Vivarium Information - Pet Universe

Pet Universe :: Vivarium Information

Vivarium Information

This information relates to our Vivexotic range of vivariums which can be found in our reptile vivariums section.

The range of wooden vivariums that we offer are manufactured in the UK to order, we therefore ask that you allow up to 10 days for delivery.

The information below has been supplied by the manufacturer.

Vivarium Features

Toughened Glass
All the glass used in our vivariums is toughened to BS6206A kite marked standards. This toughened glass has up to 5 times its original strength, and if broken, the glass breaks into small blunt fragments. Normal plate glass, if damaged, breaks into sharp long shards. As the glass is used as sliding glass doors it is crucial that only safety glass is used to prevent serious injury. We aim to conform to BS EN 14072:2003 for glass used along with furniture.
Ventilation
Each vivarium contains the correct amount of ventilation to provide optimum temperature and humidity levels. Ø65mm circular vents are positioned at both the top and bottom of the back panel allowing a steady flow of air throughout the vivarium. Each vent contains a plentiful number of holes which are big enough to allow air to flow in and out, but small enough to prevent live foods from escaping.
Forest Stewardship Council
All our timber comes from recycled sources or FSC sustainable forests. The FSC product label allows consumers worldwide to recognise products that support the growth of responsible forest management worldwide. Environmentally appropriate forest management ensures that the harvest of timber and non-timber products maintains the forest's biodiversity, productivity and ecological processes.
Easy To Assemble
We have improved the self assembly construction. All vivariums have fewer parts and nearly 50% less assembly fittings. This means that assembly should take half the time and go together first time, allowing your snakes, lizards and other reptiles to move into their new home quicker.
Greater Depth
The VX range is 18.5” inches from front to back, deeper than before. This increases the floor surface area, improving the living environment for the reptiles. This extra space can be used to provide interesting natural settings, such as tunnels or burrows, to enhance the living conditions for your reptiles, such as snakes, lizards, frogs etc
Solid Back
We believe that 3mm hardboard is not suitable for a professional vivarium. Its low compression structure and paint or foil surface means a very short product lifespan. This is why we use the same 15mm thick robust wood for all panels. When sealed, our construction lasts many years longer than cheaper competitors. After all our solid back panels are 5 times thicker!
Cable Access Points
Outlet points have been formed in the edge of the back panel for cable management. Any size of plug or fitting can easily pass through prior to securing the lid. To remove cables or replace, simply loosen the cams and lift the lid. Cable access points are located at each end, along the top. Either point can be easily closed with silicon if not required.

The Benefits of Wood

Wooden vivariums are not only stronger and stackable, but they are also less prone to cracking, chipping and shattering, unlike fragile glass vivariums.

Melamine faced chipboard can be made completely waterproof if sealed with silicon around all exposed edges. Although we do not recommend, this has been tested by putting several inches water inside one of the vivariums and left to stand for several weeks without a leak or swelling. It is critical that all joins and areas of exposed chipboard are cleaned then sealed correctly.

Due to the fact that wood is a great insulator, heat is retained more readily reducing your energy cost and consequently helping towards the environment

Wood is an easy material to drill or cut, which makes alterations or improvements, such as adding lighting or heating units, a simple chore.

The vivariums are made with the most popular wood finishes, helping to fit into most homes becoming a spectacular focal point in any room.

Sealing Your Vivarium

Although the melamine itself is waterproof, the exposed chipboard may swell if
water is absorbed. We therefore recommend that you seal your vivarium with
silicon once constructed to prevent leakage and to help ensure that your product
has a long and healthy life. This will make your vivarium completely waterproof.

Simply run silicon along all inside joins and areas of exposed chipboard (such as cam holes) and leave overnight to dry. We also suggest that a small amount of silicon is run internally around the edge of the vent holes and tracking to help ensure that no moisture will enter the chipboard. It is critical that all joins and areas of exposed chipboard are cleaned before sealing.

Manufacturers Two Year Warranty

The manufacturer of the vivariums offer a standard 12 month warranty. If you fill out the warranty card provided along with the vivarium, you will receive an extra 12 months free, giving you a total of 2 years warranty from the date of purchase.

The standard and extended warranty covers for defective parts which have failed under normal use. The manufacturer will not replace parts that have been damaged under abnormal conditions or that which have been subjected to improper use. Please also note, it is important that you seal your vivarium to prevent moisuture entering into the exposed chipboard. Parts will not be replaced that have been water damaged due to insufficient sealing. If the vivarium is not sealed correctly this will invalidate the warranty.