hides and radiant heat panels suggestions for new enclosures

here is what i have or ordered so far

1. animal plastics T3 enclosures x2 with, sliding glass,locks,lights,and flexwatt
2. 8" stand for T3
3. accurite thermometer x2

this is what im looking at getting to go with my enclosures

3. reptile basics 40watt radiant heat panels x2 (are these decent or are there better ones out there?)
4. reptile basics medium size hides x4 (are these decent or are there better ones out there?)
5. herpstat 4 thermostat (is this one decent or are there better ones out there?)

so any other suggestions or thoughts? if im missing something let me know if you think something is better let me know thanks in advance

I'm still a total newbie, but due to my many hours of extensive research on this forum I can tell you that all of those items are among of the most highly recommended brands/types you can get. I personally am putting together a very similar setup (the AP T3 with locks, lights, and flexwatt, the RBI 40 watt RHP, the Herpstat thermostat, the Acu-rite thermometer) because of the suggestions found here. I can personally vouch for the Herpstart thermostat and the Acu-rite thermometer (I'm using them now in the temporary cage I have) and they are awesome. Seems to me that you're doing everything right :)

Yes the set up you described is very good.

I personally use AP T8's/T12's/T25's with the same configuration...

I use the pop in/pop pout divider as well

http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/...s/IMG_0455.jpg

http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/...t/c22733cf.jpg

RBI hides are the best of the best, as is the Herpstat 4 (I have multiple of both)

I use the RBI Radient heat panels in a few of my cages, and will soon be transitioning all of my cages to 40 watt RHP's

Check out this thread I wrote on AP cages:

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...With-Pictures!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by The Serpent Merchant

Yes the set up you described is very good.

I personally use AP T8's/T12's/T25's with the same configuration...

I use the pop in/pop pout divider as well

RBI hides are the best of the best, as is the Herpstat 4 (I have multiple of both)

I use the RBI Radient heat panels in a few of my cages, and will soon be transitioning all of my cages to 40 watt RHP's

Check out this thread I wrote on AP cages:

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...With-Pictures!

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when you say you are transitioning all your cages to 40 watt rhp's are you still using flexwatt for belly heat or only using the rhp's

That depends on the cage and what is in said cage... My BP's will be using both but my Dumeril's Boa and Carpet Python will just be using RHP's

ok so i have looked at that thread you posted about a dozen times since i joined this forum it was what actually got me looking at animal plastics. i am going for pretty much the same setup but with no divider and using aspen as a substrate probably about 1/2" or so. what kind of temps are you getting and what is your herpstat set at for the flexwatt and rhp. i know where the probe for the herpstat goes for the flexwatt but where are you mounting the probe to monitor the rhp.also when i measure/mount the probe on the accurite for the basking spot i measure under the substrate correct not on top of it or should i also get a temp gun to measure the temp on top of the substrate, i know if substrate is to deep you will lose some heat which is why i was looking at only about 1/2".

My herpstat setting really depends on the cage, because of slight difference in the flexwatt and since heat rises (cage higher in my stacks tend to be hotter than ones on the bottom)

The lowest any of my cages flexwatt is set to is 98 degrees. The highest is 105.8

The herpstat setting for the RHP will vary based apon where you place the probe for it. You can attach the probe to the surface of the RHP, you can attach the probe the the back wall of the cage, you can place the probe just under the surface of the aspen, or you can build a PVC mount for the probe.

I would get a temp gun to check the top of the substrate, you will be surprised how much heat is lost.

my plan was to set up the tank first with just the flexwatt to get the hot/basking spot to about 92 under the substrate and then measure it on top to see if it is around 89-90, so if i can get that set right and that is a good temp where should the rhp go? above the hot spot, in the middle, or on the opposite side. the rhp is responsible for raising the cool side air so it does not get too cold which im shooting for 82 there so i was thinking of mounting the thermostat probe that monitors the rhp on the opposite side of the basking spot. about where you have the accurite in the pics you posted. my ac temp is never set below 74 so it should not be a problem keeping the temps somewhat steady

another thing would you recommend i wait on the radiant heat panels until i get my enclosure set up and see what the temps are with just the flexwatt

im thinking if the 20 gallon long tanks i have now are almost at the perfect temps with just the zoomed uth and the foam board thats covering them now
these new ap cages should hold heat better and i might not need the radiant heat panel right away and if i do i can get by for 2-3 days while it comes in.

I would hold off one the RHP's... My apartment stays in the mid 70's as well and I don't need them to maintain cool side temps. The fluorescent lights actually increase the air temp a few degrees.

If you do get RHP's I would mount them centered on the ceiling of the cage with the probe directly under them set at 80-82 degrees.