PVC closed Enclousure question

sulandcata

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Good Morning I have been trying to upgrade the enclosure of 1 of my totoise and decided to creat a PVC enclosure my question is when posters refer to PVC enclosure what Type of PVC is the one people are talking about I tried seeing the PVC called trovicel but it seemed a little bit soft that is why I am asking I was able to get some types of PVC that could work but I am still having doubts of it is the correct one since I havent buy it I will just leave the names of the ones i think are the correct one please feel free to correct me so I can learn more of enclosure building.
PVC-C (chlorinated)
PVC-M (modified)
PVC-O (Oriented PVC)


Those are the PVC types I found might be good but I would still like to validate wich is the correct material.
 

Krista S

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It’s expanded PVC that you’re after. It’s sometimes shown as EPVC or E-PVC. A common brand is Sintra.

@Markw84 will be able to provide you more specific information if you have questions. He also builds incredible enclosures out of expanded pvc that are worth looking into.

Also, here’s a great thread that I’m sure you’ll find some value in.

https://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/building-your-own-expanded-pvc-enclosed-chamber-–-for-beginners.159220/
 

Markw84

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Good Morning I have been trying to upgrade the enclosure of 1 of my totoise and decided to creat a PVC enclosure my question is when posters refer to PVC enclosure what Type of PVC is the one people are talking about I tried seeing the PVC called trovicel but it seemed a little bit soft that is why I am asking I was able to get some types of PVC that could work but I am still having doubts of it is the correct one since I havent buy it I will just leave the names of the ones i think are the correct one please feel free to correct me so I can learn more of enclosure building.
PVC-C (chlorinated)
PVC-M (modified)
PVC-O (Oriented PVC)


Those are the PVC types I found might be good but I would still like to validate wich is the correct material.
In the US it is always listed as Expanded PVC The most common brand I use is Celtec. It is a regular PVC that has tiny air bubbles injected during the extrusion process to make it more light-weight. It is completely chemical and water resistant and is a bit softer that a hardwood. It does make excellent enclosures.
 

Mrs.Jennifer

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Good Morning I have been trying to upgrade the enclosure of 1 of my totoise and decided to creat a PVC enclosure my question is when posters refer to PVC enclosure what Type of PVC is the one people are talking about I tried seeing the PVC called trovicel but it seemed a little bit soft that is why I am asking I was able to get some types of PVC that could work but I am still having doubts of it is the correct one since I havent buy it I will just leave the names of the ones i think are the correct one please feel free to correct me so I can learn more of enclosure building.
PVC-C (chlorinated)
PVC-M (modified)
PVC-O (Oriented PVC)


Those are the PVC types I found might be good but I would still like to validate wich is the correct material.
This is what I used:

 

sulandcata

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Oh really thank you very much I always thougth that one was not useable since it is not really rigid and i thougth the proces of puting nailings or creating railings within the same material wouldn´t work. Since well that kind of PVC is a soft PVC and is easy to bend specially when using big pieces and from all the PVCs it seems to be the less heat resistant.
 

Mrs.Jennifer

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Oh really thank you very much I always thougth that one was not useable since it is not really rigid and i thougth the proces of puting nailings or creating railings within the same material wouldn´t work. Since well that kind of PVC is a soft PVC and is easy to bend specially when using big pieces and from all the PVCs it seems to be the less heat resistant.
I used PVC glue, not fasteners. It’s a bit trickier, but it makes it more impervious to leaks. I also caulked the seams around the bottom to ensure no leakage. It requires a center brace for longer expanses, but I couldn’t be happier. The lights are suspended by chains by cup hooks screwed into the ceiling. I can raise or lower them depending on the time of year/need. I also hang plants from the ceiling using the same kind of hooks.
 
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