Enclosure Size Question

[Bogertophis]

By the way, I mentioned using the skid-proof carpet mat on top of the "giant hide" for my boa: before I made that hide, she had a really big black plastic hide, but it was slippery for her to climb on top of- so basically, that space went to waste- & plus, the hide also could be pushed around (lighter weight- plastic- and also didn't completely fit the space), so it didn't have much stability.

But once I re-did her home, her activity increased dramatically, & I know it's because she had traction & stability- she moved with confidence- it made a huge difference. She could get on & off the top of her new 'hide' without slipping, & like I said, the double doorway was a "hit" too for a big snake like she was. She acted like "Hey, what's this? I couldn't DO this before." and she was all over it. It was so much fun to watch her.

[aminevoo]

Also, the PVC enclosure came with Lexel to seal the interior edges in order to waterproof it. I was wondering if it will be necessary to use it if I’m not planning on making the enclosure bioactive in the near future? The substrate I’ll be using is Reptichip.

[Bogertophis]

Personally, I'd waterproof it for sure. Sooner or later, your snake will do a big juicy excretion, or dump the water bowl, & I won't envy you in cleaning up the leak from the enclosure.

In fact, if the moisture contacts some electrical things, it may also be a safety issue. Take that little bit of time, always, to be on the safe side, so you're more likely to have many disaster-free years enjoying your pets.

[KMG]

I seal the bottom seam and just a little ways up each corner. You'll want to do that too.

[aminevoo]

Personally, I'd waterproof it for sure. Sooner or later, your snake will do a big juicy excretion, or dump the water bowl, & I won't envy you in cleaning up the leak from the enclosure.

In fact, if the moisture contacts some electrical things, it may also be a safety issue. Take that little bit of time, always, to be on the safe side, so you're more likely to have many disaster-free years enjoying your pets.

I hate to bug with so many questions, but the lexel tube says it fully cures in 1-2 weeks. Does this mean I have to wait 1-2 weeks after applying it to start decorating the enclosure and then move my snake into it? I’ve never worked with any kind of sealant so all of this is brand new to me.

[Bogertophis]

I hate to bug with so many questions, but the lexel tube says it fully cures in 1-2 weeks. Does this mean I have to wait 1-2 weeks after applying it to start decorating the enclosure and then move my snake into it? I’ve never worked with any kind of sealant so all of this is brand new to me.

Yes, I'd wait at least 2 weeks to make sure there are NO fumes (odors) off-gassing that could harm your snake. Many adhesives are non-toxic only AFTER they're fully dry- like with using aquarium silicone sealant, it's gives off very irritating fumes until it's fully dry, & if it's put on too thick, it takes much longer to cure. Not sure about Lexel (how long it takes), as I've never used it- just something to keep in mind though. And of course, adhesives are sticky when they aren't full dry too. Sometimes a fan or using a blow dryer will hasten the drying process- but put your snake's health first- don't take a chance by exposing them too soon. Remember that your snake will be locked in, smelling any trace of fumes for "24/7"- it's not like us, where a tiny amount will dissipate in the room, & we can avoid it. So if you can smell it- wait until you can't. (& their nose is better than ours too)

[Homebody]

I'm planning on making a "second level" in his new enclosure that would give him more floor space and that opportunity to climb and get more exercise. I was thinking of making the second floor above the main ground floor though, and it's a little hard for me to visualize the "false floor"/basement you're talking about. Would you by chance have any example photos of what you're talking about?

I think my 3x2x2 is set up similarly to what Boger describes.

[Bogertophis]

Yup! Unless the snake is really arboreal in nature, it makes sense to make the best use of the horizontal space for them by giving them a "two-story house".