Anyone Using Apogee's Reptarium Enclosures?

[Pagan]

Soon to be a 1st time panther cham owner. I am having a really tough time deciding on an enclosure (mostly due to costs involved in shipping metal screen cages and finding the right size).

From reading forums building my own may be the best answer, however I'm not a carpenter and that may take me awhile! So while I ponder taking on such a project (John has some excellent DIY cage tutorials at www.chameleonparadise.com), I was thinking of using one of Apogee's black plastic mesh Reptariums in the interim.

I've read negatives about the zippers and heat lamps melting plastic (yikes) but I was wondering if anyone on the forum is using this product with success?

I'm hoping so as to give me more time to decide on a more permanent home for my new panther.

I would also like to know if anyone has used the metal cages sold by lllreptile.com? I was looking at :http://lllreptile.com/store/catalog/reptile-supplies/reptile-cages-glass-and-screen/-/24-x-24-x-48-inch-aluminum-screen-cage/ but am worried about the quality.

Thanks in advance!

Mark

 

[AncientCritters]

I'd go with the aluminum cages from LLL. Those are the only ones I use. No melting, no zippers and no crickets chewing through the mesh.

 

[DuWeech]

I've d used the Reptarium and have not had any problems. Seems a bit easier to keep humidity up since the screen isn't so big. I cup feed so I couldn't comment on crickets chewing through the mesh. I also believe the cham feels more secure because of the thicker screen. Anyways I think Reptariums are great.

 

[Pagan]

Thanks for the quick replies.

I found a link on another thread to these http://www.reptiledepot.com/reptprices.html cages and the price with shipping is more than acceptible from what I've been seeing. I think I'll actually start with the Reptarium and order one of the cages for the main home once he's approaching adulthood.

thanks again for the advice, Mark

 

[ConcertPhotog]

and they have a coupon code for 11 % off - 11off - today!

 

[summoner12]

Just my two cents.

I have reptariums and screen cages from LLL Reptile. I have never had an issue with melting either. I would go with a Reptarium if you have a new small cham. If you have an adult I would go with a 24"x24"x48" cage sold at LLL. Personally I do not like Reptile Depot because of the condition they keep their chams in. I try to NEVER support them. If it were me, I would pay more to LLL for shipping than Reptile depot.

 

[ciafardo 4]

i have mostly all reptirarium and for the money its a great cage sure i like the aluminium screen cages fromm lll but they are way more money BIG APPLE HERP has reptirariums the cheapest just google BIG APPLE HERP they are cheaper than lll reptile

 

[tryme]

I haven't had a reptarium but I was using a flexarium (the exo-terra ones) and I liked it at first but hated it once the zip broke and also once I got my aluminium screen I realised how much better the aluminium one is compared to the mesh fabric ones.

 

[BocaJan]

I like the reptarium (or is it flexarium) well, the soft sided zippered ones for outside. they are lightweight and when you mist the water goes right out...no mess. However, for a permanent inside cage I will only use the metal screen cages and I found that LLLReptile are the most reputable. If you have to save up a bit to purchase one then do so. You will be glad that you did.

 

[Travis2008]

I also have 2 reptariums and 1 aluminum cage. I really like the reptariums but it's hard to see your chams and the light doesn't seem to past through easily but they are really convenient when i have to leave for a hurricane because i just pack them up it only takes a min. The aluminum cage is the exact opposite IMO.

 

[veiledchamguy]

Since my move i used to have my veiled free ranged...he misses the adventures

I put him back into his 260 gallon reptarium which is 2 x 2 x 4 and its like 3 feet off the floor soo he is really high up hard to reach the zipper.

The only setback i had was my UVB lighting which the mesh reflects or doesnt let the proper amount of UVB through..? which i just bought a 48' hood fixture and a 48' 5.0 repti sun and mounted it like 6 inches away from the mesh so the proper uvb can pass through....

Sooner or later im going to buy a screen cage from LLL but for now my reptarium works just swell

thats just my 2 cents

 

[gegeland]

I use a reptarium, and i like it perfectly well.
A few people have suggested using a 10.0 UV instead of 5.0 so that the more light can get throught the mesh. I dont now if this is accurate but it makes sense.

 

[MutantHybrid]

The mesh flexariums are harder to clean also as you have to choose what side you want the zipper on. If you only need to do a spot clean you literally have to climb into the thing to reach across to the unzippered side. You will have to take the whole thing apart just to get it good and clean. A bit of a hassle. In general, it is O.K. for a cheap interim cage until you have a better cage set up. It would be great for occasional outside placement when the weather is good as others mentioned. I have noticed a problem with the plastic rods in that they are a bit brittle and can crack or break if your not careful with them. I am probably going to try making my own or buy a good metal screened cage eventually.

 

[BocaJan]

The directions on mine said you can throw it into the washing machine.

 

[MutantHybrid]

Yeah, mine too. But it is still a hassle to clean. I am thinking of trying a cage from Chameleonsonly. Looks like a good idea to have a large front opening door and a smaller cleaning hatch on the bottom. I also like the waterproof plastic bottom. I would relegate the mesh flexarium for temporary tasks.

 

[Kays04]

Is it difficult to maintain proper humidity with a mesh cage? I am currently using a glass cage with a mesh top and vents in the front but after reading this forum I am thinking I should switch to the mesh (also a taller one - currently using an 18x18x18 - i think)

 

[summoner12]

Yeah, mine too. But it is still a hassle to clean. I am thinking of trying a cage from Chameleonsonly. Looks like a good idea to have a large front opening door and a smaller cleaning hatch on the bottom. I also like the waterproof plastic bottom. I would relegate the mesh flexarium for temporary tasks.

Reptariums are great for temporary usage like out door basking and cage cleaning days.

Try LLL Reptile for your cage. They sell the same thing as the Kammers, might even be cheaper.

 

[summoner12]

Is it difficult to maintain proper humidity with a mesh cage? I am currently using a glass cage with a mesh top and vents in the front but after reading this forum I am thinking I should switch to the mesh (also a taller one - currently using an 18x18x18 - i think)

If you have dry air in your house and cool temps, keeping a mesh cage warm and humid can be a bit more difficult. You can add plastic to a couple of sides on a screen enclosure to help regulate the cage temps and humidity.

How old is your cham? 18x18x18 is a bit small unless you have a small cham.

 

[Kays04]

How old is your cham? 18x18x18 is a bit small unless you have a small cham.

I'm not quite sure how old she is exactly. I got her in March 2008 and she wasn't tiny but not full size either... here's a picture of her when we got her....

 

[summoner12]

I'm not quite sure how old she is exactly. I got her in March 2008 and she wasn't tiny but not full size either... here's a picture of her when we got her....

If she is close to a year old and still in an 18"x18"x18" cage, it is too small for her. You NEED to get her something bigger and as I said in your other thread, she needs to lay all of her eggs. She will be fine in an 18x18x36 or 24x24x36 cage. Work on getting her to lay her eggs first, then worry about the cage.