Display Cage Door Design

[backafter30]

I am designing some display cages and cannot decide whether to go with sliding glass doors, or a hinged door. With sliders, you will need some decent glass (double strength or tempered?), maybe some finger pulls, and purchased or home-built tracks. A hinged door will require a sturdy frame, hinges, and latches, but could possibly use thin plexiglass (lightweight, but scratches easily). Which design do you prefer, or think will be easier to construct. How about cheaper? Better? Got another idea altogether? Thanks!

[Jim Smith]

I can't comment on the sliding glass doors however, I have hinged doors on all of my cages and they work great. I have complete access to all of the cage and the door is completely out of my way. The cages I have come from Ed at Constrictors Northwest and he uses three heavy duty plastic hinges with stainless steel bolts/nuts to avoid corrosion. He uses three nylon clips at the top of the door to lock it in place. I am very pleased with the way Ed builds his cages as they are rock solid and completely water/corrosion proof.

[shaunyboy]

i prefer sliding glass doors,its easy to remove them altogether,making the whole front of the tank open and accessible,for cleaning both the tank and the glass itself


cheers shaun

[Mikoh4792]

I'd have to say sliding doors. Love the fact I can completely remove the doors if need be. Both work well though, it's just down to preference.

[onai]

Hint for sliding doors- see if you can find any appropriately sized used windows :) Clean them up, and tah-dah!

[millertime89]

I prefer sliding glass as well. So much easier to work with the animal IMO and you can control exactly how much of an opening there is. With a hinged door you get the full width which can be a pain while trying to hold it in place, the snake, and whatever else you're doing.

[Joezrose]

I went with sliding when building my cages. Used poly track from a online cabinet hardware site. And used 1/4 plexiglass. My cages are 4x2x2 with a door opening or 42x19 The tracking I used was $10 for 4ft section of top and bottom tracking and the local glass shop cut my plexi doors 2 - 21 3/4x18 5/16 for $55 for set of 2. If you would like i can find the website for the sliding door tracks. The cage is not completely finished yet but you can get the idea.