NEW PetSmart Thrive Lightweight Reptile Enclosure Review! (I'm Shocked...)

[@EmmaLynneSampson]

I somehow completely forgot to mention the dimensions or price… so the dimensions are 46x18x18. It’s a really nice size! And this enclosure was being sold for $400CAD but I paid $330CAD as I’m a Petsmart treats member. it’s a bit pricy, but compared to other enclosures here in Canada it’s really not that bad. In Canada, zen habitats are almost $600, so it’s significantly cheaper. The 36x18x18 exo terra is $330 in Canada, so it’s only slightly more expensive than that.

[@MrsMac3099]

I googled the name of that enclosure. And one from Chewy came up , they look the same but I didn't go into detail. Chewy and PetSmart used to be the same company. They have 3 sizes and 2 colors. We also have a Zen habitat, I wonder how they compare. It's called New age pet ecoflex Mojave reptile lounge.

[@brunosexotics]

@florian florian not sure what you mean, but the enclosure In the video is definitely suitable for smaller snakes like corn snakes, garter snakes, and smaller BPs for adult BPs I would use a 4x2 but that tank is good

[@brunosexotics]

@florian florian I use PVCS for all my snakes it works great

[@6strings735]

@@MrsMac3099 This Thrive version has a more durable screen top than the Chewy version. The cage material is actually good, but the overall build quality and features will not match a Zen Habitats cage. A corn snake would do well in this cage. Maybe a ball python if you cover the screen top. This cage would be better suited for snakes if it had a solid top with maybe just a 9 inch screened circular cutout and also a higher litter dam. But they market this as a lizard cage mainly. My adult snake enclosures are from Showcase Cages, and I have a few Vision cages. Far better and last forever. My small snake cages (24 in L x 12 in D x 12 in H) are from JPM Reptilia and are perfect. I would consider those before any pet chain cage.

[@brianparker1828]

What's zen habitats I'm in Calgary Alberta and looking at Cornels world for a 4x2x2 for my beardy and it's around 700$ cad

[@Avocetexotics]

I'm glad that a large chain like petsmart is starting to make some changes with providing better products for their animals. Hopefully this is just the start of big box pet stores starting to offer good animal products!

[@reneeburtness1526]

There largest guinea pig cage still isn't large enough for even one guinea pig in their supposed to be kept in pairs and for some reason the people who have guinea pigs and spend all that money on the cage get really mad when you tell them but not at PetSmart, they get mad a u

[@ranouma147]

@@reneeburtness1526 bunnies, Guinea pigs and hamsters (and more) are always so misunderstood and pet stores just sell expensive cages that is nowhere near the proper size they need jus to sell more, it hurts my heart everytime I see it :/

[@reneeburtness1526]

@@ranouma147 I know if your going to get a pet spend some time doing research I built a cage for less the $100 big enough I could lay down in it was about as big as a twin size bed.

[@ranouma147]

@@reneeburtness1526 exactly! I’m glad to see there’s good owners out there like you! I don’t have guinea pigs myself but i do have some very happy free roaming bun buns!❤️

[@critterc0rner]

If only they actually do the same with small mammals like hamsters but instead they bring out shit like Tiny Tales that focused more on the toy/collectable gimmick and completely disregard the fact than an animal is has to live in it for its entire life.

[@lits4299]

What is the bottom made of? Can you put a heat mat under it?

[@apss5736]

I've heard bad things about the thrive brands as they are usually too small and are bad quality ( especially the heating and lighting ) but this seems rather good. I hope petsmart sticks to better products

[@rickymorcus8962]

I have two of the thrive front opening vertical for my crested and they are good. I also have two of their tree stump foggers which are good for that enclosure.

[@whiteviper1979]

Not a bad cage it's definitely NOT 🚫 the best quality in comparison too hi-end quality cages but PetSmart THRIVE cages offer overall way better quality then Petco cages for reptiles such as some species of snakes and lizards 👍💯💪

[@chibicricket]

I have a Thrive 18x18x24 tropical enclosure for my white's tree frogs, and I actually like it a lot. It's a little bit better than the 18x18x24 exo terra as it's not as heavy, and has an opening at the top for a misting system, and has a ventilation part at the top front. I usually cover the top ventilation to retain humidity, so the open air bar on front is great. The only thing I have a complaint about is the door. It's all glass and feels like if I open it too quickly, it's going to shatter. The exo terra doors seem to be a lot more durable. But for viewing, it's a very clear enclosure and looks good. Price wise too, I paid $180 for my exo terra, got the Thrive on sale for about $125 after I also used my Petsmart points. It also came with 2 light fixtures, 2 bulbs, fake plants, a food/water bowl, and a background, which I didn't use any of these except the background.

