FAQs
So many of our fans have asked great questions about our reptile enclosures, so here are the answers to the FAQ's. Also, check out our FAQ videos on YouTube! If you have any additional questions about your Zen Habitats enclosures please feel free to contact us at support@zenhabitats.com.
What do I do if my Zen Habitats product(s) come in damaged?
If your product or any individual parts are damaged or there are any other issues with your products upon delivery, please email Zen Habitats at support@zenhabitats.com so we can help you out!
What is the difference between Zen Habitats PVC & Wood Enclosures?
When choosing a reptile enclosure, consider the humidity needs of your reptile. The main difference is the amount of humidity the panels can handle without damaging the panels. PVC panels support both desert and tropical environments of 0-100% humidity. In addition, PVC supports the use of UTH (under-tank-heating.)
Our wood panel enclosures are perfect for desert reptiles and small animals requiring low humidity levels 0-50%. Wood enclosures are notto be used with UTH.
Check out our enclosure selection here. If you have any other questions regarding the specific needs of your pet, please visit our Care Sheets.
Are Zen Habitats enclosures stackable?
The enclosures are secure enough to be stackable, but you would need a stacking spacer or deluxe stacking spacer, to allow the bottom unit to properly ventilate for your pet.
How do you disassemble a Zen enclosure?
How can I tighten loose corner pieces?
Does Zen Habitats make custom-size enclosures?
Because we manufacture our enclosures and package overseas, we are unable to customize.
To replace the side panels – you will need a ¼ inch thick acrylic or glass cut 22”x22”.To replace the substrate shield – you will need ¼ inch think acrylic cut to 46 ½ inches by your desired height. To replace the front sliding doors – the measurements for each door are: 23.75"x 21.75"
How much weight can an enclosure handle?
Both the PVC and wood panels are 1/4" thick and can support up to 100 lbs. of substrate without an issue. If you need to go up to 250 lbs., our cabinet stands and deluxe spacers come with two support bars.
Do you have locks for the enclosures?
No, our enclosures do not come with locks. However, our enclosures are fairly difficult for reptiles or other small animals to open. If you prefer, you can purchase an inexpensive lock for under $10 online.
Can I use UTH (under tank heating) and CHE (ceramic heat emitter) with my enclosures?
The Zen Habitats PVC panels support the use of UTH…which would obviously be a no-no for wood. CHE works great on all of our reptile enclosures.
How secure is the screen top?
The top screen is made of a galvanized steel screen and include steel support bars. The screen is welded into a steel frame which securely fits into the enclosure.
We were asked if a cat, sitting on top of the habitat, would damage the unit. We took our hefty feline, Bit, and placed him on top of the screen. Because we use galvanized steel on our enclosures, and not window screen, there was absolutely no damage to the unit.
How do I attach lighting to the habitat?
Because everyone’s lighting needs are different, we created our Zen habitats with the most flexibility possible. You can place your lights on top or inside the enclosure. We even have a wire grommet for your electric cords. Lighting on the inside can be attached to the support bars using a multitude of different fasteners. We choose to use zip ties or a small chain.
Do Zen Habitats enclosures come assembled? If not, how difficult are they to assemble?
Our enclosures ship flat, to help save money on shipping fees and to prevent damage in the shipping process. We designed our habitats to be easily assembled. No tools are needed but a rubber mallet sometimes helps. In addition to written directions, assembly instruction videos are available on our website.
How does the size compare to a 40-gallon breeder tank?
A standard 40-gallon breeder tank is 36”x18”x16”. Our standard 4’x2’x2’ enclosures are 48”x24”x24” which is equivalent to approximately 120-gallons. This would make Zen Habitats enclosures three times larger by volume.
We also offer additional enclosures in the following sizes:
48”x24”x16” – 80-gallon equivalent
4’x2’x4’ – 240-gallon equivalent
2’x2’x4’ – 120-gallon equivalent
2’x2’x2’ – 60-gallon equivalent
Do you have alternatives for 80, 100, 125, 150, or 180 gallon aquariums/terrariums?
Our extension kit allows you to put together any two of our 4'x2'x2' or 2'x2'x2' enclosures to help you achieve these gallon conversions and a larger enclosure space for your pet.
Can I place loose substrate in the habitat?
All of our enclosures come with a 6-12 inch substrate shield to keep loose substrate in the enclosure.
Can I use this as a bio-active habitat?
Yes. However, to keep water from seeping through the seams, it is best to use our bio basin (4’x2’ or 2’x2’) or a plastic liner.
How easy are the reptile enclosures to clean?
Some of our enclosures have front sliding doors (4’x2’x2’, 48”x24”x16”, and 4’x2’x4’) that are removeable and our other enclosures have swinging doors (2’x2’x4’ and 2’x2’x2’), all of which allow for easy access to your enclosure for cleaning. Please use pet safe cleaners. A vinegar and water mixture works great for us!
How hot does the aluminum frame get with the heat lamp directly on the screen?
We tested both the Zen Habitats galvanized steel screen and the adjacent aluminum frame and there were no issues with heat. The galvanized steel screen tested at 89 degrees and the aluminum frame, placed 2” away, was only 85 degrees.
Can you attach a hammock to the habitat?
Yes, you can attach hammocks by using suction cups or Command hooks. For ledge, we find MagNaturals ledges from Zen to be great.
Which countries do you ship to?
We ship to the continental United States for free. Visit www.zenhabitats.ca for shipping to Canada.
Do you offer payment plans?
For orders of $30-$600, you can use PayPal's "Pay in 4" to pay in 4 separate installments. In checkout, select PayPal as your payment method and then select "Pay in 4."