Opinions on PVC vs HPTE?

[tslitheru]

Hi!

I am looking to upgrade my ball python’s enclosure – he has lived in a glass tank for all six years of his life (an aesthetic choice I made when I was younger), and would like to switch him over to plastic for ease of humidity, cleaning, moving, among other things.

I have seen a lot of consensus around HPTE being generally better and more durable than PVC, but i was wondering if the benefits of HPTE are particularly relevant to ball python care?

To be more specific – I am willing to get the best enclosure for my snake in the long run, but am finding it difficult to understand if the benefits of HPTE over PVC are negligible in terms of caring for a snake that does not need extreme conditions. If I was housing a reptile that was more “high-needs” this choice would be a no-brainer, but if PVC is just as good for the purposes I need it for, I’d obviously prefer the cheaper option. That being said, if HPTE is at all a better investment, I am all for it!

Let me know if I can further clarify the question in any way. Any and all opinions and advice are appreciated!



[edit: meant to post this to the husbandry forum – can't figure out how to move it, sorry!]

[Homebody]

[edit: meant to post this to the husbandry forum – can't figure out how to move it, sorry!]

Done.

[Homebody]

I have seen a lot of consensus around HPTE being generally better and more durable than PVC, but i was wondering if the benefits of HPTE are particularly relevant to ball python care?

I've never used either, but from what I've read, HPTE will be easier for you as a keeper to maintain. As long as the enclosure is properly maintained, your ball python won't care what it's made out of.

[dakski]

Agreed, BP won't care what it's made of.

I have Boaphile tanks and think they are great and a lot of people here have AP (animal plastics) and love them. I am not a do it yourself kind of guy and the Boaphiles came assembled with all heating elements etc. I liked that.

Bottom line: A good enclosure that doesn't let humidity and heat leak out is so much better for your BP and you as a keeper. Cheaper for you, stability for your BP, etc. Additionally, an enclosure that is a wall on 3 sides makes your BP feel more secure.

I would stick with a reputable brand of tanks and spend upfront on RHP and thermostat (if you don't have a good one).

Any questions, ask. We are here to help.

Good luck.

[tslitheru]

Thanks all!

Follow up question – if anyone has had both HDPE and PVC tanks, have you noticed a difference between the two in terms of maintenance/durability? For example, is one easier to clean, maintain the humidity + heat in, etc.

[Bogertophis]

I've stayed away from all PVC* but did try a pair of HDPE enclosures many years ago. Either can scratch &/or stain, but are fine when you use the right methods. Holding humidity comes down to the restricted air-flow (size & # of vents), not the material, & holding warmth depends on air-flow and the thickness of the walls. There are ways to externally insulate them further if needed.

*PVC is known to off-gas toxic VOC's & various hazardous additives when new, burned or heated- I'd personally never use it, since our relatively small reptiles are both heated & contained 24/7 with minimal air-flow, no matter how convenient these enclosures are. HDPE is somewhat safer, but still not my preference for various reasons- I'm not a BP keeper anyway, so I'm a glass fan- a rarity in these parts.

[tslitheru]

Update:

I have had the great fortune of receiving a 75 gallon HDPE tank for free from my local nature center, thus allowing me to avoid a lot of decision making! I'm fairly certain its a Vision tank just by looking at it, but there is no branding on it. The tank was likely donated to them previously, and has some weird heat damage. If I drill in some more screws, I believe I can make the tank escape proof, but I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts/advice on fixing it up. I know HDPE is notoriously hard to work with.

Here are some pictures for reference:

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Thanks for all your help!!

[Homebody]

If I drill in some more screws, I believe I can make the tank escape proof, but I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts/advice on fixing it up.[/IMG]

I don't see how drilling holes will help, but I think a little spray foam should fill those holes. I agree it looks like a Vision cage. So, I'd contact their customer service for advice before I did anything. They will know best how to repair their enclosures.