[@ryanfishydays]

Got one for my bearded dragon and I don't really have complaints tbh. Would recommend! Mine however did come with instructions, how to remove the glass doors, which is very easy to do. And also come with the door lock. But yes you can remove the glass doors!

[@critterc0rner]

Another issue with the tracks is that substrate can get under the glass doors and can produce an ear splitting screech and if the tracks are plastic it can scratch easily. Even worse when you can’t even remove the doors.

[@rfishrfish4242]

I have the same enclosure from Petsmart. It does come with a lock. It’s that black round thing that slides into it at the top and then it goes down to the bottom. It’s amazing its CNC machine. If you didn’t have one, someone probably stole it at Petsmart return it and .I have the same enclosure from Petsmart. It does come with a lock. It’s that black round thing that slides into it at the top and then it goes down to the bottom. It’s amazing it’s CNC machine. If you didn’t have one, someone probably stole it at Petsmart return it and get another one that includes that has the lock still.

[@christrain1067]

Does anyone knows if I can use a heating pad as a heat source?

[@johnwilkerson9804]

The door on top is actually a real cool feature for feeding live animals. You drop them in so your animal can “hunt” without being disturbed too much.

[@alexkellenberger8061]

I actually have this enclosure and I love it. I am keeping my ball python in it. Mine did come with a bolt that slides into the lock that is premounted on the glass. However, I have seen other reviews with similar statements that it didn’t come with the lock. I think PetSmart will need to do better about the packaging to make sure the small additional piece needed to lock the door doesn’t get lost in transit or in store. Great video!! It was really hard finding reviews of this enclosure before I bought it 2 months ago.

[@ericthomas3008]

Hey how is your experience with the cage and your ball python? Keeping Humidity Heat etc... I have a ball python and was wondering should I get this enclosure for it. Thanks. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

[@laobejanegra926]

How are you liking it so far??

[@alexkellenberger8061]

@@ericthomas3008 I have not had issues with temperature. I did cut a piece of plexi to fit over the screen top to help maintain humidity. I keep my ball python in mine as well. It works out great for him.

[@alexkellenberger8061]

@@laobejanegra926 it is a great, lightweight, well built enclosure. I much prefer this to the exo terra or zoo med glass enclosures.

[@laobejanegra926]

@@alexkellenberger8061 nice! Is it hard to get substrate out of the tracks? What do you use?

[@jenniferjerrell213]

Where would you put the under the tank heating pad on this enclosure? I just purchased a similar one by Ecoflex and I’m not sure if I can put the pad on the bottom of it.

[@ACOGLMT556]

You may already know this being that the vid is over a year old but I just bought mine about 2 weeks ago and the glass IS removable, you just need to lift up and tilt out. Also it does come with a lock aswell with some small handles and 2 way tape to stick them on the glass. (The lock came in a bag with the handles/tape and small instruction book.) Judging by the start of the vid assuming you didn't open it before that then it looks like yours may have been tampered with or maybe previously bought and returned? mine came with 2 plastic straps holding it all together, a plastic internal support so it wouldn't get squished in shipping and the glass was placed in the middle of the tank with a carboard sleeve taped to the middle support. and the lil bag was tapped to the vent on top below the top cardboard.

[@karlachristianson7333]

I think it's a building error on some. I know.how to remove doors like that and mine will not come out. There's not enough clearance to get it out... :(

[@renees766]

FYI, there's a pvc enclosure like this online called New Age Pet Mojave Reptile Lounge that comes w the lock n the doors come off, has about 2 inches from floor to bottom of door, top "can" come off but will take a couple steps. I'm getting the 24 inch for my hognose. I'll update my post once I get it.

[@Patriot6669]

Liar. 😉

[@pickletickler-c9m]

?​@@Patriot6669

[@NerdyOutdoorVeteran]

I just bought one of these about a month ago and can confirm that the newer models come with a lock, have attachable door handles, and the glass does come out. So it looks like they fixed the main issues :)

[@karlachristianson7333]

I bought one last month and the glass will not com out :( the top track doesn't have enough space to lift the doors to angle them out as they're supposed to :(

[@pklfeedtheflame]

Oh yay I’ve been waiting for your review on this!!!

