Enclosures: From Glass to PVC to wood, Choosing the Right Vivarium Enclosure for You
When it comes to choosing an enclosure, there are many factors to consider, including the type of animal, humidity requirements, durability, and even weight. In this guide, we'll explore three common types of vivarium enclosures and what to consider when choosing the right one for your animal. By the end of this guide you will be able to make an informed decision and create a comfortable home for your reptile or amphibian.
glass
Glass enclosures are easily the most common type of enclosure for beginner vivarium builders. They are a popular choice because they are visually appealing and can provide a clear view of your pet's habitat. Front-opening glass enclosures like Exo-Terra, Zoo-Med, and Repti-Zoo are a great place to start and are suitable for many types of small animals such as geckos and poison dart frogs.
One of the benefits of glass enclosures is their aesthetic appeal. They offer a sleek and modern look that many keepers appreciate. Additionally, they are widely available and come in many different sizes, making it easy to find the perfect enclosure for your pet.
However, there are also some downsides to glass enclosures. They are not as efficient at retaining heat as other types of enclosures, which is something to consider for desert animals. Additionally, they are the heaviest and most fragile of all the enclosure types, making them more difficult to move around or relocate.
If you are looking for a glass enclosure tailored specifically for a tropical setup, especially when housing poison dart frogs, InSitu Ecosystems is a brand worth considering. Although they offer fewer sizes and are more costly, their enclosures are designed with specific issues in mind and offer a unique and well-thought-out design.
Overall, glass vivarium enclosures are a great choice for keepers who are looking for an aesthetically pleasing and widely available option.
pvc
PVC enclosures are a popular choice for snake keepers and for those with larger lizards. They are typically larger than glass enclosures and are very sturdy. One of the best features of PVC enclosures is that they are designed to stack well, which is great for those with multiple animals.
Common sizes for PVC enclosures include 4’x2’x2’ and 6’x2’x2’, which are perfect for medium-sized snakes and lizards like ball pythons and bearded dragons. These enclosures provide plenty of space for your pet to move around and thrive.
There are many suppliers of PVC enclosures, including Custom Reptile Habitats and Toad Ranch Cages. Toad Ranch Cages are particularly popular because they offer the benefits of plastic caging, but with a wood-like texture that is aesthetically pleasing. It's also worth checking for local builders, which are often easy to find at reptile expos. For example, here in Phoenix, 5150 RCT, Camo Cages, and Apex Reptile are all local builders that offer high-quality PVC enclosures.
In conclusion, PVC enclosures are a great choice for those with larger animals or for those who want a more sturdy and stackable option. They offer plenty of space for your pet to thrive and are available in a variety of sizes. Whether you choose a pre-made enclosure from a supplier or work with a local builder to create a custom enclosure, PVC enclosures are a great option for reptile and amphibian keepers.
Wood
Another option for vivarium enclosures is a wood. The advantage of a wood enclosure is that you can customize it to any size or shape that you desire. However, this option requires some level of handiness, so it may not be ideal for beginners.
One concern with wooden enclosures is that they can absorb odors, moisture, and even break down, but this is not likely to happen if the enclosure is properly sealed and maintained.
Wood enclosures are more durable and less fragile than glass, and they can be designed to fit your personal style and preferences. They are quite similar to PVC enclosures, with the added step of needing waterproofing.
If built correctly and waterproofed, DIY enclosures can even be used for very humid environments. They may be the only option for those who keep large snakes like pythons or anacondas, although these are not exactly beginner-level snakes.
In conclusion, a DIY enclosure made of wood is a great option for those who want to customize their vivarium enclosure to their exact specifications. While it may require more work and skill, the end result can be very gratifying. Just be sure to take the necessary precautions to ensure that the enclosure is properly built and waterproofed.
Bonus: Modular
For vivarium enthusiasts, a single enclosure may not be sufficient to satisfy their hobby. In fact, they may end up with an entire wall of enclosures, like this! (Life goals, am I right?)
For those seeking to expand their collection, there are modular and customizable enclosure systems available. These systems enable you to achieve a consistent look and feel across multiple enclosures.
One company that offers a complete design system for modular enclosures, stands, and spacers is Zen Habitats. With this system, you can create a full wall of enclosures that are visually consistent.
These modular setups offer a great solution for those looking to house multiple species or create an eye-catching display. Customizing the setup provides greater flexibility in designing a configuration that suits your specific needs.
Another company that has entered the field is Leap Habitats, which has created a line of lightweight enclosures that are designed to fit a standard bakers rack. Although they may not be as aesthetically pleasing, they are an excellent option for a breeding system.
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In conclusion, when it comes to choosing an enclosure for your vivarium, there are various options to consider. Glass, PVC, wood, and even modular setups offer unique benefits and drawbacks, and ultimately, the type of animal you're housing and your personal preferences will be the deciding factors.
Whatever type of enclosure you choose, it's important to ensure it's the right size for your animal, provides adequate ventilation and humidity, and is durable enough to withstand the test of time. With the right enclosure and a little bit of creativity, you can create a beautiful and functional vivarium for your reptiles and amphibians to thrive in.
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