Makes me really glad to be an experienced carpenter and electrician. I just wish someone would come up with a good, affordable kit for the hoardes of people out there buying $99 Ball Pythons, so they wouldn't resort to sticking them in "dollar day" fish tanks.
Truly just happened upon this video after ordering a 4x2x2 for my bull snake. I was worried about it because i got it for $200 on sale but I'm now so excited!
Oh I'm so glad I saw your video! I just ordered one of the ecoflex majave tanks tonight and wanted to look it up after the fact because I was having some buyers remorse. I cannot wait to get this tank in now! You just eased my mind! Yay! Thank yiu for your review.
I love wooden terrariums, they keep the heat in. You can make it as big as you want. With plateaus. I’m building one now. It’s 120 cm wide x122cm deep x120cm high. Making my own rock background. Can’t wait till it’s ready for use. Love the video. Greetings from the Netherlands.
I have one of the 4' enclosures. The only thing I don't like about them are the fasteners. It would be very easy to strip one of the fasteners as there isn't much of a head to them and it's just very small grooves for the tool to grip. Other than that, I think the cages are great though, especially for the cost.
Great video. Good recommendation. Love the unbiased video. One gripe, the real time assembly was clearly sped up despite you alluding to real time. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed the video
I have the 36”x18”x18” for my bearded dragon and it’s amazing. Great ventilation light weight and durable. Bought mine off chewy and very easy to put together and very easy to clean.
Watched your video about three weeks ago, on my 2nd Mojave lounge (gray). I made a few changes, I cut out a slit in the back of the background pc (slit on the top when you install because it recesses) so the Arcadia T5Pro and ceiling mounts wires will come out the back without having to make holes in the screen top. Next in used high temp wire ties for the lights( no holes in screen). Sealed the lounge with sealant. These are amazing so far!!
@@sp1d3rm0nk3y85 you will put the top on as it recesses in. Don’t screw it’s in. You will drill three holes right next to each (the back either end ) going down vertically from the top. Next take the top off and make the three holes into one slit with the drill bit and same for the top. So that when you put the top back on it’s turns into one slit For the wires. Then put your wires in before putting the top on.
I’m currently building a 6x2x2 Birchwood enclosure. Gonna line the inside with plastic sheeting and seal it all that way moisture doesn’t damage the wood. Got everything I need for about $600 which isn’t too bad compared to online prices with shipping
I've had this enclosure for awhile now and I do really like it. The ONE thing I had to do something about was the gap in between the glass doors. It was huge and bugs would get out or even in sometimes. Has this been a problem for anyone else?
Finally!! I’ve been toggling through cages and wanted to get that light weight zen one because I liked that it could expand but it doesn’t have any side vents and only that mesh top! Getting a Egyptian uro (it’s young).
This definitely doesn’t appear to be a real time assembly. But thanks for the review. I keep coming back to this enclosure when I’m searching but wasn’t sure about the quality. I think I’ll try it out. Thanks!
Thanks for the video as I purchased one for my carpet! May I ask where you got your shelving? I can't find any of the costway-type shelving that is the right size. The closest I found was 47.7 inches long.
Hi I was wondering how do you heat these enclosures? I have a 24 inch and been debating to get some more for my other ball pythons. Currently just have a heat pad on the one I have. But would like to put a heat tape set up once I get another. This would help me out a lot to figure this out.
Great video. First time soon to be snake owner (kids wanted one). I am glad I ordered this cage yesterday for a baby python. Now I just need to find a table for it. The one they sell to match it are over $300 so I am looking for a cheaper option.
I’ll be putting a new baby ball in the 4x2x2 later this week. Wondering if you’ve had any issue with humidity (60-70% for ball pythons) damaging the enclosure? I keep the ReptiChip moist, and not sure if I need to line the bottom with plastic to keep the moist substrate from contacting the wood/plastic bottom.
@@siinfloridasi No it's been absolutely fine. I sealed all corners and closed off 90% of the vents to help keep in humidity. I also add water and stir up the Reptichip once every couple weeks so I don't always have to add water and it works great
I am sorry if I missed this in the video, but how long have you had one of these enclosures up and running? I am interested in their durability in the long term. Thank you for the video!
Hey James, just over a year now. No issues. We dont move the cages around, just open the door and close them. So not sure we are the best person to ask about durability. We do have large and heavy rocks in them wit no issues.
These look amazing! I have a Ben habitat -- K originally got it for a small corn snake, who then, unsurprisingly (hindsight is 20/20), escaped right through the front doors. 😂 It works great for a leopard gecko, though, and is a perfect size for keeping her fit and giving her lots of room to climb! Question for you, if you know, but could you easily combine two of these enclosures enclosures to make a longer one? Thanks for this video!
