How to set up a PVC cage (AP T8) With Pictures!

RHP won't bother the decor you have in there. Since it's a radiant heat panel secured to the ceiling if the enclosure , nothing will be directly contacting the panel and won't get hot enough to melt or burn.

Thanks :)

I'm planning on getting the T3 and am considering on getting the 11" flexwatt to go with it. That is slightly less than 1/3 of the cage.. does the flexwatt seem to heat enough to be a singular heat source? My room temp is 70-75. Would a Zoo Med UTH work better (I could get a larger one)? Either one, I'd probably use with a Hydrofarm thermostat.

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Originally Posted by mmmmsamy

I'm planning on getting the T3 and am considering on getting the 11" flexwatt to go with it. That is slightly less than 1/3 of the cage.. does the flexwatt seem to heat enough to be a singular heat source? My room temp is 70-75. Would a Zoo Med UTH work better (I could get a larger one)? Either one, I'd probably use with a Hydrofarm thermostat.

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Hi, my first question is why are you getting a T3 when a T8 is a foot bigger, cheaper, and will get to you quicker (since it's a "quick ship" item through AP)?

In regards to your question regarding heating, I'd recommend a RHP over the UTH because it will help with keeping ambient temps up. The UTH will just provide a hot spot but won't do too well with ambient temps.

If your ambient temperatures are ok and you're looking to provide a hot spot, you can buy heat tape from Reptile Basics by the foot (i believe it's $3/ft) and buy whatever length you want.

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Are Fluorescent lights (instead of RHPs ) sufficient to keep the ambient temps up enough if you use belly heat? Someone in another thread suggested foregoing RHPs entirely (because they use a good bit of power) and using fluorescent lights to keep up the daytime ambient temps, and an LED light string to provide sufficient ambient heat in the night time (?). Also, now difficult is it to install RHPs? Does AP pre-install them on request? I didn't see any related steps in the thread.....(forgive me if they're there...)

RHPs don't use that much power, they actually end up saving you money, especially if you have a proportional thermostat like a herpstat. AP will install your panels. Pro products ships panels directly to them and I'm sure other companies will too. Fluorescent lights and led lights are not enough to keep ambient temps up, however, the right sized RHP will not need help keeping ambient temps up unless the room where the enclosure is gets very cold.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/07...c1b8fc7786.jpg

That's my set up. Two t8s both with and RHP ran by a herpstat 2, and led strips just for light and looks.

I ordered (4) T-8's this week for my king and bull snakes. I'm not very mechanically inclined and I found this thread very useful. Thanks OP. :gj:

What's a good thermometer/hygrometer to use with a UTH? Should I get some that measure just the ambient or should they have a probe to put directly over where the UTH is inside the T8?

I use a digital thermometer/hygrometer to measure the ambient temps. The hotspot I use an infrared temp gun to measure tempshttp://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/08...d47f2d3341.jpg


Your thermostat probe and thermostat itself will be measuring the heat also so you really don't need another thermometer with a probe right on the UTH or hotspot

Quick question - I'm gonna order a T8 for my BP this paycheck (w/divider as he's a little one rn) and I have a 40 gallon breeder I'll be moving my corn snake into. Would the T8 be alright with the 40 gallon on top of it, or will I have to figure out a better arrangement?

The t8 can have a 40 gallon on it no problem. Those things are sturdy and made to be stacked

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Originally Posted by SKO

The t8 can have a 40 gallon on it no problem. Those things are sturdy and made to be stacked

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X2.

My T8 has another T8 on it without any problems.
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09...03b0e5fe72.jpg

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Love your setup

Sent from my SGH-T999

I'm happy with my T8s as well.
http://i1319.photobucket.com/albums/...psjl1xgken.jpg

I'm curious why you have the Herbstat and thermometer probes, I thought the hermstat is a thermo probe?

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Originally Posted by SimplyCastro

I'm curious why you have the Herbstat and thermometer probes, I thought the hermstat is a thermo probe?

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The Herpstat thermostat is there to control the Radient Heat Panels. The thermometers are there to show me ambient temperature and humidity. It's safeguard to make sure temps are correct.

