How are Thrive enclosures?

[bonito]

I've been looking at enclosures for a BP and found this nice 40 gallon Thrive tank (for temperate reptiles) at PetSmart of all places. People seem quite happy with it from what I can tell, however I've seen some complaints about other Thrive products and obviously PetSmart isn't exactly known for its quality. It's about $200 so if it's not too shoddy I'd love to get it :)
Has anyone else used this or a similar tank? I'm curious as to how it compares to more expensive options and whether I should just spend my money on one of those. Thanks!

[BeansTheDerp]

I haven't used thrive, but I do know that if you have an adult bp you are going to want something bigger than a 40 gallon. It is a good price but you can purchase 4x2x2 pvc enclosures that are better overall for $299 at dubia.com which is bigger and sold at a cheaper price for convenience.

[Homebody]

Glass enclosures with screen tops are poor at retaining the heat and humidity ball pythons require. Put the money toward a PVC enclosure.

[Bogertophis]

I've been looking at enclosures for a BP and found this nice 40 gallon Thrive tank (for temperate reptiles) at PetSmart of all places. People seem quite happy with it from what I can tell, however I've seen some complaints about other Thrive products and obviously PetSmart isn't exactly known for its quality. It's about $200 so if it's not too shoddy I'd love to get it
Has anyone else used this or a similar tank? I'm curious as to how it compares to more expensive options and whether I should just spend my money on one of those. Thanks!

I can't speak for Thrive products, as I've not used any of them, but is this for a male or female BP? Females tend to get bigger than males- so while 40 gal. is usually big enough for a male, it might not be for a female BP. And either way, if your BP is young, it's going to take a long time for either one to outgrow a 40 gal. size. I'm glad you're researching first & hopefully you'll get more input from others that may have used this specific product.

[Homebody]

I haven't used thrive, but I do know that if you have an adult bp you are going to want something bigger than a 40 gallon. It is a good price but you can purchase 4x2x2 pvc enclosures that are better overall for $299 at dubia.com which is bigger and sold at a cheaper price for convenience.

Those dubia.com enclosures have screen tops. They are better than this Thrive enclosure, but it's not what I would choose for a ball python.

[BeansTheDerp]

Those dubia.com enclosures have screen tops. They are better than this Thrive enclosure, but it's not what I would choose for a ball python.

Yes I agree, I figured they were looking for a cheaper option, plus there are ways to cover the screens, which is why I suggested it. Honestly I suggest something from custom reptile habitats more...

[Malum Argenteum]

If a person is looking for an enclosure in that size range at the $200 price point, I'd argue for an Animal Plastics T3 -- I think the larger footprint is worth more than the 18" of height in the '40g breeder' size of tank for a BP.

https://apcages.com/collections/terr...6l-x-24w-x-12h

I haven't used a Thrive enclosure. I have been told that replacement parts are not available for them, so a broken door or top means the cage is a complete loss. That makes them a little less desirable than an ExoTerra, and Exos can be purchased at real herp shops (which I like to support over chain stores).

I wouldn't recommend that anyone use a glass tank for a BP or any other snake that needs decent control over temps and moisture levels, simply for the far better conditions a PVC enclosure will provide.

Keep in mind that a glass tank will likely need two heat sources (a heat mat and a heat lamp/CHE (ceramic heat emitter)/DHP(deep heat projector)). A PVC enclosure will need only one (an RHP). That makes a PVC enclosure less costly to set up heat for (only one heat unit, and only one channel of thermostatic control).

[bonito]

If a person is looking for an enclosure in that size range at the $200 price point, I'd argue for an Animal Plastics T3 -- I think the larger footprint is worth more than the 18" of height in the '40g breeder' size of tank for a BP.

https://apcages.com/collections/terr...6l-x-24w-x-12h

I haven't used a Thrive enclosure. I have been told that replacement parts are not available for them, so a broken door or top means the cage is a complete loss. That makes them a little less desirable than an ExoTerra, and Exos can be purchased at real herp shops (which I like to support over chain stores).

I wouldn't recommend that anyone use a glass tank for a BP or any other snake that needs decent control over temps and moisture levels, simply for the far better conditions a PVC enclosure will provide.

Keep in mind that a glass tank will likely need two heat sources (a heat mat and a heat lamp/CHE (ceramic heat emitter)/DHP(deep heat projector)). A PVC enclosure will need only one (an RHP). That makes a PVC enclosure less costly to set up heat for (only one heat unit, and only one channel of thermostatic control).

That's a really good point! I'll look into those, thank you so much