Appreciate your insights, though the largest is 4' x 2' not close to being large enough for tegus, Cyclura, even smaller monitors.. So do it yourself has to be it..
I believe u said u got thwm on amazon. I was wondering wht the name of the enclosure is n how much they cost jw? Need a new cage for my bearded dragon n maybe one for my ball python.
How have these held up over time? Provided you cover the screen top, have you had success with higher humidity? Debating on buying a few, but my snakes require humidity levels between 60 and 70% and since these panels are not waterproof, I'm a bit apprehensive.
We only have them set up for Uromastyx, so could not speak for higher humidity. They are not water proof, but the material repels water, and does not absorb.
These look great. How do these hold up to high humidity? Will there eventually be warping on sides with continued water/mist, etc? Are walls durable/study enough to mount plants, cork or live backgrounds, etc?
These would handle humidity fine, as it is basically plastic. The only issue is that it is a full open screen top, so you would need to make modification to keep humidity. Also, it is not a water tight cage, so if there was any water that “escaped”, it could easily leak out through the joints.
I have 2 of these for my BPs. They are great and look great. They don't hold humidity well out of the box so i made 2 minor modifications. 1. I siliconed the entire inside edges. 2. Covered the top screen with insulation tape. It's been great ever since... can't beat the price
@Pain-Glory no I don't have lights since I get enough natural lighting in the room. I have heat mats, connected to thermostats, under the substrate. Ground cool side is around 73 and gradually rises to around 90 on warm side. Ambient air temp is around 75. Humidity levels are between 70-85%. So far they are doing great...perfect sheds, excellent eaters, and cruise around all areas of cage.
@unisonicz1 that is true but BP don't need uvb...I know this is a huge debate but to each his own. Mine are healthy, eating, shedding in full, and cruise the cage. No need to over complicate things.
Appreciate the video. Due to your recommendation I ordered the cage from Amazon, and just put it together. It looks like you're stacking them on a shelving unit. Can you recommend a specific shelving unit that this cage will actually fit? Looks like it's a very tight squeeze on 48" shelves. Thanks!
I have a question I hope you can answer. I bought a 36" shelf and regular 36" terrariums won't fit because the tanks are actually 36.5" with trim. What are the exact dimensions of yours? I know you got the 48" but it it exactly 48" outside dimension? I appreciate it and sorry for the pita question. I have 2 of these enclosures coming so hope I don't have to pick up more shelving.
do you use any of these for snakes? and what do you use to heat them? my snakes would wrap around a light fixture like you have in the one behind you. could i side mount a RHP or use heat cable?
I know this is super late but I use a heat mat and I have a light cage that doesn’t get hot so I don’t need to worry about it. I always used light over the top but wanted to lower it into the enclosure and there are cages for lights that stay cool to avoid an animal hurting themselves.
Do the Arcadia Reptile Ceramic Lamp Holder & Bracket Pro you use have a UK plug or US plug? And if they are UK plugs how to you adapt them to your system? I can’t seem to find US ones anywhere online.
For boas this doesnt touch a vivarium electronics 48 pvc. Theyre customizable and 315 bucks for a 4x2x15" free shipping. A 4x2x1 ve is 299. Cant beat that but these are nice. I wont argue that and at 342 it's definitely a nice enclosure. A o and my vivarium electronics 48 came to my doorstep in 5 days...i will say the 36" at $172 is a killer deal! Awesome vid and product
Yes I agree, for snakes, those sound like solid alternatives. With the heat, substrate, and scratching that come with lizards, tempered glass is the only way to go. Also ventilation and light/heat options, that acrylic just can’t handle.
A colubrid could escape from the side for me, I’m considering for one of my bps, I’ve used dubia enclosures but the side slots worry me about teeny colubrids
I just got the 36inch one and love it, untill we put our 1 year old corn snake in it and within 15 mins she got loose. 2 days now she hasbeen missing. Only gap i have seen she could of got out of is something i saw other people mention on the top left corner of the glass there is a gap were a animal inch or smaller in diamater could get out
On Chewy's website, one of the answered questions for this enclosure DOES allow you to use an UTH. Although, I would advise against using the "belly heat" method as it isn't natural and they don't need it, and instead use overhead heating.
in your opinion do you think its possible if i combine 2 together by not putting one of the ends on? also what do you use to mount the heat bulbs in yours
Check out our other videos, as we do actually combine these side by side for our breeder set ups. I use the standard Arcadia Mounts, and Amazon has generic versions as I show in the video, but they have not lasted as long as the Arcadia.
