FAQs
Focus Cubed Habitats is run by Stephen and Ashley, a husband-and-wife team who care for over 90 reptiles when they’re not building enclosures at their shop in Montgomery, Texas. From monitors to croc skinks, green tree pythons, corn snakes, geckos, bearded dragons, and more, we have been dedicated to reptiles since 1994. Our passion is all about keeping reptiles and creating incredible enclosures for you!
What is the difference between the IQ Series, Custom Shop, Tub Systems, Tops & Kits?
We’ve broken down our enclosure and tub system offerings into different categories.
IQ Series – Looking for an awesome enclosure fast? The IQ Series is an intelligently designed group of enclosures that have faster lead times without accessories. Modern design with built-in features not available from any other manufacturer.
Custom Shop – These enclosures are offered with tons of pre-installed heating, lighting, screen, and perching accessories with color, window, and other personalization options for you to make your own unique build.
Kits – Have a particular animal and want a more one-click setup? Then the Species Kits are available to help you select the most popular setup for bearded dragons (and other arid species), ball pythons, blue tongue skinks, arboreal snakes, and super dwarf retics (and other semi-arboreal species)!
Tub Systems – Our Hangar and Concept tub systems use the popular clear Cambro tubs that are great for neonates, as quarantine units, and for breeders needing multi-unit tub systems. They make cleaning a breeze!
Tops – Our replacement tops for the modern swivel-clip Exo Terras are optionable with heating, lighting, window, and screens to turn your Exo Terra build up a notch! These tops are available in multiple configurations depending on your animal’s humidity and environmental needs.
What are your current lead times?
Orders are currently going into production in:
**All lead times can be found under each enclosure’s page for convenience.
Estimated 2 weeks for IQ Series, Hangar1 18x12x9
Estimated 6 weeks for Hangar6, Hangar6 Factory Edition, Sector
Estimated 6 weeks for Exo Terra replacement tops, Matrix, Matrix XL, Alpha, Hangar1 XL 26x18x15, Hangar1 Traverse, EVO Arboreal Snake Builds
Estimated 8 weeks for Expanse, TwentyFour, TwentyFour XL, Arcade, Ratio, Ratio Slider, Panorama, HighRise XL, Monolith Slim, Monolith, Formula, Ratio 4x2x2 Kits, C3 Slider
Estimated 10 weeks for Studio, Studio Slider Performante
Estimated 12 weeks for Hatchling Hangar, Concept3, Concept3 MaXX
Estimated 15 weeks for Aspect, GT, GT Slider, GTO, GTO Slider, Signal, Mini Monster Performante, MOB, Concord SR-72, Ascent, & Heretic
As a two-person husband and wife team working hard to fulfill orders, we very much appreciate yours! All processes are done in-house by the two of us from design, 3D modeling, CNC machining, assembling, disassembling, shipping, die-cut logos, web design, social media, and material procurement.
Some suppliers are still running slow and encountering material backorders. We genuinely appreciate your interest and patience through ever-changing times!
What Makes a Focus Cubed Habitats Enclosure different?
Stephen and I know it can be hard to see the differences in our Focus Cubed Habitats just from photos online. Let’s keep it straightforward!
- We use high-quality, American-made PVC. Some other companies go for imported plastic that’s often much cheaper, but there’s usually a catch. Imported PVC can be brittle, easy to scratch, and not as sturdy. Plus, we use a CNC machine made right here in the USA. It’s great to support local!
- Our enclosures come preassembled, so you’ll find them easy to put together when they arrive. All windows, screens, doors, locks, and front hardware are already in place!
- For our hinged door models, we use real metal hinges with bolts, stainless steel lock washers, and lock nuts. No cheap plastic here that could fail.
- Our slider models have real tracks attached with stainless hardware. Unlike some other brands that rely on double-sided tape or rough grooves, we put in the extra work for a smooth slide. Plus, our sliding enclosures have removable polycarbonate or glass doors for easy cleaning. Our glass doors are made of sturdy 1/4″ tempered glass, while others often use thinner 1/8″ glass.
- Stephen puts in the time to design models that look great in your home. We pay attention to details like shelf braces, door lines, and window shapes, making sure they’re not just simple boxes. Keeping reptiles should be fun!
- We’re a small business, just me, Ashley, and my husband Stephen. We’re passionate about reptiles and love connecting with other keepers. Most of our orders come from happy repeat customers who know the Focus Cubed Habitats difference! Our Reviews and the support from our Focus Family say it all.
Is there more information about Heating & Lighting options you offer?
