Maximum Reptile™ Glass Sizes and Details

What is the difference in Acrylic, Polycarbonate, Standard and Tempered Glass doors?

There are pros and cons to each of these materials and on this page we explain the key differences. 

 

Acrylic - AKA Plexiglass (Used on our Evolution Enclosures)

Pros:

  • Non-yellowing
  • Scratch resistant
  • Cracks upon impact instead of shattering 
  • Can be more transparent than glass
  • 10 to 17 x more impact resistant than standard glass

Cons:

  • Although resistant to scratches it’s not scratch proof
  • Has more flex than tempered and standard glass
  • Will absorb water and warp slightly when used in very high humidity situations

 

Polycarbonate - AKA Lexan (Used on our Larger Essential Enclosures)

Pros:

  • Non-yellowing for 10 years
  • Scratch resistant
  • Highly resistant to chemicals
  • Can be exposed to high temperatures and is non-flammable
  • Cracks upon impact instead of shattering 
  • Can be more transparent than glass
  • 250 x more impact resistant than standard glass (30 x stronger than acrylic)
  • Often used in bullet resistant “glass” windows and doors

Cons:

  • Although somewhat resistant to scratches it’s not scratch proof
  • Has more flex than tempered and standard glass
  • Will absorb water and warp slightly when used in very high humidity situations, although, a little less than Acrylic AKA Plexiglass 

 

Standard Glass

Pros:                                                                                            

  • Non-yellowing
  • Scratch proof

Cons:

  • Will shatter into sharp shards, making it a serious hazard
  • Requires regular cleaning

 

Tempered Glass - (Used on most of our Essential 3ft and 4ft Enclosures)
Pros:

  • 10 times stronger than standard glass
  • Non-yellowing
  • Upon impact breaks into pebbles, not shards for safety
  • Scratch resistant

Cons:

  • Although rare, can spontaneously combust
  • Although scratch resistant it’s not scratch proof

The below video shows the durability of Polycarbonate vs Acrylic

Want glass doors instead?

Here are the dimensions for our enclosure doors, take these cutting instructions listed below for your enclosure purchased to the local glass shop of your choice.

 

Evolution 2.0 Glass Doors for our 4 X 2 X 2:

Tempered Glass Upgrade now available - Order here

These are the cutting instructions when placing the order with your local glass service:

Cut 2 x annealed/regular or tempered glass doors at: 23 1/2 x 16 1/2

Quarter inch thick, heavy seamed edges with 1/8” radius on the corners

Please note: Our original Evolution model 1.0 has 2 x doors that are 24" x 22" with the same above details.

 

Essential Glass Doors for our 6 X 2 X 2:

These are the cutting instructions when placing the order with your local glass service:

Cut 2 x annealed/regular or tempered glass at:16 ½ X 35 ¾ 

Quarter inch thick, heavy seamed edges with 1/8” radius on the corners

 

Essential Glass Doors for our 6 X 2 X 3:

These are the cutting instructions when placing the order with your local glass service:

Cut 2 x annealed/regular or tempered glass at: 28 ½ X 35 ¾ 

Quarter inch thick, heavy seamed edges with 1/8” radius on the corners

 

Essential Glass Doors for our 8 X 4 X 4:

These are the cutting instructions when placing the order with your local glass service:

Cut 2 x annealed/regular or tempered glass at:  47 1/2 X 29 1/2

Quarter inch thick, heavy seamed edges with 1/8” radius on the corners

 

Essential Glass Doors for our 8 X 4 X 6:

These are the cutting instructions when placing the order with your local glass service:

Cut 2 x annealed/regular or tempered glass at: (coming soon) 

Quarter inch thick, heavy seamed edges with 1/8” radius on the corners