Acrylic (if purchased from the right place) isn't horribly expensive, but still not quite cheap. It makes for an awesome display enclosure for arboreals, but isn't as simple to work with as wood. Another alternative, though not as much viewing room, is to go with wood and glass or plexi for a door or even for 3 sides. I hate melamine... it chips, its heavy, it isn't waterproof, if any moisture gets past the coating it falls apart, it bubbles, and it doesn't give you much choice as its commonly available in white, it can sometimes be ordered in black or brown at a mugh higher price. Some plywoods are very attractive. You can also choose to go with something like pine or a hardwood as well. Just be sure to provide a good finish if you choose to use this method.
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