how do you seal the wood? is a RHP needed for wood then?Originally Posted by Reposado
I'm sure it's been said, but I wanted to weigh in for the pro-side of PVC and other non-glass alternatives.
Glass tanks:
- Don't hold in heat well at all, even if you insulate 3 sides with black foam core board and foil the screen lid
- Requires more heating via CHE which = more drying out of the inside
- Because of the drying, humidity is a battle, especially if your room ambient humity is low
- The glass itself is cold if your room ambient temp is below 75 degrees
- They're heavy as all get out...
- They're often not wide enough for an adult BP, which needs 16" min for the narrow side.
PVC, Sealed Wood, or Tubs
- Holds heat and humidity in beautifully even if they have a glass front (if there aren't too big of ventilation cut outs)
- Freestanding tubs need higher ambient room temp (75+) or a CHE on a stand above the lid, but even with a CHE, humidity is better than glass.
- Because of this, you can use much less substrate or even paper sheets or paper towels, making cleaning a breeze
- Tubs are super cheap and DIY sealed wood is generally affordable. Racks are pricey, but can hold a lot of animals and maintenance is stupidly easy
- Much lighter to move and IMO, PVC enclosures are much prettier and more professional looking.
- Easier to install things inside since you can screw into the sides
I have PVC enclosures from Animal Plastics and BRACE Exotics. Also a slant front from NPI and two DIY custom wood enclosures. I have a few freestanding tubs for quarantine and transport. I have a glass tank for my turtles...