[@sixoffcenter80]

I would assume it might be a good idea to seal the edges with silicone if you're going bioaactive.

[@EmmaLynneSampson]

Good point!

[@andrewjames5373]

I saw this one in my local Petsmart recently and I immediately wondered what took so long for them to start carrying something like this. I had just bought some custom cages at NARBC a month prior or I might have picked one up.

[@QWERTYOP80]

A viv with a mesh top seems counterproductive to me. Surely one of the plus points of using a viv over a glass tank or an enclosure with a mesh top is the ability to retain heat?

[@samuelneuin1988]

I have one of those enclosures. I have some good as well as not so good thoughts about it. Good thoughts: it's lighted than a full glass enclosure, larger than most available at Pet Smart, and it's reasonably well built. Bad thoughts: too much screen on the top too allow too much evaporation, mine had the latch installed on the front glass which allowed the ball python I keep in it to escape when she figured out how to slide the glass open enough to get out. I had to remove the latch from the front to replace it on the inside glass. Otherwise, I'm happy with it and plan on building a stacker to be able to put another on top of it to save floor space. Also, I wish it was easier to add a permanent climbing branch in it to give my big girl some extra enrichment activity. I don't trust drilling into the back wall and floor to attach the branch

[@trevorbraden5448]

What material is it made of.... would it withstand high humidity......is it pvc

[@avaogara]

does that have front. sliding doors ? lol just seen but are they secure ? the one I seen in petsmart didn't have front doors.tray pulled out from front not good for a ball python

[@Jolivieri93]

I have that same tank mine did come with a lock and little clearish nobs to put in the tank

[@jessicaaaron5311]

Glass can be removed. The one I seen at petsmart didn’t have the glass installed already

[@b3arj3w69]

You should review petco's version of this. It looks the same but it's 4x2x2 has a deeper lip for substrate and fixes all three of your complaints.

[@jameswhitfield6490]

Mine came with a little knob like piece that slides into the lock tab. Don't know why your's didn't

[@FishermansTherapy]

Has anyone came across the terrarium stand shown on the box? I’ve checked many locations and have yet to find anything. Any help would be appreciated, thank you!

[@connairemacinnis9970]

Just wanted to let you know that I just got mine and to remove the doors I just applied a little pressure to the top part to pry it up a little and had my wife pull the glass out. It takes two people but it’s very easy.

[@hannahpollard3258]

So I really want to do a bioactive set up in this enclosure but I’m concerned because of the materials it’s made out of that it will eventually start to rot and decompose can this enclosure support a bioactive set up?

[@kchudson8045]

It does come with a locking mechanism. At least mine did. It's a little knob that you insert into the mechanism that is on the glass.

[@littlekit9516]

Weird I got a sliding glass door knob lock included and a weird wooden pole for the middle? I figure it’s so the glass has support in the middle

[@neilpalma4462]

The Thrive enclosures in my experiences have been of quality. I own the corner terrarium and a 40 gallon. The smaller accessories have been where my disappointment have been. Thanks for bringing this enclosure to my attention and for the review! I want to get one of these!

[@caitwn8548]

I appreciate the review. A couple of questions - I don't see where you run temperature probes for the thermostat? I am not crazy about the extra opening in the top. How is this secured?

[@gryllidaeperkcal1369]

Petsmart is doing better in terms of reptile products. My local Petsmart is putting Arcadia UVB bulbs, fixtures, Deep heat projectors, flood incandescents, and par38 halogens onto their shelves in Nebraska.

[@EmmaLynneSampson]

I was very happy to see Arcadia at my local Petsmarts!!

[@randomuser2212]

Mine too! I was so shocked when I saw them the first time

[@tannerstultz5339]

I have a ball Python in mine, I can’t keep humidity in😢

[@T1k213]

Hi Emma! Really curious how this is holding up long term? Adding a Ball python to my collection trying to decide between something like this or a more traditional glass tank. Thank you so much for your advice 🙏🏼

[@adrainledsinger4089]

I have purchased one earlier today, I had never seen it on the shelf at PetSmart due to it always being sold out, it seems to be really nice quality. I think my snake will enjoy his new enclosure

[@javiernevarez8593]

​@adrainledsinger4089 so it's been 6 months since you bought this cage, how is it??

