My new setup, need advise

[Rickys_Reptiles]

Ok, so it's apparent that I can't keep a RTB in my current snake room, so I'm going to need to build it an enclosure that can be housed in a different room.

This is what I have so far, it's just in the design phase, so I'm looking for any advice you can offer

Ok, this is my very rough sketch.

Ambient temperature will be set to 78 degrees. This will be achieved by using 3 low wattage ceramic heat bulbs on the top that will be controlled by the thermostat to keep the inside ambient temperature stable, with a small fan inside the enclosure to distribute the air. I have decided to use 3 bulbs (may even use 4) instead of just 1 bulb because I think this will help to keep a more even temperature. I'll likely use (3) or (4) 100 watt bulbs.

Hot spot will be set to 90 degrees. This hot spot will be achieved by using 12" flexwatt heat tape. The heat tape will be placed under the tub, but inside the enclosure. The thermostat probe will be placed on top of the heat tape, but under the tub.

Thermostat: I'll be using a Herpstat 2.

Tub size: Since I'll be building this enclosure as a custom build, with a base and cover it will be the full size enclosure. I know it's WAY overkill for a baby RTB, but I'll add a lot of hides etch to make sure it's comfortable. I'm not sure which tub I'll use just yet, but I'm hoping to find a tub somewhere that is approx 5' wide x 16" deep

Enclosure: The enclosure will be fabricated using XPVC with locking hinged front (not shown on the diagram)

Fan: I may add a small fan into the enclosure to distribute the heat. I'm not sure if the constant air flow is good for the snake though. Thoughts?

[Rickys_Reptiles]

I've been advised via a different forum that a RHP may be the way to go - what do you think?

If it matters, I'll be using coco husk for substrate.

[BFE Pets]

I honestly i keep my baby rtbs in a rack system in my reptile room. rhp is the way to go if youre not going to keep them in the main room. theres a lot of ways to do it. it just depends on what suits you! good luck!

[Evenstar]

Get rid of the lights. They are not necessary and will just suck humidity out of the enclosure. The flexwatt or RHP (whichever you choose) should be enough to heat the enclosure. If your home (or at least the room where the enclosure will be) is at or around 70-74, that heat source will be more than adequate. A fan is not necessary either. Boas need a cool side and a hotspot to thermoregulate. They need that gradient in temperature. Keep it simple!!

RHPs are fine and I love mine for my GTPs. But I do prefer belly heat for my boas. I think they benefit from that more when they are digesting.


I also keep my babies in tubs. Very young babies are in 32qt until they are about 8-ish months old, then they go to 41qt until they are about 2yrs old. Then they go in their adult enclosures. But if you clutter up your enclosure with lots of hides, even babies can do fine in something large. They are not ball pythons, lol.

[Rickys_Reptiles]

Thanks so much for your advice! Once I get him I'll be sure to post pics. Sorry for all the questions. When it comes to Boas I'm a noob all over again. I'm actually gidddy! Soooo excited!!

[Evenstar]

You'll have fun with it! Enjoy!!

[jason_ladouceur]

Get rid of the lights. They are not necessary and will just suck humidity out of the enclosure. The flexwatt or RHP (whichever you choose) should be enough to heat the enclosure. If your home (or at least the room where the enclosure will be) is at or around 70-74, that heat source will be more than adequate. A fan is not necessary either. Boas need a cool side and a hotspot to thermoregulate. They need that gradient in temperature. Keep it simple!!

RHPs are fine and I love mine for my GTPs. But I do prefer belly heat for my boas. I think they benefit from that more when they are digesting.


I also keep my babies in tubs. Very young babies are in 32qt until they are about 8-ish months old, then they go to 41qt until they are about 2yrs old. Then they go in their adult enclosures. But if you clutter up your enclosure with lots of hides, even babies can do fine in something large. They are not ball pythons, lol.

I have to agree with most of this ^^^^^
I actualy use heat tape for my boa bins and cages as well. But my entire collection is kept in a room that is heated to a constant 78. Ricky and spoke about heating this cage and he told me that the room this cage is going to be in gets down into the mid 60's. that's why I'm thinking RHP might be the best way to go. In my experience heat tape does a great job providing a good basking spot, but it isn't as effective at raising the air temps in the cage. I'm worried that unless the hot spot is set really high he might have a hard time getting the air temps up to where they should be using heat tape.

Either way, stop trying to reinvent the wheel bro lol. Come see me at the expo and we'll get you all set up for your first boa. And we can discuss all the details for your second, third, forth etc etc.