We created an Accessory Information page where we break down what a RHP is, different types of lighting, types of thermostats, etc. with photos to help you decide what is best for your situation!
What is a good thermostat to use?
All heating must be controlled with a thermostat. We recommend Spyder Robotics Herpstat thermostats that are available in 1-6 probe options depending on how many heating elements you want to control.
A note on Humidity/Temperature tracking.
In addition to a quality thermostat, we like to use the SensorPush sensor to track humidity and temperature over time using the SensorPush app linked to your phone. These are great tools to really dial in your setup. They’re readily available on Amazon.
Can I have bioactive soil in a PVC enclosure?
Yes! We, and many others, have bioactive setups in Focus Cubed enclosures. All PVC enclosures must be sealed to make substrate/watertight no matter what substrate is used. Here is a link to the enclosure care guide with our preferred sealant choice: https://focuscubedhabitats.com/quick-enclosure-care-guide
Here is a handy plant processing guide that we’ve found helpful when getting plants ready for a planted enclosure: https://www.neherpetoculture.com/plantprocessingprocedures
Is there a way to see enclosure builds in more detail?
We know there are many choices for our enclosures, and it can be hard to imagine a setup just from the photos. To keep our model pages tidy, we’ve added a video or two at the bottom of each enclosure order page. Plus, check out our Focus Cubed Habitats YouTube channel for over 500 Enclosure Talk videos showcasing different builds and accessories we’ve created over the years. Don’t forget to visit the HELP tab at the top of the page for links to materials, accessories, assembly instructions, and more to help you find the right setup for you!
Are these enclosures stackable?
Yes, stack ’em up! Like-sized enclosures can be easily stacked by placing on top each other.
How do I use the rear cord slots?
Our enclosures are equipped with convenient machined cord slots in the rear panel to easily route accessory cords through before attaching the back panel.
Are there photo examples of perches for arboreal snake builds?
Check out enclosure perching options with size and perch mount examples on the Perch Information page. Our perches are only available with enclosure builds as they are fit to each build.
What is the difference between the Matrix XL and Alpha 18x12x12 enclosures?
The Matrix XL features a taller substrate dam to accommodate deeper substrate for arboreal snakes or more terrestrial species. The Alpha has a shorter substrate dam for sterile (paper towel/puppy pad) arboreal snake keeping with front intake vents and a larger door opening area for easier perch removal. Same enclosure size to fit different keeping needs!
Heat Panels and Send Us Your Panel for Install
We carry a wide variety of Wilbanks & VE panels as options on many enclosure builds. You can order your enclosure build with or without a heat panel, or if you prefer you can also contact Bob at Pro Products (https://pro-products.com/pro-heat/) to order a panel from Bob. Bob drop ships your heat panel order directly to us – just use his form linked above and tell him to send it to Focus Cubed Habitats. He’ll know what to do!
What about under tank heating pads?
PVC enclosures provide better insulation compared to older glass or wooden boxes that used under-tank heating pads. We do not provide under-tank heating in PVC enclosures. Modern heating available in non-tub enclosure setups allows for more natural overhead heat using a thermostat.
Color Options
The optional colored PVC in red, blue, yellow, green, and gray may vary in shade due to what the manufacturer has available, different batches over time, or if a brand is no longer offered. We try to get the same color from the same manufacturer, but sometimes our suppliers can’t guarantee that the colors will match.
What enclosure is best for me?
There isn’t a perfect formula for working with living creatures, and that’s what makes it such a fun and exciting experience! Even though some manufacturers and people online say that “X setup is perfect for X animal,” the truth is more complicated. Different climates, species, animal size, temperament, experience, and enclosure space all play a role.
We have enclosures sorted by size, type (IQ, Custom Shop, Tub Systems), and even a Species Kit category with popular options for animals like ball pythons, bearded dragons, arboreal snakes, and semi-arboreal snakes. Once you find the right size enclosure for your space and animal, you can check out our Accessory Information page with links to the manufacturer’s websites to see what accessories you might want. For example, our Ball Python Kit comes with a radiant heat panel for ambient heating, halogen for a UVA basking spot, and dimmable LED lights. You can also add a Deep Heat Projector for a larger basking area, a nighttime basking spot for nocturnal species, or extra heating if you live in a colder place. Plus, there’s an option for UVB. If you prefer to set up your own accessories, the IQ series of enclosures provides popular sizes with quick lead times so you can customize them just the way you want!
Do you have any in-stock enclosures?
