Frequently Asked Questions
GENERAL ORDER QUESTIONS
What if I’m not exactly sure what size set up I need or what add-ons are necessary?
Check our recommended set-ups or send us a message or an email and we’ll be happy to help get you set up in the right direction.
Can you do custom sized enclosures or racks?
We are currently trying to build our catalog. If there is a common size we do not offer, please feel free to send us a message and let us know. We will let you know if we can accommodate your request.
How long will it take to get my order, what is your lead time?
We try to keep our lead times as short as possible but they will vary due to order volumes and holidays. You can find our current lead time at the top of the home page. Once your order is shipped with UPS Ground, you should receive it within 3 to 5 days. If your order is coming via FREIGHT, those times vary.
Why do you use thicker PVC on the bigger enclosures?
We use the thicker PVC for structural integrity as well as aesthetics. Allows us to add casters directly on the bottom of the cage without having sagging or bowing issues.
Can I get my rack or cage in white PVC as well?
Yes, we offer both black and white as color options to suit your preference!
What thickness PVC do you use for your enclosures?
We use ½” for XT4’s and smaller. XT5 and larger are all made of ¾” and in some cases we use some 1” PVC.
ACCESSORIES
What is an 8.5” screen cutout?
A screen cutout is a round hole with mesh cutout on the top of the enclosure so you can use an external dome fixture for heating and or UVB.
What is a Lamp Holder?
A lamp holder pro is a fixture that mounts inside the enclosure for heat or UVB bulbs. We do not provide the bulbs.
What is a Radiant Heat Panel?
A RHP is a heat source that is mounted on the top of the enclosure. This allows the heat to radiate down for your animals. A piece of slate can be placed directly under the heat panel so the animals can get belly heat as well. A thermostat is used with the RHP to control the temperature.
What types of LEDs do you use?
We use two types of LED.
Do I need a UVB?
We suggest doing as much research as possible before placing your order. There are certain reptiles that do REQUIRE a UVB. However, there is much controversy about UVB and certain species of snakes. What we have found is that for every enclosure that has an installed UVB, the snakes always use it for basking. This is a decision that you will need to make. If you have any other questions, please feel free to email us.
Do I need LOCKS?
If you are trying to keep humans out or you have a very pushy animal, we do recommend adding locks. We use turn buttons on each enclosure that will keep the average snake safe inside the enclosure.
Do you offer sliding glass doors?
We have considered sliding glass. However, tempered glass is very expensive and in order to keep costs lower, we opted for acrylic. We will be possibly offering sliding acrylic in the near future. Feel free to contact us for more information.
What extras do you offer that we might not know about?- Swing out or fixed side windows
- Acrylic substrate dams
- PVC shelf substrate dams
- Ramps
- Perches
- 4 foot divided enclosures with back heat- 2/4 quadrants
- Lamp holder deletes - in case you only want to use one lamp holder for now and add another late, this way you can have routing for your lamp holder but not install it right away.
- Vent deletes - in case you want to block some ventilation or your snakes are too small for the current vent size
- Tub hides - these are 3" tall to fit in the smaller tubs
CLEANING
How should I clean the windows of my enclosures?
We recommend using simple soap and water or a dedicated acrylic cleaner to keep those windows looking new!
How do I clean my enclosure?
You can use just about anything to clean the PVC that is safe for your animals.
THERMOSTATS & HEATING
Do I need a thermostat?
If you are adding heat to your enclosure or racks, you will definitely need a thermostat to keep your animals as comfortable and safe as possible.
How should I configure my INKBIRD controller to get the best possible temps in my cages or rack systems?
Cooling Delay set to 1
Heating Delay set to 1
PT set to 0
How do I set up my radiant heat panel to the thermostat?
The steps here are pretty simple. The plug that goes from the heat panel plugs into the outlet on the thermostat and then from the thermostat to the wall. DO NOT just plug the heat panel into the wall without the thermostat, this is a guaranteed way to kill your animal! RHPs without a thermostat get incredibly hot and are unsafe for the animal!
Where should I place my probe for my rack system?
We suggest placing the probe in the probe slot on the middle shelf for the most consistent temperature.
Where should I place my probe for my enclosure?
In a cage with a heat panel, place the probe in the location where you want the temperature to be most accurate/maintained. For example, if you have a basking area that you want to be 95 degrees, then you would put the probe on top of the basking area and set the thermostat to 95 degrees. Make sure you secure your probe so your animal doesn’t move it.
My RHP is not getting hot
Make sure the plug is secure going into the heat panel itself, sometimes the animals like to pull them out. The newer heat panels have a plastic clip to eliminate this issue.
Test the RHP by plugging it directly into the wall outlet, do not leave it plugged in without a thermostat. This is for testing purposes only. If it gets hot plugged into the wall, it is not your heat panel. If you are running a herpstat 4, make sure the output you have the panel plugged into is set up for heat dimming or heat pulse in the set up menu. Also make sure your temperature probe is plugged in firmly and the probe end is situated under the panel.
RACK SYSTEMS
What are your latest RACK SYSTEM innovations?
What is a TOE KICK?
A toe kick is a small platform that forms an air gap and raises the rack off the floor so the bottom tub doesn't get too cold. You secure the rack to the toe kick with metal dowels which we provide.
What is a CASTER DOLLY?
A caster dolly is a cart with wheels that performs the same function as the toe kick except on wheels which makes life easier.
What thickness PVC do you use for your rack systems?
We use ½” PVC for all of our rack systems. We use NOTHING thinner than ½”.
Do your rack systems have full sides?
Absolutely!
SHIPPING
Will my order come assembled?
If you are local to GA, you can arrange a pick-up and your order will be assembled and silicone will be applied. All cages that are shipped out with the exception of XT3 only, are flat packed. For rack systems, we assemble and install heat tape to freight or local pick up.
How will I receive my order if it is shipped?
You will receive your box flat packed with instructions, screws and a small bottle of silicone.
Can I receive my rack unassembled?
Unfortunately, due to the weight of the products, UPS will not take them so either way they will have to be freighted. It is the same price to freight assembled or unassembled so we will only freight assembled.
Can I receive my cages assembled even if I have them shipped?
Yes, if you have them freighted, you most certainly can receive them assembled. Please contact us if you need help with this option.
How do I get the most out of my freight money?
If you are planning on ordering a second rack in the near future, you might want to wait (if you can) and order both at the same time.
- Ordering two racks has a very small freight increase.
- If you have a business address where you can receive your shipment, that tends to lower the price as well.
- Plan to pick up your freight at a local freight terminal.
Can I pick up my order locally?
YES! You can arrange a pickup at BlackBox Cages
4454 Atwater Ct. Ste. 103 Buford, GA 30518