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http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09...d9da5a94f1.jpg

That's why I use these ones. Got tired if seeing the probe lol

I am giving the guys at Animal Plastic a hard time(sorry). I bought the T8 that I will split down the middle. I will be keeping a Mangrove monitor in one(for now, once it grow I will take divider out). I will have two RHP in each side. I would like to buy another T8 and stack it but finding it hard on how to do it.

This is the setup on the T8 I have already Purchased:

T8 Split in half with one 60watt RHP in each side and florescent lights

I was going to keep the Monitor in one half, and another of my reptile in the other.

These are the pets I have:

2 Ball Pythons
2 Uro's(kept together)
2 Bearded(kept together)
1 Mangrove Monitor

The Monitor and the Uro's rally need high basking temps. The others not so much. How would you set up two T8 to accommodate the reptiles I have(they all do not have to be accommodated, the all have there set-up already)?

Can't really stack them if I have dome lights on top.

I am so confused and want them all to be happy.

My son is wanting to get a BP, so I have been doing some research. I still haven't decided between a rack or something like this type of enclosure. My question is if I go with something like a t8, would that be too big for a juvenile or well started BP if I have a divider? He isn't interested in breeding or having multiple snakes, so I think a rack might be overkill. Thoughts?

This is the setup I am going to use for a well started snake. I have been advised it will be ok.

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Originally Posted by bproffer

My son is wanting to get a BP, so I have been doing some research. I still haven't decided between a rack or something like this type of enclosure. My question is if I go with something like a t8, would that be too big for a juvenile or well started BP if I have a divider? He isn't interested in breeding or having multiple snakes, so I think a rack might be overkill. Thoughts?

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Every snake is different...If the snake is eating and not stressed out in a bigger enclosure then it wont be a problem..If you are getting food refusals and it seams stressed out you can alway put a small tub inside the t8 to make a temporary smaller enclosure until the snake is larger. A lot of fake plants and clutter will make a bigger cage more secure.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by bproffer

My son is wanting to get a BP, so I have been doing some research. I still haven't decided between a rack or something like this type of enclosure. My question is if I go with something like a t8, would that be too big for a juvenile or well started BP if I have a divider? He isn't interested in breeding or having multiple snakes, so I think a rack might be overkill. Thoughts?

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If you decide to get a T8 for a juvenile BP, half of the terrarium is going to be plenty. Half of a T8 is about 30 gallons. Once the BP reaches adulthood, you can give have him/her use the full terrarium.

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Alright, so I just re-read this whole thread and I think I have a pretty good grasp on what I will need to get this set up properly. It looks like my cage set up will consist of the following:

• Animal Plastics T8 with divider, lock and 2 fluorescent lights
• 2 ft x 11" Flexwatt and connectors.
• Herpstat 2 (in case I need to run a RHP in the future)
• Reptile basics hides x 2
• water dish
• accurate thermometer

Since we will only be using half the cage for now and don't really have plans to have more than one BP, I think this setup should work. Do you think 11" or 12" heat tape s overkill? Would a 6" heat tape suffice for a hot spot or should I stick with the 11"? The room where this will be is 76-78° in the summer and 66-70° in the winter. If I find that I am having trouble maintaining ambient temps in the winter I can add a small RHP in the future. I may also add a small LED strip for night viewing if my son wants it (It will be in his room). If by chance we ever decide to get a second BP for the other side of the cage, It will be easy to add another strip of heat tape to the other side.

After I have everything set up, We will start our search for the right BP. Hopefully I can find a reputable breeder in Central or Southern CA so I can save on shipping costs.

Thanks for the help!
-Bryan

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Originally Posted by bproffer

Alright, so I just re-read this whole thread and I think I have a pretty good grasp on what I will need to get this set up properly. It looks like my cage set up will consist of the following:

• Animal Plastics T8 with divider, lock and 2 fluorescent lights
• 2 ft x 11" Flexwatt and connectors.
• Herpstat 2 (in case I need to run a RHP in the future)
• Reptile basics hides x 2
• water dish
• accurate thermometer

Since we will only be using half the cage for now and don't really have plans to have more than one BP, I think this setup should work. Do you think 11" or 12" heat tape s overkill? Would a 6" heat tape suffice for a hot spot or should I stick with the 11"? The room where this will be is 76-78° in the summer and 66-70° in the winter. If I find that I am having trouble maintaining ambient temps in the winter I can add a small RHP in the future. I may also add a small LED strip for night viewing if my son wants it (It will be in his room). If by chance we ever decide to get a second BP for the other side of the cage, It will be easy to add another strip of heat tape to the other side.

