Do PVC terrariums need silicone?

[Gio]

I cannot speak for Jason(and I didn't read his comment as knocking AP) but, I have purchased his enclosures and one from Ricky's Reptile Enclosures and, both of these were well built items. There are other manufactures of PVC enclosures locally and some use silicone as a primary bonding agent instead of chemically welding components. A well done chemical weld is superior to a silicone used as glue from both a structural and an aesthetic standpoint.

The idea of the AP being available as RTA(ready to assemble) units strikes me as brilliant for shipping although, personally I would be inclined to use PVC solvent cement myself for assembly. But, my job required me to work in metals, plastics, wood and masonry so, I am pretty comfortable making or modifying components for enclosures and doing things a bit different than suggested.

OK,

I see what you are saying here. I don't have any experience with AP but have heard nothing but good about the cages.

The Pro-Line I have actually has joints that slide together and the tolerances are very tight. Even without a seal, the likelihood of a leak is practically zero. The design of the slide joints would mean the fluids would have to go down one spot and then up and over another and then leak out.

The silicone seal simply helps keep those tiny cracks filled.

Pro-Line cages are not PVC. They are HDPE and nothing sticks to the plastic. They use marine grade material that is used in ship repair. Maybe that makes a difference as to what you seal them with?

All the self assemble cages do usually ship for a lot less than pre-built cages. The trade off is YOU obviously have to put the thing together.

I enjoyed doing mine, but I can see where just having it arrive ready to fill with a snake would be nice as well.

Thanks for clarifying the point!

Sounds like you have a nice cage yourself!!