[@ParadigmReptiles]

Snakes don't typically need UV lights right? Just a light for heat or appearance.

[@critterc0rner]

They need it to properly thrive and display natural basking behaviours.

[@carolynd1679]

I have the Thrive Hexagon for my crested gecko and I Love It!

[@dyslexofficial2798]

Ive got the new age version and im having trouble keeping humidity up

[@239guy]

It comes with a knob that slides into where the locking mechanism is

[@PillowFilledWithSpiders]

Im not sure if youll still answer questions on such an old videos but if so do you know if suction cups stick to the inside

[@morganmarguccio9057]

I’m confused I have the exact same one and the doors do come off and it also came with a lock.. are you sure they don’t remove on yours?

[@natasharowe1997]

Just remember that thrive mesh blocks a ton of uvb

[@zosometalgod]

You didn't say how big the terrarium is? What gallon tank is it?

[@jayhoover-nk1oc]

is this terrarium good for crested geckos and can you use their 40 gallon dividers

[@kaylasennhenn8204]

Would this enclosure be suitable for a leopard gecko? I am trying to find a good enclosure to use to upgrade her from the one she has now

[@peekapew4522]

yeah most likely

[@EmmaLynneSampson]

I think it definitely could be!

[@d.legend4747]

What are those inside the tank lights? Where can I get those?

[@adrainledsinger4089]

How is this holding up? And what substrate are you using in this video? Thanks

[@jestonlott9969]

How do u keep a heat mat or u just use the light ?

[@ultravice191]

Can you add belly heat or only heat lamps?

[@dollylivin3997]

plss tell me were u got them lights from

[@woodensquid560]

Would you recommend this for a 2 year old BCI? Not a forever home but a start.

[@miracleharris8065]

Thanks for making this because I was looking into getting it for my bearded dragon

[@HunterHouck]

Great video, Emma! It’s great to see PetSmart moving in the direction of bigger and better! Such a great change from the infamous “Tiny Tales” enclosures. 🥲

[@EmmaLynneSampson]

Thank you! Hopefully they’ll continue to come out with better products for the animals

[@skizzymac1]

Lift up and drop glass and pull towards you, mine came with a matte black lock also. Have the same terrarium. Think you should contact em cause it is included

[@Sara_Skully]

I have the octagon thrive enclosure for my whites tree frogs and I absolutely love it!

[@ALLYBEAR_THEGAMINGBEAR]

If you put a snake in there, how to you put belly heat in there or is it just heat lamp use only? I’m interested in getting one.

[@dongordito00]

where did you get the tree branches from?

[@reptilesfishandmore]

No handles on the glass so you don't have to touch the glass to open it??? I guess a way to fix that would be to buy little handles at a hardware store & hot-glue a magnet to one end & glue another magnet inside the glass......seems odd you have to touch the glass to open it

[@RavenGirl333]

How do you latch the door on the top screen?

[@santosleeli]

Thanks for this review! In terms of moisture resistance, do you think the panels may rot in a bioactive setups? (around 30% humidity)

[@quantumzero-bh1mq]

can you use a under tank heating pad

[@gryllidaeperkcal1369]

More reptile care improvements from Petsmart. They no longer recommend calci sand in their online leopard gecko care sheet, they instead recommend a semi arid bioactive soil or tile (they also recommend Repti carpet which I know is not the best, but it’s not as dangerous as calci sand). They’re now selling Zen Habitats, and their online care sheet for bearded dragons now recommend that bearded dragons be upgraded from 40 gallons to 4x2x2 enclosures by Zen Habitats if space permits.

[@indoreptilekeeper241]

Its funny, I randomly came across your channel while googling snake sheds to better understand their reasons behind it for educational purposes. After watching the video I ended up checking out your channel. Your information game and content game (especially the thumbnails) are on point. I have literally learned quite a lot from your channel. Definitely just gained a subscriber. Keep it up and good luck on the youtube journey

[@rfishrfish4242]

Oh yeah, I do have two bio set ups with my leopard geckoes does work. It does hold moisture also other people I know that have bio sit ups for more of a high humidity. They did what I did they just caulked it you just bye Fishtank, caulking and you’re done.

[@fishking10]

I just picked up one and it's awesome no complaints 👌

[@TopFurret]

So excited! Just got 2 of these on sale for $214 USD each

[@SohiHien]

How heavy is it? Since it isn't made of glass it must be lighter? Especially since it is advertised as such?

