The Buddy Bubble Reptile Kit Setup

Go Jurassic—Supersize Your Reptile’s Habitat Without Breaking the Bank!

Why settle for a cramped glass tank when you can create a prehistoric paradise for your reptile at a fraction of the cost? The Buddy Bubble provides more space, more flexibility, and more value than traditional reptile enclosures. 

Each Buddy Bubble size is adaptable to different reptile needs. The Small and Large Buddy Bubbles can be configured either vertically or horizontally, allowing owners to create grounded desert landscapes for bearded dragons and skinks or tall tropical enclosures for tree pythons and iguanas. The Medium Buddy Bubble is best suited for vertical setups when using heat and UVB lighting, ensuring an ideal basking and thermal gradient for reptiles that need controlled temperatures and exposure. To complete the perfect reptile habitat, the Buddy Bubble Reptile Kit is a must-have, providing a vent louver for airflow and containment, zipper clips to prevent escapes, a cord management system for heating and lighting accessories, an additional temperature and humidity sensor to monitor key zones, and an adjustable hanging cord for properly positioning heat lamps and UVB fixtures. This flexible setup allows you to customize the environment to match the specific needs of your ball python, bearded dragon, skink, gecko, or other reptilian companion. Whether you’re creating a lush rainforest, an arid desert, or a bioactive jungle, the Buddy Bubble gives your reptile room to roam, bask, and thrive—Jurassic-style!

Kit Contents

  • 1 Vent Louver (with wire mesh)
  • 2 Zipper Clip Carabiners
  • 1 Coiled Cord Wrap (4 ft)
  • 1 Temperature and Humidity Sensor
  • 1 Adjustable Hanging Cord (48 in) with Carabiners

Important Setup and Installation Tips

1. Installing the Vent Louver (Fig. 1)

The included vent louver features 10 vent grills and an integrated wire mesh to help prevent escapes and allow for proper ventilation. To install:

  1. Align the louver with the open port.
  2. Gently push it in until it fits snugly.
  3. Ensure the louver is flush and secure.
    Tip: The wire mesh helps block small reptiles from accessing the vent, making it perfect for species like geckos and smaller snakes.

2. Securing the Zippers with the Zipper Clip Carabiners (Figs. 2A and 2B)

Proper zipper security prevents small reptiles from slipping through gaps.

  1. Attach each carabiner to the small hole nearest the zipper mechanism on both zipper pulls (see Fig. 2A for correct placement).
  2. Avoid attaching the carabiners to the holes at the opposite end of the zipper pulls (Fig. 2B), as this will leave too much slack, allowing gaps.
  3. Check that the zippers are aligned and held tightly together.

3. Managing Cords with the Coiled Cord Wrap (Figs. 3A and 3B)

For heat lamps, UV lights, heating pads, or other accessories, keeping cords neat and secure is important.

  1. Bundle cords using the coiled cord wrap to prevent tangles.
  2. Guide the bundled cords through the zipper opening, ensuring enough slack for flexibility (see Fig. 3A).
  3. Zip the opening snugly around the bundled cords to minimize airflow gaps (see Fig. 3B).

4. Positioning and Adjusting the Hanging Lamp Cord (Figs. 4A and 4B)

The 48-inch adjustable cord with carabiners allows you to hang heat lamps and UV lamps securely within the Buddy Bubble. Proper positioning is essential to create a healthy basking zone and prevent damage.

  1. Small Buddy Bubble: Attach the cord to any two opposing top frame sections.
  2. Medium Buddy Bubble: Attach the cord to the two 24-inch frame sections (Fig. 4A). Do NOT attach the cord to the 35-inch sections connected by straight connectors, as this may cause bowing (Fig. 4B).
  3. Large Buddy Bubble: Attach the cord across either the 36-inch or 30-inch dimensions, depending on orientation. The sturdy frame prevents bowing on larger models.
  4. Adjust the cord length to achieve the ideal lamp height for your reptile’s basking area.
  5. Ensure all heat and UV lamps are hung at least 5 inches away from the Buddy Bubble walls to prevent heat damage.
    Important: Do not place heat or UV lamps outside of the Buddy Bubble, as the PVC material does not allow UV light penetration and direct heat from above can damage the material.

5. Heating Pad Installation and Safety

The Buddy Bubble’s PVC base is built to handle heat transfer from most commercially available heating pads. The heating pad can be installed:

  • Inside the Buddy Bubble, directly under the fabric base.
  • Outside the Buddy Bubble, positioned under the external floor area of the enclosure.

Always monitor temperatures using the included sensor to ensure a safe environment. Be sure not to exceed the heating pad’s recommended output.

6. Monitoring Temperature and Humidity

Place the temperature and humidity sensor in key areas, such as the basking zone, to ensure your reptile’s environment stays within recommended ranges. Adjust heat or UV lamps as necessary based on readings.

7. Clean-Up and Containment

One of the major benefits of the Buddy Bubble is its ability to contain messes like shed skin, food debris, and loose bedding, which might otherwise spread around the room. Any shedding, waste, or spilled bedding can be easily cleaned using a vacuum or damp cloth, keeping your pet’s environment neat and reducing allergens.

Care and Maintenance Tips

  • Regularly inspect the frame, zippers, and vents for any signs of wear or damage.
  • Clean the enclosure routinely to maintain a healthy space for your pet.
  • Ensure cords and equipment are properly secured to avoid tangles or hazards.

For any questions, feel free to contact us at buddy@buddypetco.com.

The Buddy Bubble Reptile Kit Setup
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