Reptarium pre-purchase questions

Hi! I recently got 2 little gliders and am looking at the 270 Gallon Reptarium seen here, but I have a few questions about it and I know there are many people here that use it:

1. What's the bottom like? Is it mesh like the rest of the cage or is it hard?

2. How easy does the netting come off to clean it? Is it one giant piece?

3. Is the zipper a double zipper... so I can, say, open it up in the middle without having to unzip the whole bottom half of the cage?

4. Will the gliders rip the mesh if they crawl on it?

Any answers/comments about this product would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

I have 2 260 gal. reps and 1 100 gal. rep. I love them. I did have to replace the original black poles with pvc pipe because they were flimsy and cracked after a while. It was very cheap to do it too and it's easier to clean and you can get replacement covers when you need them for about $35. They are easy to clean. Just take them off the frame and throw in the wash. I had chewers to begin with and after I sewed up a couple holes they quit. The entire cage is mesh and is strong and easy for them to jump on. The zipper is not a double zipper but 1 long one that opens on one whole side. I love them because I know my babies have plenty of room to play. I use them as a tent also and just get in with them and play. I use baby links I picked up at a garage sale and consignment shop and hook them at the top of the frame at the 4 corners. I got some plastic chain with spring clips at Dollar Tree and I attached them to the links. Since they have clips on them, I just hook toys, hammock, etc. on them. I do hang the pouches directly on the pvc pole with a link to insure strength cause I've got some heavy babies. I use the deluxe extra large puppy pads from Walmart. They fit perfectly on the floor of the rep and I change as needed, plus since it is white, you can look for any poop problems better. If you need any more help let me know, but I've tried other cages and this just easier for me to clean, maintain, move, etc. I'll post some pictures to give you an idea of what I've done.

Don't get it from a pet store or you will pay a fortune. I uses HerpSupplies.com for my original and they have the replacement covers too. They are great to work with and quick on delivery.

I think she answered all your questions. Double zipper, by meaning it has two zipper pulls, Yes it is. You do not have to open the whole zipper. You can place both zipper pulls in the middle then open the top or the bottom. At least that is the way it is with mine.

If you have gliders that are known to chew a lot, then it's not the best thing for them. I know a few gliders that have made a a few holes after a lot of chewing, but for me, mine do not chew and it was fine. But the will NOT rip the mesh just by walking on it.

Good luck.

Thanks, Alicia, I told you when I bought your sissy pouches that I didn't know a thing about sewing--just proved it. I was thinking about a zipper on inside and outside, so if you get in the thing you can get out. I've had that on my mine for months thinking that it would be a great improvement.

Sissy Pouches work great in the rep too. Alicia has attachments to hook them to the frame.

If the black poles are cheap, do you think it a better idea that I just buy a replacement cover and build the frame from scratch with PVC?
Also, how much did it cost for all the PVC? I could stop by Home Depot and check, but if you know offhand it will save a trip.

Also... How often do you find you have to clean it?

Thanks for your responses!

Absolutely do the PVC if you're handy. I couldn't do because I'm allergic to math, but my husband did it in a jiff. I think it cost about $20-30 for the pvc parts and a replacement cover from Herp Supplies is $35. I'm attaching photos this time.

O.k. here is the full rep.

Links, chain, etc.

Links

Sissy Pouch

Bottom with Stealth Wheel and glider kitchen.

Oh yea, my rep doubles as a kitty hammock!