how much work is it to set up PVC cages?

[caravaggiooo]

I'm new to the site, so I apologize in advance if this isn't the correct place to post this!

I'm planning to get my first snake in the near future and I'm currently doing research on enclosures. I'm 95% sure that I'll be getting a North American colubrid (I'm in NA), so obviously husbandry requirements aren't too strict - but I'm still considering getting a PVC enclosure for the snake.


My main question is, how much extra work is usually required on a PVC cage, i.e. can you use them as they come? I have literally no DIY experience and after reading more about how snake owners usually set up PVC enclosures, I'm not so confident I can pull it off. Mounting RHPs, lights, drilling holes for wires/ventilation, that sort of stuff. It's a bit overwhelming to me. I do know Animal Plastics can pre-install some of that, but it's not an option for me as I'm not in the US, and as far as I can tell there isn't a domestic company that does the same thing (anyone have info on HerpHouses or Powerhouse Displays in Canada?).


I'm also wondering if this might be overkill for a relatively simple colubrid, but the durability, aesthetic and light weight of PVC cages appeal to me far more than standard glass tanks, and as we know snakes do live a while. I'm aiming for a large-ish enclosure (at least 36' long, probably 48') so PVC really would be preferable over glass, I think. On the other hand, I feel like getting an aquarium-style tank would be so much easier (and probably cheaper), since the species I'm looking at doesn't need much humidity. I'm a bit stuck on this, and would really appreciate info and/or advice.

[WhompingWillow]

I'm new to the site, so I apologize in advance if this isn't the correct place to post this!

I'm planning to get my first snake in the near future and I'm currently doing research on enclosures. I'm 95% sure that I'll be getting a North American colubrid (I'm in NA), so obviously husbandry requirements aren't too strict - but I'm still considering getting a PVC enclosure for the snake.


My main question is, how much extra work is usually required on a PVC cage, i.e. can you use them as they come? I have literally no DIY experience and after reading more about how snake owners usually set up PVC enclosures, I'm not so confident I can pull it off. Mounting RHPs, lights, drilling holes for wires/ventilation, that sort of stuff. It's a bit overwhelming to me. I do know Animal Plastics can pre-install some of that, but it's not an option for me as I'm not in the US, and as far as I can tell there isn't a domestic company that does the same thing (anyone have info on HerpHouses or Powerhouse Displays in Canada?).


I'm also wondering if this might be overkill for a relatively simple colubrid, but the durability, aesthetic and light weight of PVC cages appeal to me far more than standard glass tanks, and as we know snakes do live a while. I'm aiming for a large-ish enclosure (at least 36' long, probably 48') so PVC really would be preferable over glass, I think. On the other hand, I feel like getting an aquarium-style tank would be so much easier (and probably cheaper), since the species I'm looking at doesn't need much humidity. I'm a bit stuck on this, and would really appreciate info and/or advice.

What kind and age are you thinking? We have a young corn snake, and he is currently our only one in a small (decorated) tub. Our BPs are in modified tanks but we're planning to slowly transition to PVC. Expecting our first one hopefully this week! A tub actually works really well for our corn as far as husbandry goes. I ask what age, because if you're planning to get a hatchling/juvenile, they'd easily get lost in a larger enclosure and most likely not feel as secure, no matter how much you cluttered it up. You'd probably never be able to find it, lol.

As far as PVC, some come assembled and some do not. Some ship assembled for smaller sizes and flat for larger. Shipping preassembled generally costs a lot more in shipping. A lot of companies will pre-install your specs for you or route/drill in preparation. It really just depends on what you're looking for and how much your budget is.

[BR8080]

I don't keep colubrids so I know absolutely nothing about their husbandry, but setting up a PVC enclosure can be as easy or difficult as you want to make it. If you approach with the right mindset, you can do it.

I've ordered several enclosures from Animal Plastics, yes there is assembly required, and find the enclosures are very easy to assemble with just a phillips screwdriver. If you can read and follow simple directions, you can assemble their enclosures.

The RHP is already installed by them, assuming you have it shipped to them directly, to make things real easy. Bob at Pro Products and Ali have an excellent working relationship to ensure quick and easy transactions.

I'm sure you'll find all the information you need here as there are a ton of good folks with experience to help. Good luck!!! (Also - check the caging section in the forum as well)

[artgecko]

I've purchased pvc cages from 2 sources: Cserpents and AP cages.

C-serpents will do custom pvc cages to order, including light, heat, etc. (you have to email him for a quote) and they will deliver them assembled to a show they vend at. So if they vend at a show near you, you are in business. I felt their prices were fair.

The downside with them is that they do not do glass doors, they use plexi, and it shows wear over time.

AP cages are also pvc and you can call to order or place your order through their website. They do lighting and heat also and can do custom modifications if you call.

AP cages has a long lead time. So expect delivery 3-4 months after ordering. IMO though their cage quality and price makes it worth it.

My husband and I have zero handy skills of any kind and we've been able to assemble all 3 of our AP cages with no issues. I'd say the first one took maybe 1 hour, but the others went much faster after we knew what we were doing. You get the parts and they are labeled. There are instructions also. You basically just screw the sides together then use the sealant they provide to seal the inside seams. Note that the sealent smells and should be put someone with good air flow to cure for about a week.

