Pvc Reptile Enclosure Considered
What exactly are “Pvc Reptile Enclosures”? By that I mean what type of enclosure do you want for your lizards? In my experience, the answer to this question largely depends on the species of your lizards. Also by the way, this does not refer to whether or not you want a terrestrial or aquatic enclosure. It’s simply a question of whether or not they’re going to be happy living inside of whatever enclosure you choose.
In this article I am talking from my own personal experience and the experiences of others, who are as yet, not aware of the differences between “good” Pvc Enclosures and “bad” Pvc Enclosures. Spoiler alert: all of these enclosures will be used poorly and very poorly. However, only one is invariably the most apt to yield excellent reptile husbandry. That one, of course, is PVC pipe, and its sister materials – urethane and thermoplastic – which are by far the most well-ventilated and pest-resistant enclosures available today. These PVC pipes come in a variety of configurations ranging from the pre-molded sheet design to completely self-contained units that need no assembly at all.
So let’s cover the differences…what makes a good Pvc Reptile Enclosure? Well the first thing that comes to mind when you think about a Pvc enclosure is obviously the fact that it has good insulation, good venting and an enclosed moisture barrier. But there are other important factors that make a difference. For example, the overhead heating vent is important because this facilitates a much higher humidity and temperature regulating capacity than any other method we’ve looked at so far.
Another thing that makes a difference is the way that these enclosures are designed. They’re either made from a single or double glass panel, and one or the other will usually either have a solid “stage” or a v-shaped front-facing doors. Let’s cover the single glass panel here though, because the pros definitely outweigh the cons when it comes to these types of enclosures: the clear front-facing doors allow easy access for cleaning, and they do not block air circulation. And they’re sealed with an extra fire safety precautions too.
But the double glass panel construction is what sets them apart from their PVC counterparts. Because of this they provide greater UV resistance and greater temperature regulation as well, but they do permit some air flow. That’s important because most of our reptiles are semi-arboreal (can be found in the wild) and need access to the fresh air circulating within 10 feet of their cage to avoid being overheated. The best models I’ve seen have been those with an “interior panel” that is comprised of a transparent acrylic window (like the models used in restaurants) with a glass panel running from the top (which houses the lights and allows you to view your pets while inside) to the bottom of the enclosure, which has a clear acrylic window (again, like the restaurant models). The interior and exterior panels generally have excellent heat and UV protection.
Of all the reptile enclosures on the market today, I find that Caring4 Pets have the least amount of ventilation, and that “bulk” is in direct competition with the Caring4 Pets Intakes. The reason for this is? Simple; the bulk of the enclosure is made of acrylic, while the “intakes” are mostly wood. This type of enclosure provides good ventilation and is relatively inexpensive. However, many of us with smaller lizards or rodents (which are typically more “ventilated” than our feathered friends) may not be able to afford these.
The vents on the outside should also be a consideration if you are planning to use these indoor creatures as a supplement to standard domestic pet care. There are many different varieties of vented acrylic enclosures to choose from. Some are simple and only vent out the bottom area. Other types, such as the ones used by Caring4Pets, incorporate both vented and non-vented compartments and “drip” systems. Both of these will help keep your pet’s humidity levels regulated and should help facilitate the breeding of healthy heat-generating reptiles (though in a manner which does not adversely impact them).
If you are considering this type of enclosure for your lizards or snakes, keep in mind that it is a viable option that can help provide your reptile pets with a more comfortable living environment, at a lower cost than with conventional housing. Make sure that it has adequate ventilation and sufficient sunlight so that your reptiles can stay alert and warm. Some of these products have UV sterilization capabilities to help “mitigate” the effects of the sun on reptiles. If you plan to feed your pet reptiles a special diet, check that it matches their needs, since there are certain foods that can make it harder for them to digest.
