National Geographic Reptile Sanctuary

[jjhill001]

So I picked up two of the 36x18x18 sized versions of this terrarium at petsmart the a few weeks ago for half off. Does anyone have any experience with these particular terrariums. All of the reviews are positive but I wanted to see if anyone had any more descriptive experience with them than the reviews.

Thanks.

Tried to post the link but it didn't let me.

[marvelfreak]

You talking about this one?
Exo Terra® Reptile Terrarium | Terrariums | PetSmart (http://www.petsmart.com/reptile/terrariums/exo-terra-reptile-terrarium-zid36-5147552/cat-36-catid-500028;pgid=9f9ky30qcDxSRp2BQGxZLmZh00001_3yW1fL;s id=GoyNgsdlR9iMgpPTvHTKhvVvcyUU-gi7iEDcznqQ?_t=pfm%3Dcategory)

[pdomensis]

Where did that title come from?

[reptiledude987]

I know the units youre talking about. National geographic is actually manufacturing terrariums now. I've seen them in stores. Dont have one but from what I can tell the function the same as the exo terra as far as heat and humidity retention goes.

[Cmwells90]

Where did that title come from?

Haha right? I was thinking the same thing!

[marvelfreak]

I think he means Naturalistic Terrarium.

[reptiledude987]

I think he means Naturalistic Terrarium.

No national geographic actually manfuctures terrarium and vivariums now. I saw them at a Super Pet or Pet Smart retail store

[pdomensis]

Ahh. I found this. National Geographic™ Sanctuary Reptile Terrarium | Terrariums | PetSmart (http://www.petsmart.com/reptile/terrariums/national-geographic-trade-sanctuary-reptile-terrarium-zid36-21557/cat-36-catid-500028)

[Rattlehead]

I saw the NatGeo brand products too, a few weeks ago. I didn't pay attention to the terrariums, but the ornaments are good quality (and a bit higher price compared to other brands)

[Aaron_S]

No national geographic actually manfuctures terrarium and vivariums now. I saw them at a Super Pet or Pet Smart retail store

If you saw a Super Pet I'd be impressed! Pet Smart bought them all up years ago now. Sad day.

[pdomensis]

It looks to me like it's front opening and has a screen lid. so I would only use it for temperate herps with a low humidity requirement.

[reptiledude987]

If you saw a Super Pet I'd be impressed! Pet Smart bought them all up years ago now. Sad day.
Ya I forget what its called just know its not anywhere I usually shop for pet supplies. Was just grabbing a cricket keeper lol.

[Aaron_S]

Ya I forget what its called just know its not anywhere I usually shop for pet supplies. Was just grabbing a cricket keeper lol.

I'm just venting about missing Super Pets. Coolest mascot ever.

[reptiledude987]

I'm just venting about missing Super Pets. Coolest mascot ever.
LMFAO. It really was....

[Aaron_S]

LMFAO. It really was....

I'm impressed you remember. I used to work for one. It's how I got S-M-R-T. Good ole days of way cooler stuff being in pet stores.

[jjhill001]

Pdomensis has the right one, I can't post any links because I'm a new member.

[Minkness]

Hmm....i kinda like it, but I'd agree on the the humidity thing.

[jjhill001]

I haven't built then yet, they are actually sitting in my best friends basement in the boxes because I don't have the room for them until I move out this summer. I did notice there is an extra screen in the back of it which would really make it hard to maintain humidity. Luckily I'm planning on trying out the bioactive substrate thing, and with a west Texas/Mexican native like a Baird's rat snake I'm not too worried about humidity with a substrate like that. Plus with that extra vent and a semi-desert set up it gives me a bit more leeway with the substrate getting too moist and then being able to dry quicker.

[pdomensis]

I like how it's elevated so it would be easy to get a UTH under it. With the screen lid I would avoid a heat lamp or CHE. I think you've got a good plan with your choice of species. Most N. American colubrids should do fine.

I'm curious how you plan to do your semi-desert bioactive set up, so keep us posted on how that goes. I'd also be somewhat concerned that since it looks like you have to assemble it yourself, it probably isn't water tight and may leak when you add water to the soil. I would check that out first, especially if you're going to have a UTH underneath.

cheers

[jjhill001]

I think that a liberal application of aquarium sealant to the bottom areas should be more than adequate especially since my choice of species isn't a major burrower and the plants will be low water requirements. It will be a while before they are big enough for them. I hope to have them set up 2 months or so ahead of when they need them so I have time to play and get things established.

[jjhill001]

I know that sort of ruins one of the bonuses of being able to take it apart easily but oh well.