After I have everything set up, We will start our search for the right BP. Hopefully I can find a reputable breeder in Central or Southern CA so I can save on shipping costs.

Thanks for the help!
-Bryan

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I would honestly forget about the lights and flexwatt , get the right sized RHP, and have animal plastics cut a spot for the flexwatt just in case you do need to get it in the future. An RHP should be sufficient enough with the ambient temps you said your room would get to. Flexwatt and the florescent lights wouldn't be enough to keep the ambient temps high enough in a t8. I would also suggest not having two snakes in a split t8. My big guy is only 1800 grams right now and when I see him on one side of the cage, I can see that half of a cage would not be big enough for him.

Also, depending on what size snake you get, you might not need a divider. I put my female in a full t8 with plenty if clutter when she was around 500 grams. She has been absolutely fine in it.

The led strip is definitely worth it. If you can u would just by it now before the cages come because it is way easier to install when you are building the cages.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/10...5c1a690150.jpg

This pic is from the first night I got the cages and was still setting them up. The led strip I got from Lowes. Really glad I did.

Came to this thread because I just received a couple of T8's for my son and had questions about stacking directly on the flexwatt UTH vs leaving a gap. After reading through about half of the pages of this thread it looks like plugging them into the Hepstat 2 I also bought should mean I can stack directly onto the tape. Stand is wood. The other would be sandwiched between the 2 T8's. So I next need to make sure the clips extend beyond the back of the cage correct?

Also, I can't tell if any specific side of the heat tape is supposed to contact the cage to be heated. Does it matter?

I love the new option of the recessed LED light strip since one of his T8's will be divided and the divider just fits right over the top of the LED channel.
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/10...eb24feb190.jpg


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SKO, I appreciate the feedback. Anyone have a thought as to what size RHP I would need for 1/2 the T8? We still haven't decided on what size or type for that matter BP we are getting. Chances are it will be a juvenile as they seem to be more readily available in what we are looking for.

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Originally Posted by yz9890

Came to this thread because I just received a couple of T8's for my son and had questions about stacking directly on the flexwatt UTH vs leaving a gap. After reading through about half of the pages of this thread it looks like plugging them into the Hepstat 2 I also bought should mean I can stack directly onto the tape. Stand is wood. The other would be sandwiched between the 2 T8's. So I next need to make sure the clips extend beyond the back of the cage correct?

Also, I can't tell if any specific side of the heat tape is supposed to contact the cage to be heated. Does it matter?

I love the new option of the recessed LED light strip since one of his T8's will be divided and the divider just fits right over the top of the LED channel.
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/10...eb24feb190.jpg


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Does the led strip change colors?

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Originally Posted by bproffer

Does the led strip change colors?

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This one (supplied and installed by APC) doesn't. I guess you could stuff whatever LED strip you wanted into the channel though. I'm sure APC would cut the channel for you even if you don't want the light they use.

It's also not switched. They need a timer or switched outlet if you don't want to unplug/plug to turn off/on.


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Hello! Thanks for the informative thread. I'm getting a second ball python (my first is only a few months old) and I plan to order a T8 with divider to house them both. My question is, do I need both heat tape and RHPs? My room does get pretty cold in the winters (down to 50s or so), though I plan to have an oil heater on a thermostat to heat the general area of my snake enclosures to the mid 60s at least.

It seems like the heat tape alone would not suffice to heat my enclosure. Would running two RHPs be enough without any heat tape? If so, should I center them, or put them both towards the middle or outsides to create a temperature gradiant (the latter seems most appropriate). I eventually plan to get a second T8 and move one of the RHPs to that for heating when the snakes are big enough to need their own enclosures. I would do heat tape and THPs, but I only have a Herpstat 2, which wouldn't have enough channels to control both the tape and two RHPs.