In Stock Quick Ship enclosures are sometimes created from the machining of additional space on the 4×8 sheets of the standard queue of enclosures. They are occasionally available under the In Stock Quick Ship tab and are only available as listed.
Sometimes damaged materials come from the manufacturer or panels otherwise get damaged. There are occasional Scratch & Dent discounted enclosures with dents, scratches, or corner rounding sold as-is.
In Stock Quick Ship and Scratch & Dent typically ship in 1-2 business days after placing your order.
Do you have Payment Plans?
Payment plans through a PayPal invoice are accepted on a case-by-case basis for orders over $500. Payment Plan orders are added to the production queue once half down is met with corresponding lead times taking effect at that point.
Do you offer any discounts?
Our Made in the USA models are individually made, not mass-produced items that can be taken off a shelf. We currently do not offer any discounts or promotions because the time and costs involved do not change based on the quantity ordered. We keep our prices as low as we can for everyone, considering machine time, shop overhead, materials, credit card fees, and labor costs.
Do you take any custom Enclosure Requests?
We’re not taking custom orders right now because of the high demand for our standard models. Even if a custom request seems simple, like a different size or venting, it actually needs a CAD redesign and machine reprogramming, which can take a lot of time away from production.
Do you have more information on different materials used?
We are proud to use American-made PVC on our American-made CNC machine! This means higher quality and by choosing us, you are supporting the American economy. Many other PVC enclosure makers use Chinese PVC or sell enclosures made in China. You might be surprised to see how many well-known brands are resellers of these Chinese products. If you want to learn more about our hardware colors and materials, visit our Materials page for descriptions and photos!
Enclosure Assembly
All enclosures are preassembled for fitment. Most are then disassembled for flat pack shipping. We make reassembling them after shipment easy with numbered panels and simple step-by-step instructions. We have Assembly Instructions available in digital form if you want to get familiar with the process.
What happens once I place my order on the website?
First off – thank you for deciding to become a part of the Focus Family!
Once you place you order you will receive an email from the automated commerce system with your order information. If you do not receive that email in your Inbox, check your Spam/Junk folder as they can often go there. If you still do not find an order confirmation email, you can contact us to check if maybe the email address on the order may have been misspelled (surprisingly quite common) and we can manually send the order confirmation we receive. The production process is outlined in that email below your order information.
Are enclosures shipped assembled or disassembled?
All enclosures are preassembled before shipment. Most enclosures are then taken apart and shipped flat for package size and safety via FedEx. Some smaller models for neonate/hatchlings are shipped assembled. The type of shipping is outlined on each model’s order page in the Shipping dropdown.
Each enclosure is packed in its own box to keep it safe, so we do not combine multiple enclosures in one box.
Large enclosures need freight shipping and come crated on a pallet. These shipments are usually sent flat to fit a specific freight weight range and use less packing material. Some large enclosures can be shipped assembled if they fit on a pallet, but this will raise the shipping cost. You can find specific freight quote information below.
What if I want to pick up my order at your Montgomery, TX location?
All enclosures come preassembled, so you can pick them up assembled. Just choose “Local Pickup” in the Shipping dropdown on the order page, and we’ll contact you when your order is ready to arrange your pickup.
The enclosures for local pickup are securely wrapped for travel. Please make sure you have a vehicle or trailer that fits your enclosure. You can find the dimensions at the top of each order page to check if it will fit. Remember to consider headliner curves, side, trunk, and rear door openings when measuring your vehicle. Avoid leaving a PVC enclosure in a hot car or the back of a truck under the sun, as the PVC can warp if it gets too hot (above 130-140 degrees F). If you’re using an open truck bed, let us know, and we can wrap your enclosure in UV resistant pallet wrap.
What about Order Changes after placing my order?
Your order details are final once production starts. We can make a few changes before then, as long as they’re reasonable. Please note that any changes made on separate invoices after you place your order online won’t be included in the automated emails about production and completion, as the commerce system can’t be changed.
How do I find order status/lead time info once I place my order?
Your order confirmation email has details on what to expect as your order moves along, including lead times and other common questions. Just scroll down in the email to see the information. If you didn’t get the automated order confirmation email in your Inbox, please check your Junk/Spam folder, as it might have gone there based on your email settings.
Refunds
As a small business, every order helps us cover shop space, equipment, inventory, and other costs to keep things up and running. Please make sure you understand the lead times and have chosen the right options and accessories before making your payment. Keep in mind that credit card companies charge a fee for each order, and this fee is not refundable if you cancel your order. Once an order is in production or has been shipped, we cannot offer refunds. For orders that haven’t started production, refunds will incur a 10% fee of the purchase price, plus any non-refundable credit card processing fees. This is agreed to in the Terms and Conditions upon checkout and available for you in both the FAQ as well as the previously mentioned Terms and Conditions.
