Re: I got my Animal Plastics cage. Now what?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Moshimaru
I got my AP cage and put it together on Saturday. I followed directions and then added the sealant silicone that came with it to the corners. The instructions on the sealant said it would take 2-6 days to completely dry. So I will not put him in until Saturday, just to be safe.
I got a radiant heat panel installed. I remember reading something somewhere about not using the on/off thermostats, but using a dimmer thermostat, instead. I plan to get a dimmer, but I don't have one yet. Can I use my on/off thermostat until I purchase the dimmer, or is there something wrong with doing that?
I got flexwatt belly heat too. Nothing in the instructions said anything about making sure that the cage was elevated. It's probably not safe to leave the flexwatt sandwiched between the wooden table and the cage, right? Should I at least put rubber pads to lift it a little? In that same vein, do I even need to use the flexwatt if I have the RHP? I know snakes digest from warmth on their belly, but others have said both are not necessary. I would rather not use it if I don't need it.
Lastly, does anyone have any feeding techniques (frozen) for a front door cage? I only have experience with the fish tank top feeder. I'm nervous it will be easier for him to get out while I'm trying to feed him, now.
I am excited that he is moving to his new enclosure, but I just have so many questions about it! :D
You can use an off/on t-stat. Just the heat will have a much bigger swing in temps than a dimmer style t-stat. I personally just Herpstats. Never had a problem.
As for flexwatt, I have mine sandwiched between cages in stacks and never had a problem. As long as you are using a reputable/dependable t-stat, the heat tape will only get as hot as you set the t-stat.
And finally, for feeding, I use one sliding door as a shield when i feed my big snakes as they tend to like to come forward for dinner and Caesar the retic has actually lunged out the open door about 2 feet before. Since this for the BP forums, i wouldnt worry about a BP charging an open door for food lol.
Re: I got my Animal Plastics cage. Now what?
When I first got my AP cage, after a day or two of drying the sealant, I actually plugged the RHP in and let it run while finishing drying. The heat will at first heat up the silicone and gives off a little bit of a smell. I let this air out and run constantly until the required "drying" time was up. Might not be a bad idea to think about doing :gj:
