PVC Cages

I am looking to get an enclosure for my baby ball pythons. Which PVC enclosure do people like the best? I was looking at pvc cages or AP cages.

I have heard good thing about AP. However, not sure what you need to do to make them "complete" with heating, etc. Cost seems reasonable by itself.

I have a Boaphile setup; 5 6X2' tanks high. I had a great experience with Jeff Ronne. Wrote a review on here about it.

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...up-With-Review

What I liked about Jeff was quality and he worked with me on what each animal needed (I have 5 different species). We made sure heat and humidity were not an issue. Cost was higher than AP but it was all inclusive, so I am not sure how they compare all in.

Also, got everything in 6 weeks.

He does not respond well to email, but answers the phone or call back quickly.

I think his biggest limitation is if you have a 15FT snake, his tanks only go to 2FT wide and 1 1/2FT high, I believe. For BCI, BP's, etc. it's perfect. I know AP makes wider setups. Overkill for BP though.

Thank you. I will check out his site

It's http://boaphileplastics.com/

His number is on the site. Call him if you have questions, he is helpful.

Two things I forgot to mention.

1. He has dividers. I have 3 leopard geckos, two that get along great, and one that does not! I essentially have two 3X2' cages on the same level.

2. Jeff works with you to cut costs. If you have multiple tanks with the same heat elements, he tells you to use one thermostat (I have double/redundant thermostats - worth the extra cost to protect the animals).

My BP and BCI have essentially the same requirements, so I use one thermostat for each side (cool side and hot side). For the split tanks, I can use one thermostat for both sides.

I have a cooler room in the winter and use both a RHP and Flexwatt on the hot side of the big tanks and a smaller flexwatt on the cool side. For the split tank I have both an RHP and Flexwatt and nothing for the cool zone. For the Geckos it stays about 88-90 on the hot side and farther away near the center divider, it's about 78-82. Perfect for the geckos and probably BP's.

I'd rather have overkill and have it run less, especially in the summer, than not have enough.

I had old PVC style molded tanks and had to install my own heat elements, thermostats, etc. It was a mess. Each tank was it's own thing and it was difficult to maintain humidity and temps. Not the case at all with Boaphile Plastics.

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Originally Posted by lisafoster2510

I am looking to get an enclosure for my baby ball pythons. Which PVC enclosure do people like the best? I was looking at pvc cages or AP cages.

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Check out the Sub Forum "caging". Theres a lot of threads about what others have etc.. I use AP Enclosures, Herpstats & Pro Panel RHP's. Couldn't be happier. Id recomend a T10 for you. They are 4'x18"x24" for $250 shipped. The snake will grow into it & you can use it now too. I use 2 Pvc hides (easy cleaning) & a 5qt camo water bowl from tractor supply to keep humidity.

Tapatalkhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...f096dce9fa.jpg

There is another thread going now that's similar.

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...nimal-Plastics

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Originally Posted by CALM Pythons

Check out the Sub Forum "caging". Theres a lot of threads about what others have etc.. I use AP Enclosures, Herpstats & Pro Panel RHP's. Couldn't be happier. Id recomend a T10 for you. They are 4'x18"x24" for $250 shipped. The snake will grow into it & you can use it now too. I use 2 Pvc hides (easy cleaning) & a 5qt camo water bowl from tractor supply to keep humidity.

Tapatalkhttps://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...f096dce9fa.jpg

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Glad someone chimed in about AP.

I have no experience, as I said previous.

I love my setup, but needed a lot of help.

Ultimately, everyone is different, and the more people comment on their experiences, the better people will have their individual needs met.

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Originally Posted by dakski

Glad someone chimed in about AP.

I have no experience, as I said previous.

I love my setup, but needed a lot of help.

Ultimately, everyone is different, and the more people comment on their experiences, the better people will have their individual needs met.

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Yup theres is a lot of info on here.
Also a Edit to my post. The AP T10 is not 18"H. Its 15"H.... I was thinking of the T25.


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I'm not sure everyone understands PVC Cages is a company.

I have two PVC Cages cages and love them. They are well built and arrived in short order. Mine house my GTP and ETB and for an arboreal snake they are my first recommendation.

I also have one AP cage and a rack. They are also well built but took a little longer to get.

You can't go wrong with either.

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Originally Posted by KMG

I'm not sure everyone understands PVC Cages is a company.

I have two PVC Cages cages and love them. They are well built and arrived in short order. Mine house my GTP and ETB and for an arboreal snake they are my first recommendation.

I also have one AP cage and a rack. They are also well built but took a little longer to get.

You can't go wrong with either.

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I do know PVC Cages is a company, but can totally see where there might be confusion, even from my post.

I also have zero experience with them, but really good point.

