Exo-Terra Glass Terrariums

[Guest]

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Is anyone using these for their crabitat? If so, how does it work, and have you had any problems? In particular, how is the backing holding up, and what did you do (if anything) to keep the humidity up?

I'm thinking of getting one of the larger ones for my crabs, since their current 10 gallon tank is kinda small for them. It should give enough room for a pretty nice set-up. I just wanted to check on potential problems before I buy.

[Hermit_of_Hermit_Crabs]

They are not worth it. They don't seal very well to keep humidity in because of those doors. Also, they don't have much floor space. You are much better going with a 10 gallon or larger.

[Guest]

I'm already using a 10 gallon, but it's too small. If I'm using the right measurements, one of the 18"x18" (324 square inches) Exo-Terra terrariums should have a larger ground area than a 20 gallon long aquarium (24"x12"=288 square inches). It's easier for me to find someplace to put the square format as well.

The humidity is an issue, though. I'm curious if anyone has any personal experience.

[Guest]

I don't have personal experience with this particular tank, I do believe there is one here that has a similar tank though, but heres my 2cents....

I would put a glass cover on the top, since it appears to be a screen, but I don't think there is any additional humidity issues than reg tanks. My tank is not sealed up air tight, there is a small gap between the screent op and plexi cover.

I think the vertical spcae gives alot to creativity as well, think of all those levels you can create....

Good luck.

[Guest]

I have a large one and I put a piece of cling wrap over the top to keep in the humidity. I have been very pleased with mine.

[Guest]

I did end up getting an 18"x18"x18" one. I've had it for several weeks now, and I'll write up a proper review (with pictures) soon. I'm pretty happy with it in general, though.

[Guest]

I've been thinking about getting one of the ExoTerra Terrariums too. I'd be interested to know how your humidity levels are working out. Have you had any problems with the terrarium yet?

[Guest]

You have to put saran wrap or other plastic over the top of the terrarium, otherwise you will have temp and humidity problems. With the plastic in place, though, I've found mine to be much more stable both humidity and temperature wise than my old 10-gallon. It's pretty consistently 80/80 in there. Even when the room they're in gets unusually hot (90ish) or cool (60s), the temperature doesn't change by more than 3-5 degrees. A UTH on cool nights mostly eliminates that change as well.

The biggest issue I've had is that the crabs tear up the climbing background a bit. When I first put them in, they shredded a section in an upper corner a couple inches across. The seem to've settled down now and just climb the backing. They didn't seem to have any inclination to eat the styrofoam, so it's probably safe.

[Guest]

Hi, I'm new, but I just wanted to add my 2 cents as well.

I bought one, went to Home Depot and had them cut me two piece of plexi glass to size to fit in the screen slots and I love it.

I have a 20" bi-light on top with a night glo and a sun glo, and with either on the temp in the tank stays at around 80 all the time. The humidity is also a nice 80%, unless I mist them, then it goes up to 88-90% for a bit.

I also have the small exo-terra waterfall so I think it helps a lot with the humidity and the crabbies seem to love it.

The nice thing is that not only does it look nice, but you can build them second levels (3 levels if you get the 18x18x24 - I have the 18x18x18 high) and still be able to get to them through the front doors easily.

Compared to my 10g tank, this one is heaven

[Guest]

Jinxz, You seem to have a lot of the things in your habitat that I've been drooling over on PetSmart.com. Does the waterfall work well? And is that enough to keep your humidity up or do you still need to mist the tank often?

I looked at automatic reptile misters but they were fairly expensive. I'm hoping to have a terrarium set up so that we don't have too worry about humidity or temperature too much if we leave town for a day or two. We usually have someone come in to take care of the other pets when we are out of town, but I don't think I would trust anyone to monitor the temp and humidity for the crabs. It would just be really helpful if the terrarium would be able to maintain itself for the most part.

[Guest]

I love my setup and it seems to work well. I still mist my tank, but it's a once a day thing, and I do think it is because I have the overhead bi-light. When I had just the UTH the humidity seemed to never drop below 80. But I like the light, I can see my little guys better and even with the air conditioner on it's a steady 80 degrees in the tank even at night with the night-glo. The UTH would drop in temp sometimes to 75 and it worried me.

For a day or two I don't think I would be worried, especially if the overhead light was turned off and not drying the tank up.

[Guest]

This is my dream tank! They are so gosh darn expensive though! I found them at PetSmart now, and so I am hoping to find them on sale. I don't know if they ever will, but the reg retail on the 18x18x18 is $99.99 which is pretty steep when you can get a 20 gal for $25.00. The top would definitely be an issue, but I was planning to use that clear vinyl from the fabric store to replace the screen (it looks like it is constructed like a screen door for your house) or you could just cover it w/ a piece of plexiglass. If I buy one I'm going to remove the background (it isn't glued in, it just fits snuggly) because I think the crabs would tear it up anyway.

I know that I will never have room for a really large tank, so this small, deluxe tank is the most upgrade that I will ever need. I think it would be so easy to feed and water and clean the tank w/ doors like that. It is a terrific design for hermit crabs--w/ a little altering.