I’m thinking of getting one of these for my bp but I’m worried that the material might mold or deteriorate due to the higher humidity that bp’s need. Have you had any issues with the material?
Unless you are keeping it wet, I wouldn’t worry. We have deep bed humid hides with sand on one side of them, and no issues. It’s basically poly plastic.
as a large temporary enclosure that can last you a few years if u dont keep big reptiles i got my HUGE 8ftx4ftx4ft grow tent for my lizards growing phase but again this is temporary to save me money, but i know i have to provide the space for my lizard and its cheap and TONS of room upfront for only 160$. Grow tents are awesome temporary alternative until you get the right enclosure.
I am considering and ecoflex as an upgrade for my baby corn snake that is at juvenile stage now. I've been looking at these for quite awhile, but never seen one put together in person. I have a question that I haven't been able to find an answer for. On the screen top...is it removeable with just lifting off, or is it screwed into the structure itself? if it lifts off, how do you secure it so the little houdinis do not escape? And, I've read where you need to seal it as it is not waterproof. What is your take on this? Thanks and thank you so much for this review!
The screen is built in to the cage itself. It is a heavy gauge screen that you can put lighting on the outside or inside, depending on the inhabitants. They take about 15 min to assemble with just the tool that comes with it. It is not waterproof so if you are going to have standing water in you cage, yes you will need to seal.
Ive actually seeen this cage floating around and ive seen many mixed reviews. But I appreciate your indepth discussion on it. Would this actually work for a arid bioactive set up in your opinion. (with liner i believe)
We have another video on our channel where we link them together for an 8ft enclosure. This cage covers a good majority of the typical animals kept in today’s hobby. Anything larger, like tegus or larger snakes, you are better off with building your own.
@@acaciareptiles Thank you, but I’m having a hard time finding affordable PVC board and tempered glass to build. Lowe’s doesn’t sell either one. And The Home Depot wants $1,216USD for one sheet of 6’x3’ tempered glass. Not sure what to do.
Its a screen top, so I just use the clips that come with the fixtures, and use a bolt and wing nut to secure through the screen. You have to cut a hole in the corner to feed the cables through.
Thank you I’ve been stressing out about the perfect tank to get. It’s so much conflicting information For a Bearded Dragon what lights are recommended to keep the perfect temperature? Do you have a video on how to install the lights in this tank ? Thank you again
It all comes down to the environmental temperature the cage is in. Unfortunately you have to play around with various watts and set ups, to get the temps you are looking for. Also, will depend on the basking set up you have and how easy an animal can get near the light.
It’s fine for one adult ackie. Even tho they aren’t huge , they are super active. Include a 14-18 inch dig box. But of course, bigger is always better. They use all the space you give them
I wonder if these have gotten more popular and thus QC has gotten worse in the few years since you made this video, because the Amazon reviews are full of people whose enclosures came broken. Definitely worth giving it a try. Though I do love my Zen Habitats as well. I imagine people who don't like them have the older models, because the new ones are way better.
I think it’s where they order them from. If you get from a place like Chewy or another reputable place, it should be fine. We have 15 of them in various sizes, and only had one cracked corner and we purchased ours from 3 different vendors. Never could get in to the Zen habitats, felt very flimsy, odd shapes, and the plexi glass is something I can’t work with, especially for the prices they charge. These have real heavy duty tempered glass, billet locks, and heavy gauge wire. Plus they take less than 15 min to put together with one tool that they provide.
Melamine and wood ain't all that bad. I mean, if you aren't using a circuit interrupter , open wiring etc with a large collection; sure. It can be dangerous. But a single melamine enclosure with a ceramic heat emitter in an installed porcelain lamp fixture with a circuit interrupter should be pretty damn safe.
Have you housed any snakes in this cage if so have any of then got stuck in the tight soacing kn the side i have just got a cage like this and that is my only fear idk what to do can anyone help me?
If you are housing small baby colubrids would be the only time this would be a concern. I cannot fit a pencil through the side vents. So most pythons, boas, and adult colubrids would be fine.
@@Tactical.Reload I ended up filling that tight space with popsicle sticks and taping it to where my snake couldn't get it it even if he tried, a corn snake
They're advertised for ball pythons, but they're not meant to get wet? It concerns me how long it's going to last with the humidity and damp substrate. It also baffles me that so many of these enclosures don't have pre-made cable holes.
The material is plastic like, and should not be impacted by water. I know ball pythons are not kept damp, and some light misting, or a damp hide would work fine. They do have screen tops, so if your room/house is dry it could be a challenge.