Again, the more options people have, and the more they understand about each, the better off the animal(s) and the keeper(s) will be.

Thanks for the clarification and input KMG!

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Originally Posted by CALM Pythons

Check out the Sub Forum "caging". Theres a lot of threads about what others have etc.. I use AP Enclosures, Herpstats & Pro Panel RHP's. Couldn't be happier. Id recomend a T10 for you. They are 4'x18"x24" for $250 shipped. The snake will grow into it & you can use it now too. I use 2 Pvc hides (easy cleaning) & a 5qt camo water bowl from tractor supply to keep humidity.

Tapatalkhttps://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...f096dce9fa.jpg

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that cage seems great.
I was thinking of getting AP T8 cage when my ball python grows up. Anyways, I am guessing options should be the same with t8 and t10, what options did you add to your cage? do they not have radiant heat panel option?

Thanks for all the info. I was looking at the PVC enclosures or the AP. The pvc are a bit more expensive. Are they worth the extra money?

My AP cages (for my boas, carpet python, and BRB) have the following options: sliding glass doors and lock, basking shelf, heat tape, and recessed LED lighting (that option is not on the site, you have to call about it).

If you want a heat panel / RHP, I believe they will install them, but don't sell them. I've never gotten one in an AP cage, but read that you let AP know you are going to get one to be installed, order it from pro products (letting them know to ship it to AP) and then AP will install it in the cage before shipping it to you. At least, that is what I remember reading.

I would get a cage that is at least 15" tall, to make it easier to clean. it can be hard to reach into the back of the cage even with the 15", I can't imagine trying to do so with only 12" of height.

Lead time is about 4 months on all the cages I've gotten, but IMO, worth the wait.


I have never ordered from PVC cages, so can't give feed back on them.

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Originally Posted by lisafoster2510

Thanks for all the info. I was looking at the PVC enclosures or the AP. The pvc are a bit more expensive. Are they worth the extra money?

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I would say it depends on what you want to house in it. For an arboreal snake PVC Cages is the way to go as they are a one stop shop. Cage arrives with rhp, perches, LED light, and greenery depending on what you add to it.

For just a Ball I think anybody would be happy with a AP cage.

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Originally Posted by gusanr14

that cage seems great.
I was thinking of getting AP T8 cage when my ball python grows up. Anyways, I am guessing options should be the same with t8 and t10, what options did you add to your cage? do they not have radiant heat panel option?

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They have every option you can think of basically. I went with Glass sliders instead of Hinge and Plexi Glass as they scratch and are in the way on hinges..id also recommend a T10 ($50 more) for anybody as the T8 only has 8 inch high doors and 11 inch interior height which is hard to clean and get into.
For Ball Pythons no Shelf needed inside, waste of money. You can get inset LED strip of several color options for $40. You can Buy any RHP and they ship it to AP so they install it. They will install Heat Tape as well for you if you want it. As all my recommendations I go with Bob at pro products. For a T10 you will want a 65 watt. Thats about $90 aprox.
I would never buy a AP Base Stand. They are only 8" off the ground and a waste. No storage or anything. Id go with a dresser or TV stand off Craigslist before any Base from a Enclosure manufacturer.


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Originally Posted by lisafoster2510

Thanks for all the info. I was looking at the PVC enclosures or the AP. The pvc are a bit more expensive. Are they worth the extra money?

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Not in my opinion. Ontop of the cost they stink after a while. The PVC they use i hear holds smell. Also of you break something you need a whole new enclosure as with AP you replace the broken part cheap. I think AP are top of the line.


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Animal Plastics:
Pros:
Uses thick, cdpv for all of their cages. Best material in the business, not cheap stuff.
#1 pvc cage overall in terms of sales I would believe.
The most affordable pvc cages on the market with everything considered

Cons:
The wait times are getting pretty long from what I've heard lately
Shipping costs are additional to the price of the cages
Assembly is required ....your cages ship as a flat box.


Boaphile:
Pros:
Units ship as once piece, fully assembled.
Shorter wait times than Animal Plastics, from what I've heard lately.
Shipping is included in the cage prices.
Lightweight

Cons:
Poor communication. As others have said, the only method you can really contact Jeff is via phone. I have tried and never received a response via email in the past.
Once piece cages (yes this is also a bad thing in my opinion)....cages can be easily damaged during the shipping process and if you look for the posts, this has happened several times to people.
Thinner material than animal plastics, by far.

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Originally Posted by KevinK

Animal Plastics:
Pros:
Uses thick, cdpv for all of their cages. Best material in the business, not cheap stuff.
#1 pvc cage overall in terms of sales I would believe.
The most affordable pvc cages on the market with everything considered

Cons:
The wait times are getting pretty long from what I've heard lately
Shipping costs are additional to the price of the cages
Assembly is required ....your cages ship as a flat box.


