Size of Exo-Terra

[CrestieLove]

Ok I have a few sorta related questions about the size of terrariums...specifically the Exo-Terra ones.  Because if and when I do get a gecko one day, I think that's the set-up I like best.  But...

1. Can anyone actually mesaure their 18x18x24 terrarium for me?  Specifically the base from front to back (depth)?  I know it's obviously 18 inches becuase it says so.  But I was just wondering if Exo-Terra rounds up or anything.  Becuase the place where I would actually be having the setup would be on top of my dresser and the depth is actually 17 inches, so would an extra inch matter?  Or for example, if the terrarium is only 17.5 inches in depth, I don't think it would be a big deal.  I know it would be a problem if it hung over the back less than aninch if it was a fish tank (with water in it) but I dunno if this would pose a problem with a terrarium?

2. Would the 18x18x24 terrarium be too big for 1 crested anyway (which is 33 gallons)? I know people said if it's too large they have trouble finding their food, so smaller is better.  Would the 12x12x18 (at only 11 gallons) be better?  Why can't that company make an in between size?!?!  Where's the 16x16x20 size, that would be perfect!    I think 33 is too big for 1, but 11 seems too small for 1.  So what do you all do?
I'm saying only 1 right now, because unless I absolutely HAVE to have more and are allowed to have more, but 1 is pushing it right now haha.

3. I see that the Reptile Depot crested cages are 16x16x23 (25 gallons) seems more reasonable, but I just don't really prefer those.  I mean I know I really can't go by a tiny picture, but I just like the looks and features of the Exo better. Or would the Reptile Depot one be better for my size situation and need for only 1 gecko?

This topic is urgent or anything, it will probably be a WHILE before I ever need to go buy something haha, but this is something I have always wondered about. 

[NYCrestie]

exo terra does make an 18x18x18
i own one
the bottom of the tank isnt flat, its raised to accomodate a UTH
ill measure my base in a min, but off hand, taking into account the shape of the bottom, id say its not going to work on that particular dresser

i also house a lone male in a 12x12x18 and hes more than happy in it
i have also seen people house a mated pair in a 12x12x18

[NYCrestie]

ok i just measure my 18x18x18
and the bottom part of the base measures just about 18"....i really could get an exact measurement because that tank is in a corner.
the base is really weird though on the exo-terras, its not completely flat like a said to accomodate the use of a UTH and the base arches upward
_n_ looks kind of like that, though not so dramatic

so i dont think its going to work, the level part is quite wide though so it might, its going to be close, and i wouldnt mention bumping into it or moving slightly as you might knock it off
i can try again tomorrow and get a better measurement and maybe draw what i mean about the base

[CrestieLove]

Grrr ok I think I kinda know what you mean, I sorta see it on the pics of them.  That makes me angry that just by 1 inch it wouldn't fit 

BUT...would a 12x12x18 be better for just 1 then anyway?  Everywhere I read says they should have 20 gallon minimum...but then also says the cage should not be TOO big as they can't find their food and stuff.  But 11 gallons and 33 gallons are the two extremes we have to work with here.  Is 33 gallons too big for just 1?  But...is 11 gallons too small for 1?

18x18x18 isn't going to help me much either because it is still 18 inches deep.
So you yourself have a male in a 11 gallon terrarium, is it full grown?  Is that enough space for him?

[tennisbunny]

I have several males in the 12x12x18 Exo-terras and they do well. I also breed in that size but with only one female, but trios are in a much larger sized tank.

[NYCrestie]

oops, missed your question crestielove

my male seems perfectly fine is that size exo-terra. and there are plenty of people that keep breedersin that size equivalence in like sterilite and rubbermaid tubs

[warnersister_2000]

i have an 18x18 on a dresser where it hangs off an inch on the back and haven't had any problems.  it's pretty heavy too, as i have ecoearth and some aquarium decorations in it as well as several fake plants.

[CrestieLove]

i have an 18x18 on a dresser where it hangs off an inch on the back and haven't had any problems.? it's pretty heavy too, as i have ecoearth and some aquarium decorations in it as well as several fake plants.

So the depth of your dresser is about 17 inches too?  You don't think it puts stress on the terarraium, that will make it crack or something, since it is heavy.  And the back part hangs off?  It would be up against a wall, but I just don't want it to be unsturdy or cause it to get damaged or something...it is expensive lol

But I guess if you can keep 1-2 in a 12x12x18 that would be ok too?  It would definitely fit better thats for sure.  Why does everything say 20 gallons minimum PER gecko then...if people keep 1-2 in a 11 gallon set up?

I would LOVE to have the 18x18x24 terrarium, but then what happens if I get new furniture (which I desperately need) and it's even a smaller depth, I will have no where to put it.  And is 33 gallons too big if I only plan on having 1 (to start with anyway).

I just want whats best for the animal.  Price isn't an issue.  I would have either size.  I just don't know which is the better/safer size.

[warnersister_2000]

ok i measured and the dresser is actually only 15.75" deep on average (the front edge is wavy) so the exo terra is overhanging about 2.25" total.? it's been there since july with no problems.? it's very sturdy.

in my personal opinion, 10-11 gallons is not big enough for even one adult gecko.? i would say at least 15 gallons to live happily, and an additional 10 gallons per gecko.? think of it this way - you could live in a studio apartment the rest of your life, but would you want to?? any size tank will not be too big for an adult.? i have heard of people keeping lone males in 90 gallon plus tanks.? for most of us, that's a waste of space though.? the only time you have to worry about a tank being TOO big is when the gecko is young.

[CrestieLove]

OK well I guess when the time comes I will go with the 18x18x24 exo-terra.  Should start saving up now 

That way, it will be more roomy for 1, and IF I ever do decided to get a 2nd one, I will be able to do so...right?  Because it's 33 gallons.  I do wish they had an inbetween size though.

I COULD have two 12x12x18 exo's right next to each other on my dresser and that would fit fine.  The height and length are no problem, just the darn depth    But.....I guess if yours isn't even 16 inches deep and mine is a little over 17 inches deep, it should fit fine on mine too then (the front of mine is sorta wavy too..if it weren't for that, it'd be enough room exactly lol.  Grrr to the wavy dressers!!!

[warnersister_2000]

you can keep 2-3 adults in the 33gal if you have enough hiding places and visual barriers.  if you wanted to get the 18x18x18, it would be less expensive and you could still keep 1-2 adults in there (about 25gal)

i looked at the bottom of the tank again and the part of the base that actually touches the dresser is a bit less than 18" so you should be just fine with that.

wavy dressers lol....we make the best of what we've got 

[CrestieLove]

I thought about the 18" height one...but then it's sorta like a box, and everyone recommends higher than width/depth.  So I figured the extra few inches in the height would be better...besides height isn't my issue, so its really no difference.