PVC build advice

I'm looking to build my first DIY PVC enclosure (multiple if this works well) for my pythons. Home Depot has white PVC sheets that I plan on using. I would also like to seal all creases with some sort of caulking to keep all humidity in (since I read that small leaks could cause discoloration over time), but I'm not sure if any of these will be toxic to my scaled babies. If anyone has advice to throw my way, I'm all ears!

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Originally Posted by Eavlynn

I'm looking to build my first DIY PVC enclosure (multiple if this works well) for my pythons. Home Depot has white PVC sheets that I plan on using. I would also like to seal all creases with some sort of caulking to keep all humidity in (since I read that small leaks could cause discoloration over time), but I'm not sure if any of these will be toxic to my scaled babies. If anyone has advice to throw my way, I'm all ears!

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I'd use a silicone based sealant - such as the stuff used on fish tanks.

^^ agree. Silicone based is the way to go.

Pvc is latex based.. will bond pvc better than silicone. Plus is cheaper and easier to clean up. This is coming from 20+ years painting. I would recommend silicone on most other materials wood,glass,rock.

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Thanks all, I'll look a little deeper into both. If all goes well, I should have a photo of the finished product to post up! Fingers crossed!

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After building quite a few of these, I wouldn't worry about sealing it. I've had no problems. Small leaks are non existent IMO if you have vents cut into the unit. I wouldn't guarantee it would hold water without it, but I've never had one leak from an upturned water bowl either.

Dave

I do plan on venting the enclosure similar to the vents on the AP enclosures. And my proheat panel should be arriving tomorrow as well. Part of me still wants to buy sealant just in case my cuts aren't absolutely perfect, but I'm not sure whether or not I'll have to use it. Fingers crossed for a positive outcome! If this goes well, all of my humidity loving kiddos will have them!

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You'll love it in no time !!! So much easier ☺

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http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...7bfb324bfc.jpg

Not too bad for a first build. We had to free hand with a circular saw so the lines aren't as perfect as I would have liked. I used latex sealant to seal up the inside and I think it looks pretty good. We opted in to paint the exterior black to match the AP cage we ordered. Just need to put the lexan polycarbonate door back on with the locks and we should be good to go!

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Your enclosure is looking good. Before you know it you will have a bunch of them since you now know how to build them. Does your home Depot carry the pvc in 4x8 sheets or did you just use the smaller planks that the have? I did a melamine DIY, http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?t=210213, but if I ever get to build another enclosure I want to try pvc.

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Looks great !!

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Thanks! I'm pretty happy with how it turned out. Tonight I plan on setting it up and getting the temps right so I can move my adult BP into it. So excited!

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That's great! I've been trying to find out how to do the same since we don'T have a lot of pvc cages available where I am. PVC seems to cost an arm and a leg thouh and almost seems harder to find.

Did you have the sheets pre cut or did it yourself ? And what kind of latex sealant, is it really necessary or just an added protection ?

Home depot couldn't cut the sheets for us. They said the dust it produces could cause issues with their ventilation system, so we cut it ourselves with a circular saw. Since the cuts weren't absolutely perfect I used dap latex sealant as a precautionary measure. I think it looks nicer anyway and helps to blend every thing together in the interior, but it probably wouldn't be necessary with good cuts and construction. Building your own pvc enclosure is definitely worth the money you save as opposed to ordering one, and you don't have to wait for shipping. I'll definitely be building more in the not so distant future!

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