I like that they use heavy glass for doors (and you can get door locks which I highly recommend) and that their cage pieces always fit together perfectly. We've never had any issues assembling them.

Also note: If you order heat tape with the cage, you have to tape it to the bottom and put the probe where it goes. If you order the recessed LED lighting, it comes pre-installed. RHPs you have to order specially and I've never done so, so you'd want to call about that.

My favorite size of AP cages are the 4'x2'x either 15 or 18" tall. I also usually get a basking shelf which my snakes like to lay on. I think this is a good size for most small / medium sized snakes and gives you enough room to add branches, hides, etc. to make the cage look good.

[larryd23]

Two weeks ago, my daughter and I upgraded from the Exo-Terra we purchased when we got our boi last summer to an RBI 2x3x12" viv. It was a piece of cake.

The RBI comes assembled, they install the LED lighting and they use a router to set the area for the UTH and the UTH probe. All you need to do is buy their UTH kit, remove the backing on the double stick tape and lay it down. Since I worry about these things, I added a row of Gorilla Tape around the perimeter of the UTH to make sure it stayed in place.

For a secondary heat source I added an 80w RHP (also from RBI). Once I decided on the location, I had to drill three 1/4" holes to mount the RHP. Again, since I worry about these things, I didn't use the SS screws they provided and instead went to the Home Depot for SS bolts with nylon lock nuts. Two more 1/4" holes in the back of the viv for the RHP power cord and the RHP probe and that was done.

Finally, I added some self adhesive cable tie mounts to the back of the viv to keep the power cords and thermostat probes in position and secure.

All in all, it took longer to go to the Home Depot and pick up nuts, bolts, and cable ties, than it did to set up the viv.

[caravaggiooo]

What kind and age are you thinking? We have a young corn snake, and he is currently our only one in a small (decorated) tub. Our BPs are in modified tanks but we're planning to slowly transition to PVC. Expecting our first one hopefully this week! A tub actually works really well for our corn as far as husbandry goes. I ask what age, because if you're planning to get a hatchling/juvenile, they'd easily get lost in a larger enclosure and most likely not feel as secure, no matter how much you cluttered it up. You'd probably never be able to find it, lol.

I was a little worried about that! I'm hoping I can find a subadult or adult gopher snake that'll be comfy in an adult-sized enclosure. But not being in the US, I don't know how much of a selection I'll have, so I'm prepared to go for a juvenile or even another colubrid if that's what it comes to. I admit, I was a bit intimidated away from tubs, again because of the modifications necessary for those, but it's increasingly sounding like a decent option if the PVC stuff takes me a while to figure out.

Thanks to everyone for your detailed replies. Animal Plastics really does sound ideal for someone like me, but as I said I doubt it'll be an option since I'm in Canada. I think I'll contact some of the local PVC enclosure companies to see if any of them do something similar to AP; I'm also planning to go to a reptile expo this weekend so maybe I'll find out something useful there. I'll also check out the caging section here, which I somehow totally missed!

I'm not kidding when I say I have absolutely no DIY experience - I don't even know if my family owns any power tools or soldering equipment, us being perpetual city apartment dwellers I do think an AP-style assembly seems doable, now that I know a bit more about what it entails.

[WhompingWillow]

I admit, I was a bit intimidated away from tubs, again because of the modifications necessary for those, but it's increasingly sounding like a decent option if the PVC stuff takes me a while to figure out.

Thanks to everyone for your detailed replies. Animal Plastics really does sound ideal for someone like me, but as I said I doubt it'll be an option since I'm in Canada. I think I'll contact some of the local PVC enclosure companies to see if any of them do something similar to AP; I'm also planning to go to a reptile expo this weekend so maybe I'll find out something useful there. I'll also check out the caging section here, which I somehow totally missed!

I have pretty much zero handy experience, but I was able to easily set up a tub. Basically just used a soldering iron to make air holes and screwed an LED puck light to the inside top. With that being said, I completely understand why you would want to go for PVC. There's really no comparison between tubs and PVC when it comes to visual appeal.

Have you checked out Herp Houses? They are based in CA and offer some nice looking PVC enclosures that are similar to AP. http://www.herphouses.com/terrestria...tile-cages.php Edited for auto-correct.

[caravaggiooo]

I have pretty much zero handy experience, but I was able to easily set up a tub. Basically just used a soldering iron to make air holes and screwed an LED puck light to the inside top. With that being said, I completely understand why you would want to go for PVC. There's really no comparison between tubs and PVC when it comes to visual appeal.

Have you checked out Herp Houses? They are based in CA and offer some nice looking PVC enclosures that are similar to AP. http://www.herphouses.com/terrestria...tile-cages.php Edited for auto-correct.

I'll stay open to tubs! I think a big reason I'm favouring PVC is that I'm planning to stick to one animal (we'll see how long that lasts haha), so splurging for it doesn't sound too bad. It'd be nice to have a pretty display enclosure for my single snake.

I just contacted Herp Houses today! If I end up getting a PVC cage there's a good chance it'll be from them

[SDA]

If you can follow instructions and have ever assembled furniture or even a office chair, you can put together a pvc cage from a manufacturer.