Wanting to Build Bioactive (Long-Term Project)

[BP_Mama]

I want to start off by clarifying my animals are happy and healthy in their existing enclosures, we have a variety of styles.

A dream of mine is to build some sizeable bioactive displays for my reptiles. We keep mostly ball pythons but have a few colubrids and arid lizards as well. I have considered buying pre-made, but we have the tools and skills to build and I think it would be really satisfying to look at it finished and know my partner and I built that. As I have begun the deep dive of research, I see a lot of people prefer PVC. I see a few concerns about warping but overall it seems to be the popular choice right now. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find anywhere to buy 1/2" sheets for any price, much less an affordable one.

I don't have the skills or tools to work with glass outside cutting flat sheets to use as doors. That, to my understanding, leaves wood. I read a lot about it not holding humidity as well but then a lot of people list what sealants they use. What I have not seen is how well those sealants have held up between heat, humidity, urates, etc.

I'd love to know if anyone has experience and can talk about the pros and cons of their build.

I am looking to build something that will last a long time. If I am going to be replacing it in a few years, I'd rather save and invest in something pre-built.

If anyone knows an affordable place in Washington State (ideally eastern) to get PVC in 48"x96"x0.5" sheets, I would love to know that as well!

[Malum Argenteum]

An internet search for 'plastics suppliers' in your area should give you some options. Laird Plastics in Spokane looks promising.

I build some PVC stuff (racks and stands) but I won't build enclosures since I can buy far better ones premade for less than I can make them for. I haven't purchased sheet PVC since the before times, but then I was paying $110 a sheet (12mm). I'm pretty sure it isn't any cheaper now.

[BP_Mama]

An internet search for 'plastics suppliers' in your area should give you some options. Laird Plastics in Spokane looks promising.

I build some PVC stuff (racks and stands) but I won't build enclosures since I can buy far better ones premade for less than I can make them for. I haven't purchased sheet PVC since the before times, but then I was paying $110 a sheet (12mm). I'm pretty sure it isn't any cheaper now.

May I ask where you have gotten prebuilt before? I am always looking to explore new build options. So far, the most affordable I have found in Animal Plastics but as my end goal is to have 40 or so enclosures, mostly 6x2x2, unless I catch what I need in overstock building has seemed like a decent option.

[Lord Sorril]

the most affordable I have found in Animal Plastics but as my end goal is to have 40 or so enclosures, mostly 6x2x2

It took Animal Plastics 8 months to get me one enclosure (and I was calling them every week for the 7th and 8th month). I would definitely speak to them about lead time required and a potential bulk discount quote on 40.

[Malum Argenteum]

May I ask where you have gotten prebuilt before? I am always looking to explore new build options. So far, the most affordable I have found in Animal Plastics but as my end goal is to have 40 or so enclosures, mostly 6x2x2, unless I catch what I need in overstock building has seemed like a decent option.

My six PVC enclosures are all from Animal Plastics.

As for price, keep in mind that AP (and probably similar mainstream enclosures made by a national brand) have a good resale value. DIY enclosures, regardless of quality, have little resale value. And with a material like PVC, ensuring a lifespan that's longer than the average hobbyist's involvement is worth a lot aside from the financial aspect.

[Homebody]

That, to my understanding, leaves wood. I read a lot about it not holding humidity as well but then a lot of people list what sealants they use. What I have not seen is how well those sealants have held up between heat, humidity, urates, etc.

I'd love to know if anyone has experience and can talk about the pros and cons of their build.

I am looking to build something that will last a long time. If I am going to be replacing it in a few years, I'd rather save and invest in something pre-built.

My enclosure is built from plywood. I sealed it with Varathane polyurethane. So far, it has lasted 4 years. There has been some warping, but nothing too bad. I expect it to last many more years.



The center shelf is 1/2 pvc sheet that I bought from Home Depot. The tub on the bottom is a cement mixing tub. This keeps the plywood from being exposed to moisture. It holds humidity perfectly well, particularly in the the tub.



The top part is heated with a RHP. The bottom is heated with heat tape. It's not bioactive, so I don't know how well it would hold up under those conditions.