AP cages ordered. Would LOVE your input on size.

OK. I few weeks ago I posted a question about the best size for Animal Plastics cages for my two male BPs. I just got off the phone with Ali at AP (one of the nicest people you'll ever talk to by the way) and have ordered two custom size cages in black. Size is 36" long x 18" deep x 12" high. Not one of their standard sizes. Same footprint as a 40 gallon breeder tank (what I'm presently using) but not as high. Now I'm having second thoughts about the size. For exactly the same cost I can get their model T3 cages which are 36x24x12. But is there any reason to get the larger cage just because it costs the same? The general consensus seems to be that it is better to err on the small side with BP enclosures, right? I am also concerned about the height. Is it difficult to get into the interior of the cage if it is only 12" high?.....and Ali said the actual opening was about 8" high. She said that they could increase the height to 15" for little or no additional charge. I realize the snakes don't need the height, but I'm wondering about whether or not 15" high cages would be easier for me to clean? Since my order is placed and I've paid a deposit, I can change the dimensions within the next couple of weeks and keep my place in their production schedule. They are on an apx. 10 week schedule now. Thanks in advance for your input!

For 2 male BP's I would recommend getting a single T8 with the divider. That's how I keep all of my BP's. A T8 should ship out in 10 days to 2 weeks.

The 12" cage height is fine, I've never had a problem with it.

I have a divided T8 for my guy. Never have issues accessing it to clean or anything else. With the T8 you get the most bang for your buck. And Aaron ^ was super helpful and answered my questions that I had in addition to his thread on how to set one up.
http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...-With-Pictures!

My two ball pythons are in a divided T8 as well.

Well, a divided T8 would certainly be cheaper. That might be the way to go. In any case it seems everyone agrees 12" high is plenty of height. One other question I have is about heat. I was going to order the cages with both an overhead radiant heat panel and belly heat. Ali at AP strongly advised me against that and said it was totally unnecessary. She said the Radiant heat panel would provide a "hot" end at whatever temp I set the thermostat for while keeping the rest of the cage nice and warm. She said that's the way most of their customers order cages for BPs.......only radiant heat panel and no belly heat. She also said that if I later decided I wanted belly heat I could buy their Flexxwatt and easily install it myself. What do you think?

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Originally Posted by KWenger

Well, a divided T8 would certainly be cheaper. That might be the way to go. In any case it seems everyone agrees 12" high is plenty of height. One other question I have is about heat. I was going to order the cages with both an overhead radiant heat panel and belly heat. Ali at AP strongly advised me against that and said it was totally unnecessary. She said the Radiant heat panel would provide a "hot" end at whatever temp I set the thermostat for while keeping the rest of the cage nice and warm. She said that's the way most of their customers order cages for BPs.......only radiant heat panel and no belly heat. She also said that if I later decided I wanted belly heat I could buy their Flexxwatt and easily install it myself. What do you think?

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I agree with what Ali said. Adding heat tape is as simple as flipping the cage upside down and taping with aluminum foil tape like so:

http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/...9.jpg~original

http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/...2.jpg~original

One note if you get a divided T8 and you get fluorescent light fixtures you will have to get 2 of them (and 2 radiant heat panels as well if you decide to go that route)

http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/...d.jpg~original