how much work is it to set up PVC cages?

[WhompingWillow]

I'm new to the site, so I apologize in advance if this isn't the correct place to post this!

I'm planning to get my first snake in the near future and I'm currently doing research on enclosures. I'm 95% sure that I'll be getting a North American colubrid (I'm in NA), so obviously husbandry requirements aren't too strict - but I'm still considering getting a PVC enclosure for the snake.


My main question is, how much extra work is usually required on a PVC cage, i.e. can you use them as they come? I have literally no DIY experience and after reading more about how snake owners usually set up PVC enclosures, I'm not so confident I can pull it off. Mounting RHPs, lights, drilling holes for wires/ventilation, that sort of stuff. It's a bit overwhelming to me. I do know Animal Plastics can pre-install some of that, but it's not an option for me as I'm not in the US, and as far as I can tell there isn't a domestic company that does the same thing (anyone have info on HerpHouses or Powerhouse Displays in Canada?).


I'm also wondering if this might be overkill for a relatively simple colubrid, but the durability, aesthetic and light weight of PVC cages appeal to me far more than standard glass tanks, and as we know snakes do live a while. I'm aiming for a large-ish enclosure (at least 36' long, probably 48') so PVC really would be preferable over glass, I think. On the other hand, I feel like getting an aquarium-style tank would be so much easier (and probably cheaper), since the species I'm looking at doesn't need much humidity. I'm a bit stuck on this, and would really appreciate info and/or advice.

What kind and age are you thinking? We have a young corn snake, and he is currently our only one in a small (decorated) tub. Our BPs are in modified tanks but we're planning to slowly transition to PVC. Expecting our first one hopefully this week! A tub actually works really well for our corn as far as husbandry goes. I ask what age, because if you're planning to get a hatchling/juvenile, they'd easily get lost in a larger enclosure and most likely not feel as secure, no matter how much you cluttered it up. You'd probably never be able to find it, lol.

As far as PVC, some come assembled and some do not. Some ship assembled for smaller sizes and flat for larger. Shipping preassembled generally costs a lot more in shipping. A lot of companies will pre-install your specs for you or route/drill in preparation. It really just depends on what you're looking for and how much your budget is.