Ball python PVC cage, 36"L x 18"W x 12"H, is this good? (herptasticreptiles, etc)

[JPNLKT]

Hello,

I'm looking to upgrade my male ball python's cage to something that is both bigger, and holds better humidity and heat. I live in super dry climate and keeping humidity in the glass Exo Terra I have him in currently is darn near impossible. I've done a lot of research, and I found that PVC cages are really great for holding in humidity and heat, so I knew I had to get one. I have a very tiny room, and I have a shelving unit that is 18 inches deep, so I am *specifically* trying to find a good PVC cage that is 36"L x 18"W and 12"- 18"H.

I've read that Animal Plastic is the top tier brand for PVC cages. Unfortunately, for cages over 36"L, all of them are 24" W or larger, which is too big for where I'm going to put it.

So I found this one:

https://www.herptasticreptiles.com/p...ll-box-36-cage

Which is the perfect dimensions, and they have the option to install a heat panel and LED Lighting which seems great. Ends up being $404 with free shipping.

What I want to ask is: Is this a good brand / cage? Also, does anyone happen to know of any other places that offer a good 36L x 18W PVC cage that I should consider?

Thanks for your help in advance!

[Charles8088]

I have 3 of the Herptastic Ball Boxes... 36x18x12... exactly the ones you mention. I also have 2 from Animal Plastics (48x24x12 and 48x24x15). I bought my Herptastic enclosures from another person. He had bought them, and never used them. He basically sold me brand new unused enclosures for cheaper than the retail. Me, personally, I don't like Herptastic's quality. It's not horrible, but there are some things that I didn't like. Also... this was awhile ago, so quality might have changed. And, quality compared to Animal Plastics is night and day. Animal Plastics is no doubt high-end. Problem, of course, is the long lead times and not being able to buy a 36x18 size cage that you need.

With that said, what I didn't like with Herptastic... the acrylic doors, the ratchet locks they use, the plastic track that the door slides on (seemed cheap, and I had to glue it on myself), the pvc panels have a shiny panel over it (as opposed to a matte look that a lot of the others have), the screws that were sticking out rather than flush or sunk into the PVC (though, that one may have been something the previous owner screwed up), the LED light was small, and the overall feel just didn't feel high quality (this last one might just be me). Now... for the price I paid, I got a bargain, and I'm glad I got it. I got all 3, brand new, not even completely assembled, for $500. Can't get better than that. Maybe someone else that has the Herptastic brand can fill you in on a different experience. I'm only giving you MY experience.

Also... the 36x18x12 dimensions are not the true dimensions. You might want to email them for the exact outer dimensions. The actual outer measurement on mine here are 34" wide x 17.5" deep x 12" tall. So, obviously, inner dimensions that count for the snake will be smaller.

Hope this helps.

[dustin860]

Do not order from “herptastic” . The owner is a pathological liar and has screwed so many people over . He lies daily about wait times . Takes deposits and strings people along . He’s been exposed more times
Than Jenna jamesons boobs and everytime he has some sob story about doing better and then he goes right back to the same .

There’s a bunch of legit , honest and reliable companies out there. Save yourself the hassle .


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[WrongPython]

I've heard mixed things about Herptastic -- the comments above are pretty typical. They're essentially bargain cages. Good for the money and largely serviceable, but not the highest quality out there.

If you're looking for a 36"x18"x18", perhaps this model from Black Box may be of interest (link here)? Word on the street is that their cages are very good quality. Lead times are currently advertised as being ~two weeks. Definitely ask for a screen cut-out if you think you'll ever be interested in adding an external heat lamp. Mounting heat lamps and/or UV lamps inside cages like this does *not* work, trust me. If you can hold out a week or two, perhaps wait and see if they're having a Black Friday sale or deals of some sort. Pretty sure I heard about a "buy a cage and get a free hide" thing from them.

Good luck!

[Caitlin]

I would also recommend against Herptastic. Keepers I know and respect, some of whom have over 60 snakes, have nothing but great things to say about Black Box. All of my enclosures are by Focus Cubed Habitats and I swear by them, but they don't make a 36" enclosure that is only 12" tall.

I will say that I personally wouldn't put a Ball Python in a 12" enclosure. Being so low makes cleaning substrate a PITA for the keeper and severely limits your options if you want to give your snake any climbing or enrichment options. If you have the room for an enclosure that is at least 15" tall - or better yet 18" - you and your snake will have more choices for enclosure furnishings.

[dustin860]

Almost as if I called this .. years ago


Herptastic files bankruptcy after robbing tens of thousands of dollars on orders they never intended on fulfilling and tells customers to call a lawyer

Chris Chappell is a massive scumbag and lies like he breathes air. .


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