Considering switching from glass tank to PVC, but had some questions.

So doing the math, it looks like I'd run something like $560, a lot of that coming from the Herpstat 2. But the 2 would allow me to run both a RHP (keep the whole cage at 80ish), and a flexwatt for hotspot.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Nodnarb3do

So doing the math, it looks like I'd run something like $560, a lot of that coming from the Herpstat 2. But the 2 would allow me to run both a RHP (keep the whole cage at 80ish), and a flexwatt for hotspot.

---

You can always post a wanted ad on the For Sale part of this forum or Fauna Classifieds for a used Herpstat. I got one of mine Herpstat 4s for $200 bucks. I just put what I was looking for and what I was willing to pay.

Switching to PVC is probably the best decision i've ever made! With the RHPs connected to my Herpstats I never worry about temps (I also live in California which helps). Just make sure you get a proper wattage RHP for the enclosure.

If you want to increase humidity, i'd suggest using coconut husk as substrate. It absorbs moisture very well and pro ides great humidity. Additionally, if I were you, i'd go for the AP T8 instead of the T3 just because the T8 will work as a forever home for your snake.

Also if you haven't yet, check out this thread. It will answer a lot of your questions:
http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?t=165571

Yeah, that was the thread that made me want to switch over. As to price, I kinda of...just ordered everything already.

I have a habit of impulse buying once I've made up my mine. I went with the T3 though. Pretty sure 36x24x12 should suffice for one BP throughout his life.

As to wattage, most of what I read suggested a 40W should suffice, so I went 80 just to make sure. Figure with it being regulated by a thermostat, the worst case scenario is I'm out a little extra cash.

Would coconut husk be that much better than coconut fiber? I wouldn't object to a change, but I'll probably wait to see much better it is in PVC than in current glass.

Thanks for the classified advice though. If I'd been even slightly patient, sure it would've saved me a pretty penny.

This should also be a lot easier to transport cross country here in about four months. Not with him in it, mind you, just in general.

T3 is not bad at all. I just figured you'd go with a T8 because it's a little bit bigger and cheaper. The T8 is also a quick ship item so you will get it much faster than the T3 which might take 5-8 weeks. You can contact Ali at AP and she should be able to tell you the production time for both. Personally, I like the T10 thr most because it gives you a little bit of needed height for cleaning.

The 80w RHP is perfect. The 40 wouldn't have been enough. Since I have two of my AP enclosures split (I have 3 in total), I use a 40w in each half. In regards to the substrate, I guess coco husk might hold a tad more moisture just because they're actual pieces. You're right though. Once you set up the enclosure, you can decide if you need more humidity.

Checked into the T8 for quick ship, but that's only glass doors. With the humidity issues, I definitely want acrylic. Taking no more chances with this. But I will get in touch with them about T8 acrylic vs. T3 acrylic. The T8 acrylic would actually run me just a bit more, so I'm sure they'd let me switch.