Boaphile:
Pros:
Units ship as once piece, fully assembled.
Shorter wait times than Animal Plastics, from what I've heard lately.
Shipping is included in the cage prices.
Lightweight

Cons:
Poor communication. As others have said, the only method you can really contact Jeff is via phone. I have tried and never received a response via email in the past.
Once piece cages (yes this is also a bad thing in my opinion)....cages can be easily damaged during the shipping process and if you look for the posts, this has happened several times to people.
Thinner material than animal plastics, by far.

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Good assessment KevinK!

Good to know the AP tanks are good quality and cheaper (I was not sure how much they were all inclusive).

Can't argue anything about Boaphile you said, although my cages were not damaged (I did get 6X2' which ship as 3X2' - so maybe a bigger issue with the bigger tanks?), and I prefer to talk to people, so I talked Jeff's ear off. He helped me get what I needed and not get what I didn't.

Email is useless however.

I think Jeff/Boaphile is running about 6 week lead time now, and I heard AP is at 12-13 weeks from another forum recently, however, not sure exactly where and I would check and not rely on me.

I also don't know how adding options effects lead time from AP, if at all.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by CALM Pythons

Not in my opinion. Ontop of the cost they stink after a while. The PVC they use i hear holds smell. Also of you break something you need a whole new enclosure as with AP you replace the broken part cheap. I think AP are top of the line.


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I've had my first PVC Cage since 2011 or 12. I've never had it hold smells.

My other I've had just over a year.

My first I had shipped preassembled the second I put together. The second went together much like the AP cage so I think repairs would be about the same.


I second glass sliding doors.

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Originally Posted by KMG

I've had my first PVC Cage since 2011 or 12. I've never had it hold smells.

My other I've had just over a year.

My first I had shipped preassembled the second I put together. The second went together much like the AP cage so I think repairs would be about the same.


I second glass sliding doors.

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Well good to know. My knowledge only comes 2nd hand. [emoji1360]


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I can 2nd most everything which has been said about AP Cages. Just ordered a T-10 last week and the production time is 10-12 weeks which is fine for me because I'm not in a hurry. I think my BP needs some time to 'grow' into this size enclosure. He's currently in the mid 300s which might be a little on the small size for this space.

Ali was a pleasure to deal with. She was very patient and thorough on the options available (opted for the LED light upgrade and lock/key sliding glass doors). I'm also having ProProducts ship an RHP to Animal Plastics for installation. A+++ so far!!!

I LOVE the doors on the PVC.com cages !!!

I don't like when there is that black bar doing down the middle..

Wondering, though, are the doors removable for cleaning? Do they pop in and out?

I really like the 4 feet by 18 inch high WITH heat and LED installed. What I like better about Boaphile is that they are 100% constructed and no need for sealing, etc.

Due to the doors and heat/light installed, the PVC.com is actually quite a contender for me. AP's lead time is a huge turn off for me, and I don't like Boaphiles doors. I prefer 2 sliding doors over one large fold down door.

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Originally Posted by zina10

I LOVE the doors on the PVC.com cages !!!

I don't like when there is that black bar doing down the middle..

Wondering, though, are the doors removable for cleaning? Do they pop in and out?

I really like the 4 feet by 18 inch high WITH heat and LED installed. What I like better about Boaphile is that they are 100% constructed and no need for sealing, etc.

Due to the doors and heat/light installed, the PVC.com is actually quite a contender for me. AP's lead time is a huge turn off for me, and I don't like Boaphiles doors. I prefer 2 sliding doors over one large fold down door.

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AP has the same style doors. Upgrade to the thicker glass.

Both companies are removable in the same manner. Simply lift it up and tilt it to take it out. Super simple.

I just ordered a T8 for Ali at Animal Plastics after reading the entire monster sticky thread about them. Ali was a pleasure to deal with. The T8 is quick ship, but I added an extra string of LED lights so it’ll add a little time. (There’ll be one red string and one white string). I did it all via email (because the LED light strings aren’t on the website) and it was quick and easy. Ali sent me an invoice via email to check over, and once I was happy with it (which I was right away) I replied and she initiated a PayPal request the next day! Easy peasy!


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Originally Posted by sparky767

I just ordered a T8 for Ali at Animal Plastics after reading the entire monster sticky thread about them. Ali was a pleasure to deal with. The T8 is quick ship, but I added an extra string of LED lights so it’ll add a little time. (There’ll be one red string and one white string). I did it all via email (because the LED light strings aren’t on the website) and it was quick and easy. Ali sent me an invoice via email to check over, and once I was happy with it (which I was right away) I replied and she initiated a PayPal request the next day! Easy peasy!


