Yet another T8 / RHP question

[LittleTreeGuy]

I hope I don't get kicked out of here for asking so many questions...

So, my T8 is on the way. As of today, I have one young bp. I'm getting the divider since I feel she'll be fine in a portion of the T8 for quite a while (Some said maybe even her whole life?). My plan was to use Heat tape and an 80w RHP.

I haven't ordered the RHP yet... and I keep going back and forth... between one 80w RHP or two 40w RHP's. If I go with the two 40's, I have the option of dividing the tank and keeping two BP's in it long term. If I go with the 80W, it will be harder to divide, and will likely be a one animal enclosure, always.

My room is around 68-70 degrees most of the time, and find myself currently using heat tape, and a space heater and/or CHE's to keep ambient temps up. That is why I'm planning on both RHP and heat tape.

I'm trying to convince the wife that I need more snakes. I would be looking at hatchlings if I do... and my current girl is only about 170g, so I'm thinking I could probably get away with 2 snakes in one T8 for at least another year, if not a little more.

If any of you have done it, what do you recommend? Is two 40w's the way to go?

[Skeletor]

I'm using 2 separate 36x24x12 cages, both have a 40 watt RHP. I like this size cage for a BP and as a youngster snake, he never cared about it being big. If I were you....divide the one big T8 and do a 40 watt in each side. I think I would put one RHP on the far left and one on the far right with the divider in the center. You could probably run one Thermostat. I'm thinking you wont have a problem heating a cage any more with 2 RHP's in it.

I'm building my second identical cage now...it's going directly on top of my 36x24x12. The RHP in the lower one will be sending heat up to the upper cage. I think I'll put an air gap between them and run 2 thermostats. What I think is...the upper cage may get heated a little from the lower one. That's why I may run 2 thermostats. IDK yet...hard to say also. Questions are a good thing Littletreeguy.

You could experiment with your new cage and let it run for a while before you make it home for the young bP.

[Skeletor]

What I'm wondering is configuration....would it be better with 2 RHP's in the center, 2 RHP's on the far left and right, or 2 RHP's on the same side of the divided cage ? I would think some heat would transfer into the other divided area. Maybe 2 center RHP's would do it. Try a few ways before you make the cage home.

[LittleTreeGuy]

With it divided, I'll likely use 12" heat tape from front to back, under the divider (center line of cage). I figure then I can put the RHP's in the center, or maybe a tad off center and be okay.

[Skeletor]

You will probably over heat the cage (over kill) All you probably will need is just the RHP's. They are designed to be used for heating a cage. Heat tape is another means to heat something like in a rack. THen you increase the room temp for ambient in a rack mostly. With a PVC cage and RHP...you are making a hot side and cool side and once the cage heats up it will be at great ambient temps. ...why bother with the tape ? That tape is a PITA in my opinion. Not that it cant 'be used...it's just not as efficient in a PVC cage, it keeps falling off etc. A RHP will do what you need much easier from the inside. If you got a room like 70-71...it should be spot on.

[Skeletor]

It's cheap enough to have some tape also....just experiment till you get what's best.

[LittleTreeGuy]

It's cheap enough to have some tape also....just experiment till you get what's best.

Yea, I already have some tape, so I figured I'd set it up full force then dial it back as much as needed. I'm thinking two 40w is probably the way to go. That way if I just use one side of the cage, I'll have heat, if I put a snake in each side, I'll have heat... and if nothing else and I just use the whole cage for my female when she is full grown, I can have an RHP for the warm side, and one on the cool side to keep ambients in check if needed.

[Skeletor]

These cages work great....you will like it.