[@therapybee]

How does it hold humidity? Is that pvc?

[@Z33323]

It’s been a year, do you still like it. I have 24 hours to decide to get it or not! 😅

[@roguetoxin5397]

Does it help with humidity like a PVC?

[@anthonysilva3859]

Can you put a heating pad on the bottom

[@State48TurtleTortoise]

New subscriber here! Just came across this video on suggested… excited to dig deeper into the content :)

[@EmmaLynneSampson]

Thank you!!

[@connwareaurelico4219]

can you stack the tanks on top of each other or recommend some enclosures you can stack?

[@Finn-gb8gk]

they have stacker pieces, saw them when I got mine a few days ago.

[@brianparker1828]

Hey Emma PetSmart just got 40 gallon ones and a stacker for two 40 gallon tanks looks like a decent set up for juvenile reptiles I know it's not for adults but yeah I was wondering if you heard some reviews on that came out like recently like this month March 2023 it is thrive and opens front not top

[@brianparker1828]

Damn that grey is nice tho

[@FantaLiteBrav]

Honestly the reason the water thing is separate is because most people are too ignorant to read the instructions and would go ahead and fill it up with water. Then go online to complain about their own stupidity. So having it separately makes it stand out to dummies

[@icskin]

My daughters corn snake keeps escaping from this exact tank we bought last week, still haven’t figured out how

[@thejoester]

I just bought one here in the US for $240USD. The glass doors do come off by lifting up and pulling out the bottom and it did come with the lock peg, so maybe they updated it.

[@karlachristianson7333]

It seems nit all of them are out together properly. The lift I can get on mine is like 2mm. Not nearly enough to get the glass out and I've been trying for a month :/

[@ffxfgxsfxxxg2419]

Is this available below Canada?

[@ktsketti]

Hey there. I was wondering how this enclosure is holding up for you? I was considering getting it for my corn snake, but im woried he'll be able to push through the screen top. Hes a strong boy.

[@woodensquid560]

How is it holding up these days? I might get one in a few months.

[@jenniferd2094]

Can you use this for an Indonesian blue-tongue skink?

[@893263007]

Can we put heat pads underneath this?

[@aprilmae3206]

How do you like it after a year?

[@danasmith8557]

I love my thrive tank mind is 6 sided with a plastic bottom . Very reasonable priced I have 4 tree frogs in it

[@coffinmochi]

How do you heat this at night? Pls

[@jeremytaylor9760]

How thick are the sides

[@ghostkilla1963]

HIIII what size is this enclosure??

[@Ryder204]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@Loville]

Would you recommend this for a bts?

[@critterc0rner]

no

[@avaogara]

Wow it looks awesome tho ! I'm Goin petsmart sunday..I will check this out

[@Jgimple]

What’s the tank called? I can’t find it online

[@EmmaLynneSampson]

It’s the thrive lightweight terrarium. Only sold at petsmart

[@Baka.senpai.]

Can you do an updated review like how well has it held up since this video?

[@EmmaLynneSampson]

I’ll try and do one soon!

[@CWWJR]

@@EmmaLynneSampson Looks decent for the $$$ how well does it hold in heat and humidity is my question. Its for a Jungle Carpet so. My buddy may get one also for his emerald if it holds in heat and humidity well. It as good as PVC? or does it not compare?

[@DARKSHADES]

The doors are removable. Mine came with the glass in bags

[@EmilyJuneG]

The webpage has instructions on how to remove the glass.

[@dantan1249]

Thrive low key got some good stuff .

[@flossieshelley1838]

I absolutely love the room that you do your videos in

[@EmmaLynneSampson]

Thank you!!

[@ericthomas3008]

Would you recommend this enclosure for a ball python??

[@Brandyalla]

Interesting. Petsmart has ripped off the design of New Age Pet's Mohave enclosure, except Mohaves come with a lock piece to match the latch on the door, and the doors are easily removable. And Mohaves don't have the miniature door in the screen, which seems like it would only weaken the top anyway.

[@becca.daugherty]

Maybe I missed it but what are the dimensions or equivalent in gallons?

[@EmmaLynneSampson]

It’s 46” long, 18” wide and 18” tall

[@tristan2224]

Nice set up!

[@EmmaLynneSampson]

Thank you!