Tote's or Glass tanks?

[pepper]

Does it matter?

I just got a tiger salamander and we were going to put him in a glass tank, but I remembered how dry it is here, my mom is always constantly having nose bleeds because it's not very humid..and the tank would have just a screen lid, through trial and error, it dried out a lot quicker then a rubber made tote.
So right now, the 4 inch tiny little guy is just in a rubber made tote, soil, moss, plants, etc..I was just figuring once he's older he could just live in a large tote, 20 gallons or more, since it seems tote's come in a lot more shapes then glass aquariums unless they are custom.

Does it matter?

Are glass aquariums better for them, or does it even matter?
Does being in one change their personality compared to being in another?

Thanks!

 

[tylototriton]

It really doesn't matter to the animal. Totes are often preferred by keepers who have numerous specimens and need cheap, easy to clean, space saving alternatives to glass cages. Glass cages allow you to see the setup of the tank, which can at times be half the fun of having a tank, and allow you to more easily see the animal. To fix your problem with humidity use a moisture holding bedding, add leafy plants and ground cover like moss (these both help keep moisture in) and place some sort of plastic barrier over most of the screen, I would use plexiglass, but anything that holds moisture works (even plastic wrap). Leave a small area uncovered for airflow. In respect to personality, I can't really say anything definitive. You would be able to see the friendly personality that tigers so often exhibit much easier in a glass aquarium. In the end its really just an aesthetic question. The animal will be happy with either.

Best of Luck,
Alex

 

[bobberly1]

Wow. What more can be said? He's right that they don't provide unnecesary height and weight, but since it looks like you're only keeping a few animals, you'll be able to enjoy them more easily with an aquarium.

 

[Kaysie]

I kept my tigers in a tote for a long time. Like Alex said, it's really up to the owner.

 

[RandallRock]

Here's a thought. Tyvec is a material that allows for gas exchange but will not let water pass though. Cut a few holes in your lids if you choose to use totes and cover them with tyvec. I'm not sure where one could buy tyvec having never gone looking for it but I know that you can find envelopes made of tyvec at the Post Office. I've used this method in trying to incubate leopard gecko eggs in a modified hovabater and I plan to modify totes in the way. This method allows for your little guy to breathe and for the enclosure to remain moist. Please let me know if/how they work for you if you choose to use them. feed back is always good. Peace

~ Aaron

 

[ferret_corner]

From what I could find - its Tyvek and it WILL let water vapor through. Which means the tote would still dry out due to evaporation right?

It will stop Liquid water from breaching but not vapor. Weird.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyvek

Sharon

 

[xMIDNIGHTx]

As everyone has been saying it is up to you. IMO I prefer totes/plastic tubs for most of my collection with only a couple tanks for my more watched/entertaining species. Many of these tubs I get are only around 6" high, but give almost twice the floor space as many tanks out there.

They do have totes that are very clear (not like glass but fairly close) and works great for me.

Mitch