Should I get a vision tank? Where would be a good place/brand? What size?

[GrimsStation]

Hi so I'm a new member and I plan to get a ball python, hopefully soon, and I wanted to know what would be the best housing I should use for it. I've done some research and I gathered that tubs are better then tanks. I originally planned to just get a tank anyways to see how it goes because I like that it let's you be able to see into it, even if the snake will be in a hide a majority of the time anyways, I would like the option. After spending some time on here though I changed my mind. I hear about vision tanks(?) And now I'm more leaning towards that. Is that a good choices or no? If it is where would you recommend getting it from and what size would be best? I would want it to be for there whole life, I will put more things in it when it's younger to make it feel more secure.



Also sorry for all the questions :/

[Jhill001]

Did you perhaps see these at lllreptile.com ? I ask because that's literally the only place I've ever seen them for sale.

Personally there are better cost to cage size terrarium vendors out there. A 4x2x1 ft terrarium from APcages is only like 200 bucks. That same vision terrarium is like 350 bucks. Personally I'd go with something that gives you more space for your money. But that's just me. As terrariums I'm sure they are fine otherwise.

[Dragoon]

Vision cages are nice but expensive. Used is the best way to find them but PVC cages can be bought at a cheaper price and do look better in general.

[SDA]

Top PVC builders

Animal Plastics
Boaphile
Reptile Basics


All these also sell rack systems (Reptile Basics sells Vivarium Electronics racks)

Vision is just too expensive for what you get. Twice the cost of Animal Plastics. The only draw is they are one piece units but unless you can't assemble a shelf, you have nothing to fear from a PVC cage. Animal Plastics T8 is 4x2' x 12" and the T10 is 4x2' x 15". T8 is $150 plus shipping and T10 is $195 plus shipping.

[redshepherd]

I'd go for an Animal Plastics pvc cage. They're good quality and VERY inexpensive for the materials.

I personally don't like Vision cages and think they're hard to manage and ugly LOL. They also do not have a flat bottom interior, there are a couple ridges inside.

[Sauzo]

Go with AP cages. Visions are overpriced and have too many nooks and crannies which can make cleaning a pain. They also have a recessed lip on the bottom and top where snakes can squeeze into. And finally anything over 4' will bow and if you stack the cages, the bottom sliding door will bind.

AP has the best bang for the buck. I have 3 AP T8, 3 T10 and 3 T25. I get them all the same, sliding glass doors, locks, shelves, LEDs and flexwatt. Couldnt be happier. They go the extra mile with sanding all the edges off so everything is smooth and fits well. And Ali is awesome to deal with. I had issues with their LEDs burning out on me after a few months to a year and when i call her, she immediately sends me out new ones.

And personally i wouldnt go anything smaller than a T10. The T8s work but are short. I use them for my baby or juvenile boas but everyone else gets T10s or T25s.

[Mr. Misha]

I agree with Sauzo AP 10 is the way to go! I have an AP 8, 10 and 12. I found that the 8 is too short and makes it a pain to clean. Those 3 inches that AP 10 has makes abig difference.

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[KevinK]

I really don't have any qualms against Vision. Actually I think they look better than Animal Plastics cages in a display setting. Reptile Rapture in Madison, WI uses Vision in their shops and that place looks ON POINT.

However, as others pointed out they really aren't the best you can get for the money anymore. They used to be the "Cadillac" of cages but their price ended up being their Achilles heel. Not to say I don't like them....I will snatch them in 10 minutes if I see one on Craigslist.

Animal Plastics is now much cheaper overall, cheaper to ship, and they use better material. One of the downsides being that you have to assemble them yourself but it's not difficult at all.



Animal Plastics earns the good reputation that they have. They have taken over the industry, and for good reason.

I use T8's but as Sauzo pointed out they are pretty short in terms of vertical height. I was just a cheapskate when I ordered them ....