Ready to Build: Best house Possible

[MontyP2016]

Hello again everyone. I currently have 3 Pythons; 1 adult Pinstripe Ball Python (almost 4 years old) 1 Normal Ball Python (less than 6 months) & 1 Spotted Python (less than 3 months). I'm sure to have more soon but for the sake of my current situation, I'll just talk about these 3. Next month I am planning on building an enclosure for all 3 of them. Typically I would use a wood frame, Plexiglas, & metal screen but since I have an opportunity to ask some professionals, and I want the best housing possible for them, I figure I should ask first and plan accordingly.
Before I start I should mention:
1. I plan to increase my collection
2. I do not like plastic racks that seem cramped for them
3. I plan to breed (however, probably not specific morphs just yet)

If I were to build a 3-tier terrarium or even a side by side sectional, what would be the absolute BEST for the comfort and well-being of my snakes? I was looking at a thread on the Husbandry forum and noticed someone had a terrarium 'how to' and there was a thermostat called 'Herpstat 4'. Looking it up I noticed it was almost $400! That's a bit expensive for me but I understand that I will need to get thermostats for them. Currently I am using UTH's and lights with analog therm/hygom 's. I was thinking of getting "Zoo Med Repti Heat Cable" which is supposed to be good for breeding and it is also 52" long so maybe I can use one to go under all 3 sections? Any ideas on that? Do you like that brand?

1. What's the best-for-your-buck heat source (UTH, Cable, Lights, combination?
2. best-for-your-buck thermostat? I hear the heat should not fluctuate more than a degree or two but with my current set-up it can sometimes move 10 degrees high or low before I catch it, same with humidity. I would like to set the temp and trust that it stays in that spot.
3. Best material for keeping heat and humidity? Plexiglas, wood, & screen?
4. Is there a control that can work the heat for multiple terrariums or do I need separate thermostats for each enclosure?

I know I'm asking a lot of questions but I would really like to get them something built that gives them the best comfort etc. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE!!

[the_rotten1]

I have one of these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Cheap and you can use it to control up to three different heat sources.

I've only used UTHs and heat tape myself, but heat tape covers more area for your buck and it works just as well as the UTHs.

Melamine is a favorite material for terrariums since it handles heat and humidity well. Some people use plastics too. Wood will warp over time if exposed to too much humidity and screens don't keep heat or humidity at all.

[enginee837]

[IMG][/IMG]

My buddy and I built this not too long ago. It is a 3 tier cage system that is 48"long x 20" deep by 12" tall (x3 tall obviously) They are all separate cages stacked on top of each other. We decided not to do shared walls because although it save a little weight and material it would have made fixing one if damage occurred very difficult. All three cages were made out of 2 sheets of melamine for the 5 walls. The front wall is made out of higher quality solid wood with window tracks and cut glass. In all the materials to make the 3 gages came to about 300.00. Adding the RHP's, full spectrum lighting and thermostat bumped it up to a little over 600.00. I purchased the shelving which is powder coated metal with PVC shelves for 60.00 at costco. I am able to stack 2 high in between shelves without any sagging. The final build will incorporate 3 more like (when out baby Womas are big enough) cages and finally 2 - 24" x 24" x 20" on top (yes a par if chondros will be in our future).

I am sure there is a more cost effective way somehow but these are very sturdy, hold heat and humidity well and I will be able to use 1 thermostat for the 6 cages and 1 thermostat for the 2 arboreal cages. They are well built and easy to clean. All exposed cuts were painted and all seams were filled with dap 3.0 silicone type sealer.

We are preparing to build the remaining 3 like cages, when we get it finished I may provide a cut list you could take to home depot and have them make your pieces out of the 2 sheets of melamine. With this you could complete the assembly with minimal tools.

Hope this helps

[MontyP2016]

Thank you both! That thermostat is definitely a good price, I am going to bookmark it for when I start buying my materials.
ENGINEE837 What thermostat do you use? I really like that cage btw! I have never heard of Melamine, I'll have to look into it. Is it easy to drill into?
When you use heat tape, do you have to place anything between the tape and the cage? I have used it on pipes before but never on a terrarium, just wondering how hot it gets...

[the_rotten1]

I've never used heat tape without the thermostat, so I have no idea how what it's maximum temperature is. It probably depends on how wide the heat tape is. I'm using 4 inch heat tape. As long as you have a thermostat it's probably fine to put the tape right under the cage. I have mine right under the tubs in my rack and they never get too hot.

[enginee837]

Vivarium electronics very 300. 140.00
Not sure on heat tape, I have never used it.
Melamine is easy to work with and drill into however it is basically particular board with a moisture barrier so if you cut or drill into it you need to reseal the exposed part to protect it