2nd hand EXO TERRA buyers guide and restoration

Buyers guide on what to look out for buying 2nd hand exo terra reptile enclosures
Full cleaning tutorial and more tips

[@steveschindler2802]

You are absolutely correct when you say buying damaged equipment thinking you can find replacement parts might be a lost cause. I can't tell you how many used tanks and cages I've picked up thinking I can rehab them only to trash them because it was much more work than I had anticipated. You've obviously done a few of these so you know what you are talking about but here are just a few observations and suggestions I have picked up over the years dealing with used equipment. I'm cheap so I rarely turn down used equipment (see first paragraph.) Exos had two different types of lid locks. The older models (I think they were the older ones) had clip in locks and the newer ones have the twist locks like yours. I don't know when they switched but it can give you an idea of how old it might be. I'd also recommend rinsing all the loose dirt before scraping with a blade as dirt can scratch the glass as well as wetting the glass before you start scraping. I have done it dry as well but I have found that wet scrapping works better. One last thing regarding hard water stains, a lot of hard water spotting can be removed using the method you mentioned but be careful. Water can actually etch the glass in extreme instance and there is no way of getting rid of it. It looks like frosted glass. I've experienced this more so with aquariums that had standing water where it creates a ring but long periods of misting with hard water can also cause it with terrariums as well. A good way to tell is to wet the glass slightly and let it dry. When wet it may look nice and clear but when it dries it will go back to looking frosted. Sometimes some of this can be removed using your method but sometimes it will never clear up as the glass is actually etched. With terrariums this is usually a back corner or side where continuous misting or dripping may have occurred. If its not to bad or you're going to do a background its may not be a big deal but if glass clarity is important, like the doors or an uncovered side, it is something to look out for. On a somewhat related note, if you have the time and space and you can get damaged stuff cheap enough, like for free, you can make some decent money repairing used tanks yourself or selling the used parts. I'll grab any exo or zilla or zoo med tanks I can no matter how they look if they have good doors or especially tops that are not melted.

[@stevet73]

Wow buddy thanks that’s best comment I’ve had also adds to the vid as you have added a bit more Way i done it just always works but definitely next one going to try the extra bit of advice 😁 love how you are always learning thanks buddy your a star

[@pjexotictv7298]

I love the set up and backround

[@The-Spider-King]

Great tips Steve. I love my Exos, almost all from Facebook Marketplace for a fraction of the retail price new 👍🏼

[@dprofessorscritters8762]

Happy New Year to you and yours. Great tips. Really looking forward to the new build. Would love to see a series build...like the "Phases of Eddie". All the different incarnations of the Maiden mascot.😁

[@Gothicgirl1122x]

Thank you for what look out for and little tips great video happy new year

[@daveslittlebeasties]

Great video mate I get most of mine second hand too 👍

[@numajoff]

Awesome uncle steve

[@IncredibleInvertsOtherAnimals]

Great tips as always mate

[@CoyoteCanyon72]

Have you seen the Reptile One enclosures? Look good. I think Dave Fisher uses them.

[@lewpang8679]

ive got to fix a lock on an exoterra i might record it is very easy to do and might be helpful

[@stevet73]

Awesome buddy if you do send it to me I’ll use it in vid give you credit obviously 😁

[@lewpang8679]

@@stevet73 yeah cool if ive got every think i need here ill try get it done some point tomorrow

[@crazy_creatures2129]

Awesome video! What's your thoughts on buying a cracked Viv if the crack was on the bottom or back where you could perhaps reseal it?

[@stevet73]

If on bottom no issues really unless your going bio active but bit of sealer should sort that same with back build a background Only issues doors stuff you can see really

[@justaguywithabible2313]

Hey …. Tell me how to replace the top locking slides??? The locking slides that keep the screen top on … I had one that broke off… does it pop on or ?????

[@kimmiddlebrook9446]

They look great, can I ask what lighting system you are using?

[@stevet73]

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/4X-Mains-Under-Cabinet-Lights-LED-Kitchen-Lamp-Shelf-Cupboard-Display-Lighting-/264391651234?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m2548.l6249&mkrid=710-127635-2958-0

[@CoyoteCanyon72]

Hey dude, I just purchased an Exo Terra and Reptile One enclosure like yours. A lot of folks telling me to replace the wire mesh on them as the T’s feet can get stuck in them but I see you don’t do it? What are your thoughts? Thanks in advance.

[@stevet73]

I’ve been keeping 13 years never happened to me

[@CoyoteCanyon72]

@@stevet73 This is what others have told me too. Thanks for your response.