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If only they would make the T10 on "quick ship" too ;)

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Originally Posted by KMG

AP has the same style doors. Upgrade to the thicker glass.

Both companies are removable in the same manner. Simply lift it up and tilt it to take it out. Super simple.

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Wait..... You're telling me AP has a door style without the center bar???? If only I had known this when ordering my cages. :/ I am now wondering how much this upgrade would be for my next orders lol. I, too, hate the center bar lol.

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Originally Posted by artgecko

Wait..... You're telling me AP has a door style without the center bar???? If only I had known this when ordering my cages. :/ I am now wondering how much this upgrade would be for my next orders lol. I, too, hate the center bar lol.

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I was only talking about the glass doors when I said upgrade. The thicker glass is much better, IMHO.

My AP has a bar in the middle.

Neither of my PVC Cages do.

I can't speak for the other companies (but I always hear good things about them!) but I'll echo that Animal Plastics is fantastic! I'm 110% super happy with my T12. Ali is a lot of fun to talk to and bounce ideas off of if you want to go over customization options. I'm totally hyped to order another cage from them for my russian ratsnake in the future!!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by KMG

I've had my first PVC Cage since 2011 or 12. I've never had it hold smells.

My other I've had just over a year.

My first I had shipped preassembled the second I put together. The second went together much like the AP cage so I think repairs would be about the same.


I second glass sliding doors.

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I decided to go with a PVC enclosure. I liked the 18” height. I upgraded to glass doors I also got it with the radiant heat, LED lights and Ultratherm under tank heater.

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Originally Posted by lisafoster2510

I decided to go with a PVC enclosure. I liked the 18” height. I upgraded to glass doors I also got it with the radiant heat, LED lights and Ultratherm under tank heater.

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You should be very happy with it.

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Originally Posted by lisafoster2510

I decided to go with a PVC enclosure. I liked the 18” height. I upgraded to glass doors I also got it with the radiant heat, LED lights and Ultratherm under tank heater.

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Sweet! I was just checking the out. Very nice.:gj:

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Originally Posted by lisafoster2510

I decided to go with a PVC enclosure. I liked the 18” height. I upgraded to glass doors I also got it with the radiant heat, LED lights and Ultratherm under tank heater.

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Awesome, looks like the perfect setup and very easy on the eyes, as well !!! If I were to choose one, I'd get the exact same setup.

I can’t wait for it to arrive. He said he is three weeks out on shipping. So hopefully I will have it in a month.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by KMG

I was only talking about the glass doors when I said upgrade. The thicker glass is much better, IMHO.

My AP has a bar in the middle.

Neither of my PVC Cages do.

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Sorry I misunderstood your comment lol.. I was about to be a very excited camper :D The center bar is the only thing I dislike about AP cages.

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Originally Posted by zina10

If only they would make the T10 on "quick ship" too ;)

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Haha, right? I ordered the T8 because it was quick ship (ordered it with the divider. This way I get one quicker and I can get out of the glass enclosures so I can stop humidifying the whole room! I will continue to use that one as the starter / quarantine setup. I’m going to drop an order for the T10 very soon so it’ll arrive when my little guy is ready to move to his own enclosure, etc. each successive one will be a T10. :)


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by dakski

I also don't know how adding options effects lead time from AP, if at all.

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I added a second LED light strip to my quick ship T8 order, and Ali said because it’s a “custom” option it will “slightly” add to the quick ship lead time, but not by much. I’ll let you know how long when it ships!


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by artgecko

Sorry I misunderstood your comment lol.. I was about to be a very excited camper :D The center bar is the only thing I dislike about AP cages.

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Hm, I thought they DO offer cages with sliding doors, though ? And wouldn't those "not" have that middle bar ???
I have to go back and have a look, I'm pretty sure you can order them "wide open", or else I wouldn't have had considered them before...


edited to say, I just went and looked. Looks like the middle bar is always there :( That is a deal breaker for me. Glad someone mentioned PVC.com cages, they seem to be all I would want in a cage like this, and NO bar, plus sliding doors, heat, light, etc..LOL.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by zina10

Hm, I thought they DO offer cages with sliding doors, though ? And wouldn't those "not" have that middle bar ???
I have to go back and have a look, I'm pretty sure you can order them "wide open", or else I wouldn't have had considered them before...


edited to say, I just went and looked. Looks like the middle bar is always there :( That is a deal breaker for me. Glad someone mentioned PVC.com cages, they seem to be all I would want in a cage like this, and NO bar, plus sliding doors, heat, light, etc..LOL.

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Yeah, all of my AP cages are sliding glass locking doors but all have the center brace. I think it is there to prevent sagging when stacking cages, so I'm not sure if cages without it (like the PVC cages ones) will sag over time or not.

I don't like the way it looks, but it doesn't impede the function of the doors.