Enclosures and containers

[bassfiend138]

I’ve been out of the hobby for around 10-12 years. I’ve noticed that there are several brands and companies that are building some really nice enclosures for spiders and small reptiles. I like the clear acrylic ones but they’re a little pricey. Tarantula cribs is the one I’ve see The most. I’d like to hear from anyone that has them or knows of other brands. Thanks!
Nate

 

[Brewser]

The 'Amazon' Jungle?
Acrylic warping can result from Overheating, Supplemental Heating, Direct Sunlight etc.

 

[bassfiend138]

Ya I’ve been looking around wasn’t sure if there was one or brand people like. There’s always that one brand or place to buy that is the best !

 

[FatBadBay]

I have several tarantula cribs and I'm quite happy with them. I'd avoid Naneezoo( usually seen on Amazon). I had a few that ended up warping and became useless.

 

[viper69]

I’ve been out of the hobby for around 10-12 years. I’ve noticed that there are several brands and companies that are building some really nice enclosures for spiders and small reptiles. I like the clear acrylic ones but they’re a little pricey. Tarantula cribs is the one I’ve see The most. I’d like to hear from anyone that has them or knows of other brands. Thanks!
Nate

I own glass, and acrylics.

The only plus of an acrylic is weight. Glass is so much easier to clean poop off of.

Acrylics tend to warp from a variety of vendors when the material isn’t thick enough

 

[Gevo]

I'm in Canada, and our closest thing to Tarantula Cribs is Primal Fear Tarantulas, which makes similar enclosures, and I think US residents benefit from a favourable exchange rate on them. I have two 8x8x8 cubes for my two juvenile tarantulas. I like them a lot and have had no issues with scratching or warping or anything. I also found Jeremy, the owner, to be really responsive when I hit a snag with my order, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to anyone looking at acrylic enclosures.

I've also heard really good things about the Reptile Growth terrariums available on Amazon, and I'm eyeing them for my next purchase when I need to upgrade these two into their adult enclosures. I'm not sure if I'll want to use acrylic in larger sizes because of the warping issue, which is why I've been eyeing these ones. The only thing I'm unsure of is what exactly the lid is made of. They call it mesh, but when I zoom in, it looks like the safer kind of stamped metal, so if anyone who has one and is reading this could let me know, that'd be much appreciated!

 

[Fini]

I've also heard really good things about the Reptile Growth terrariums available on Amazon, and I'm eyeing them for my next purchase when I need to upgrade these two into their adult enclosures. I'm not sure if I'll want to use acrylic in larger sizes because of the warping issue, which is why I've been eyeing these ones. The only thing I'm unsure of is what exactly the lid is made of. They call it mesh, but when I zoom in, it looks like the safer kind of stamped metal, so if anyone who has one and is reading this could let me know, that'd be much appreciated!

I'm using two of these for adult enclosures. I've had them for a couple of years and they have held up well. While they aren't the quality of acrylic, they have their place. The height tends to lend itself well to semi-fossorial species that like to dig. I'm fairly certain the top door is plastic mesh. I can verify that tonight. One possible downside is the fact they are VERY well-vented. It might be a challenge to maintain any significant level of humidity in these without some modifications.

Still, the price is right when you compare them to the more premium options.

 

[sparticus]

The only thing I'm unsure of is what exactly the lid is made of. They call it mesh, but when I zoom in, it looks like the safer kind of stamped metal, so if anyone who has one and is reading this could let me know, that'd be much appreciated!

I have just started using a couple of these to see how I like them, the lid appears to be a perforated plastic mesh, maybe? I have attached a close up of the texture. It doesn't feel like metal; it's either a coated metal or hard plastic.

 

[Gevo]

Thanks, both! The description on Amazon says they’re metal and can be used with heat lamps (for reptiles), so I appreciate the info.

 

[TheraMygale]

I have three acrylic cubes sized for slings. I love the clarity and view. But its cheap, for the price. Anything under 3mm… not good for warping. Even if walls thick: the top will become problematic.

that being said, i only have experience with canadian acrylic.

it will warp and scratch.

i prefer the enclosures i made out of dollorama tupperware. I got to add the ventilation where i wanted, and top does not warp. I was lucky to get some containers that are super clear.

if acrylic did not warp, and was not so expensive, i would do it all the way for all my enclosures.

if i was rich, i would get acrylic.

 

[Gevo]

I just saw that within the last day or so, Primal Fear Tarantulas announced new ownership, and it’s now based in the US. Frustrating for me, but maybe good for some of you.

 

[TheraMygale]

I just saw that within the last day or so, Primal Fear Tarantulas announced new ownership, and it’s now based in the US. Frustrating for me, but maybe good for some of you.

That says a lot.

i now have empty sling cubes: no slings. Everyone grew out so fast.

worst mistake i ever made.

make you own or use deli cups. The end.

 

[Glorfindel]

you could spend a lot of money for acrylic enclosures, especially name brands.

 

[The Snark]

The description on Amazon says they’re metal and can be used with heat lamps (for reptiles),

A burn hazard. A precaution to always keep in mind it the ability of metals to convert energy from one form to another. A heat lamp that gently warms an enclosure directed at a metal; the metal converts the radiant energy to conductive and the metal can heat up disproportionately. Say 80F ambient air, the metal 200F or more.
A tolerably hot day but step on sun warmed black tarmac with bare feet is ouch time. Same same.

 

[TheraMygale]

Whatever amazon says, is to take with a grain of salt. Even if 100 people liked an enclosure, does not mean it will suit your needs. The prices might be interesting sometimes.

if it is not a well know brand, established on market, you can’t rely one what 10 people said.

Get something at dollarama and poke holes in it. When you’re ready to invest, get what you can afford.

tarantula cribs has been around for a while now. If you can afford it, it should last a while. I regret getting the brand i did instead of tarantula cribs.

 

[Gevo]

For what it’s worth, I’ve heard Tom Moran talk about the Reptile Growth ones on the podcast and say he likes them. That was what piqued my interest in them in the first place.

I only mentioned the metal and heat lamps because they’re marketed mainly to reptile owners. I do not use heat lamps or pads with my Ts.

 

[edgeofthefreak]

A friend mine bought a Reptile Growth 8" cube for his sub adult B. hamorii a year or two ago, and I liked it enough that I bought one for my sub adult B. auratum. The lid mesh is just plastic, so no worry for claws, but the lid latch sticks a little. Makes a "plastic noise" that I'm sure some spider hate hahaha
Also, they boost that they are made from an explosion proof material, so that's something. XD