have a clear enclosure(I plan to cover 3 sides with very dark window tint like I do with my fish tanks) and I like the idea of these cages that open in the front because it makes accessing the cage easier. Both Exo Terra and Nat Geo have cages that do this but I wanted to know if anyone has one that could let me know how they like them for their bp. I plan on getting one that is 36in long and both of these brands offer that. Tbh I'm hoping I can get the Nat Geo one cheap since the brand is being reduced to clear in Petsmart.

[Stewart_Reptiles]

Honestly neither, glass does not hold humidity or heat very well.

If you want something to display a pvc cage is a much better choice, it's lighter, easier to clean and most importantly holds humidity and heat better.

http://www.apcages.com/home/

[redshepherd]

Something to note is to get your Acurite hygrometer first and test the humidity of your room/house that your ball python will be living in. If your home humidity is 50% or lower, I'd go with a tub or melamine cage instead that would retain humidity much better. The glass tanks with screen tops like exo terra or nat geo will be hard to constantly have to increase humidity for the ball python, since they're open to the air. Or you can cover the top of the tank with a damp towel all the time, but that's not very pretty.

I have an exo terra for one of my males, and it's fine for me because my home humidity is always around 60%, up to 70% during the summer. If the humidity here were lower, I wouldn't use either of those tanks.

[Jeanne]

I use an exo terra..with modification, it can work just fine.

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[Jeanne]

And, mine does hold humidity just fine w some modification to the top. Not really a big deal. Cover top w tin foil.

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[Jeanne]

And mine holds heat great also..thnx to tin foil on top.

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[Neal]

Honestly neither, glass does not hold humidity or heat very well.

If you want something to display a pvc cage is a much better choice, it's lighter, easier to clean and most importantly holds humidity and heat better.

http://www.apcages.com/home/

AP cages are great and will outlast a glass cage. Glass if you mist with a spray bottle it'll start leaving spots and make it a bit more annoying to keep looking nice as a display.

[kayoung]

Yeah I've been doing a lot of research on how to modify one to help keep heat and humidity up because my original plan was to do a glass tank. But I had only seen the black versions of the pvc cage and I didn't like them, but I kind of like the white. Are they as big and bulky as they look in pictures? Because I'm only getting one snake (for now) and so it would probably be placed on a table or dresser.

[anthroterra]

I have had exo-terra and Nat Geo tanks. My corns are still in the Exo-terras. I modified my Nat Geo for my ball python by cutting a piece of plexiglass to fit over the top screen and replacing the side screen with glass. I still had trouble with humidity, but not nearly as bad so it can be done. I used foil to cover the side and top before that and it worked well, but looked terrible. If you were insistent on modifying one, the Exo-Terra would be much easier. There are fewer weird shapes to have to cut out parts for, and Petco sometimes has good sales on them. I recently upgraded to 2 cages from Animal Plastics in white (The Carpet Cage models) and couldn't be happier. They're 36 inches wide, so not as bulky as some. Also so much easier to move! Here is a pic, complete with an ET medium low (24 inch) for comparison.

[distaff]

No experience with Nat Geo, but I have two Exo Terra's. I want another, but they are a NIGHTMARE to have shipped. Also, the last one arrived damaged, I got a replacement top sent which was so poorly manufactured, I kept the original cracked top. My first Exo was perfect, the second had numerous little issues besides the top - just less prescision on overall fit and finish.

Yes, you may need to do a little more with heat. I use both a heat mat, and in winter an RHP (which is a PAIN to retrofit securely to the screen top) Mine holds humidity fine (it's planted, however). If there is a better display enclosure on the market, I haven't found it. Wish they came in 48 inch width, although my bigger one is 70 pounds empty. The nice thing about them is that you can make a really gorgeous display, and the hinged front doors open wide and allow for easy maintenance (I hate side sliding doors, and I hate the hassle of going into a tank from the top).

The king could use a longer enclosure, and would love to get him the 36LX36H if the quality of the last Exo hadn't been an issue. I may have to wait until we move, and I'll have the space to lay out sheets of glass, and make a custom enclosure.