Canadian & International Shipping
Canada
We ship smaller flat pack enclosures to Canada via USPS & FedEx. Shipping costs average around $40-$80 USD for Exo Replacement Tops depending on quantity and size, and usually around $120-$210 USD for enclosures up to 4 feet depending on size and location. Customs taxes and fees are not included in the quote, and the recipient is responsible for any charges by Customs. For a Canadian shipping quote, we need a postal code and which enclosure (s) would be included in the shipment.
Overseas
Unfortunately, we are unable to ship overseas due to the air freight shipping expense being more than what the enclosure costs. If you have access to an overseas shipping broker, you are welcome to use that and we can provide the shipment dimensions and weight for you to handle the overseas shipment.
How do I get a Freight Shipping quote?
Larger enclosures too big for FedEx ground or large quantity orders are typically shipped via freight disassembled for flat pack and crated on a pallet.
Please contact us for a freight quote with **ALL** of the following information: enclosure model/quantity, zip code, commercial or residential address, and if you need a truck equipped with a liftgate (needed for residential deliveries without a forklift or loading dock).
We are one of the only PVC enclosure manufacturers who fully crates freight shipments for safety and take as much care packing the shipment as manufacturing the enclosure. Enclosures except the MOB 8x4x4 can be shipped assembled upon request, however, an assembled & crated shipment typically has a much higher freight cost.
A freight quote must be obtained before purchase unless picking up locally at our shop in Texas. Palletized freight shipments vary depending on the distance from Houston, Texas, size, weight, residential or commercial delivery address, and liftgate service – quotes on average can range anywhere from $450-$1500. If possible, it is usually more economical to rent a Uhaul or bring a trailer to pick large enclosures up locally at our shop in Montgomery, TX to save on freight and crating costs.
Shipping Damage
Great care and time goes in to packing enclosures, but the size and weight of enclosure shipments make them more vulnerable to improper carrier handling. Unfortunately, damage still happens, especially after COVID and the higher amount of goods being shipped and handled by shipping carriers.
While shipping damage is rare, please follow the below guidelines in the event of shipping damage. We understand it is neither our nor your fault that the shipping carrier mishandled the shipment, however, without the proper documentation outlined below once you receive the shipment, a shipping claim will not be accepted by the carrier.
FedEx, USPS, UPS Express & Ground Damage
Packages may require a signature. Be prepared to be available to receive the package(s) or get with carrier for appointment or hub pickup that suits your schedule.
The necessary carrier requirements to send us to begin a shipping a claim can be found in your order completion email and on our Terms & Conditions page.
Freight Damage
**If significant damage to packing, pallet, and multiple pieces, take photos of damage outlined below and REFUSE THE SHIPMENT**
The shipment will be returned to us where we can file a claim and manufacture the new pieces.
Failing to refuse the shipment in the event of significant damage will likely result in a damage claim denial.
Freight damage MUST be noted on the Bill of Lading (BOL) upon delivery.
The word “DAMAGE” must be written on the BOL for any chance of a damage claim approval
Photographic evidence of package damage, as well as damage to the enclosure and pallet, is REQUIRED (see Ground carrier damage claim process above for guide reference). Video evidence while the driver is present is highly recommended to help the damage claim approval process. The drivers are instructed on the BOL to remain at the location for the shipment to be unpacked.
The person who placed the order for the enclosure will need to be present at delivery in order for a claim to be submitted. If the word “damage” with reference to all damage including scuffs, punctures, tears, scratches, and ANY other shipping damage is not noted upon delivery on the BOL or the shipment is not received by the person who made the order – there is little chance the damage claim will be honored by the carrier.
What if I misplaced my assembly instructions?
No worries, we have all of the instructions available on the Instructions page.
Terms & Conditions
The Terms and Conditions are agreed to upon checkout and purchasing of the product. Please read through the Terms and Conditions for more information.
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How do I contact you?
For questions not answered above, you can contact us via email below!
With only the two of us working in a loud shop monitoring the machines, we are unable to accept phone calls. The majority of our time goes into getting orders out to our wonderful Focus Family!
Stephen and I aim to respond to messages within 1-2 business days as we are happy to answer any genuine questions or thoughts you may have. Just a heads up, our replies from the Contact Form sometimes land in your email Junk/Spam folder, so be sure to check there if you don’t see our response in your inbox!