Buying T8 AP cage

Okay so I am having the hardest time keeping my temps in my 55gal class cage consistent along with my humidity. I will be buying a AP T8 cage this weekend and would like a little advice. I live in Vancouver, WA (just north of Portland) and though it does not get freezing here that often it dose get pretty cold and was wondering if I would need to buy a heat tape and a RHP to keep the temps were I want them. the cage is out in my living room and the heat dose not get turned on that often. I will also be getting a herpstat2 to control the heat tape and the ambient air temp if I need the RHP.

I bet both would be good to have. Best way to find out is to set it up with just the heat tape/flexwatt and see what ambient temps are like. Then go from there. Once you get temps done, put your snake in.

my understanding is that neither heat tape or RHPs have much effect on the ambient temps. I would set it up and give it a test run. I have heard that adding a light fixture in the enclosure helps with the ambient temps so that may be another option if you aren't getting what you are looking for temp wise.

Here's a recent thread on the subject. I have a t8 with flexwatt, RHPs, both controlled by a herpstat II....up for a few months, and so far, so good.
http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...BOTH-Cool-room

RHP's do more for air temps than flexwatt does. On average I see +3-5 degrees with mine. A RHP along with fluorescent lights (an add on from AP) most people won't have any issues.

How cold will the room that the cage will be in get?

Well my apartment actully stays pretty warm high 60s low 70s (I think) and if I bump the heat on, no problem hitting low 80s. the other problem is we have floor boards and it seesm to suck all the humidity out of the air.

Oh and thanks for the thread dav good read.

If the room stays that warm you might not even need a RHP. Fluorescent lights + flexwatt should be enough.

The floorboards won't cause humidity issues inside the T8, These cages hold humidity in extremely well.

I would start off by getting a T8 with flexwatt and 2 fluorescent lights installed. Get it set up then see if you need anything more. my guess is that you won't. If you do you can always add a RHP later.

so 2 fluoredcent light? one on the cold side and one on the hot? and should i just have AP install their flexwatt or get one from like reptile basics?

I would just have AP do it.

Yes if you order 2 lights AP will install them like this:

(This is the ceiling of the cage)

http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/...psd0c0a0fd.jpg

http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/...s/IMG_0448.jpg

Thanks Aaron! you have been a big help. I will take some pictures when I get it all set up.

Do you run your lights on a timer?