Thanks for any advice!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by yz9890

Came to this thread because I just received a couple of T8's for my son and had questions about stacking directly on the flexwatt UTH vs leaving a gap. After reading through about half of the pages of this thread it looks like plugging them into the Hepstat 2 I also bought should mean I can stack directly onto the tape. Stand is wood. The other would be sandwiched between the 2 T8's. So I next need to make sure the clips extend beyond the back of the cage correct?

Also, I can't tell if any specific side of the heat tape is supposed to contact the cage to be heated. Does it matter?

I love the new option of the recessed LED light strip since one of his T8's will be divided and the divider just fits right over the top of the LED channel.
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/10...eb24feb190.jpg


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That light option is awesome. Didn't see it on their site though. Did you have to call and order it? What did it cost?

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Originally Posted by Yodawagon

That light option is awesome. Didn't see it on their site though. Did you have to call and order it? What did it cost?

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$40.

I only found out about it when I realized that since one of my T8's was going to be divided, I would need 2 of the fluorescent fixtures for it (one on each side of divider). When I emailed back to change my order the woman suggested the LED strip because it would light both sides and cost the same as 2 fluorescent fixtures (and fit above the divider). I didn't realize it wasn't an option on their website until you said so. I figured I just missed it.

I just noticed that my invoice says "LED lighting (WHITE)". Maybe that means they have other color options if you're interested. Might be worth asking when you order.


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The APC T8's are on their "quick ship" list. Accessories ordered with them are also included as quick ship items. "Quick" is a relative term though. It's just quick in comparison to their usual build and ship times. I ordered on Sept 16 and received most of my order 3 and a half weeks later. I'm still waiting on the sliding doors and door locks. The sealant hasn't quite cured yet and I got shipping notification that they'll be here Monday so it's no big deal.

I'm not complaining. They disclose their build/shipping times on their site before you order. I just want to give anyone thinking about ordering from them a heads up. Especially if it's going to be part of a Christmas gift.


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Here's the LED light on with the partition installed in the lower cage.
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/10...de43744831.jpg
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/10...ed59acb4d4.jpg


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Ali at APC said they offer white, red, or blue LED light strips. Maybe multi colored in the future. They use 8mm strips so if you're going to put your own in, the channel they cut is for an 8mm strip.

She also said they have a new website under construction and the LED option will be listed there.


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Wassup boss. So does the Radiant heat panel come with the t8? and how does it look? would i have to do any adjusting to get the dividers to fit? also how did you exactly place the probes on the flexwatt, the Heat panel, and the thermometers.
~Thanks

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Originally Posted by Dhobbs4

Wassup boss. So does the Radiant heat panel come with the t8? and how does it look? would i have to do any adjusting to get the dividers to fit? also how did you exactly place the probes on the flexwatt, the Heat panel, and the thermometers.
~Thanks

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Radiant heat panels you have to order separate. Pro products will ship the right sized RHP right to animal plastics. It is white and only about an inch thick. It would be placed where you wanted it, on the left or right side.

Oh and the probe for the thermostat should be halfway between the panel and the floor of the cage. I don't have flexwatt so I'm not sure about where to put the probe for that. I have a problems thermometer on the cool side, but the cool side is where I would have the probe anyways.

For those with the florescent lights, is the hole for the light cord big enough for a juvie to get through? Or is it sealed up some way to prevent escapees?

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Originally Posted by Autumn2005

For those with the florescent lights, is the hole for the light cord big enough for a juvie to get through? Or is it sealed up some way to prevent escapees?

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The hole won't be that big. They are pretty good about cutting holes just big enough for wires. I had to make a hole bigger to be able to fit two cords through it instead of one.

So I have a couple questions about the T8 or just AP in general. When place an order for one of their cages and you tell them you want holes and other things drilled in without have to say purchase the light fixture? No reading the the RHP FAQ on reptile basics website says on use the 40 watt RHP for a 2'x4' cage if your room stays above 75F+. My room generally during the winter months stays around 65 to 70 degrees so would I need the 80 watt?

They'll make the holes without you having to buy the lights or whatever. Tell them you might need it later but want the hole drilled just in case. Talk to pro products about the cage size, room temp, and all of that. They will know what size panel you need.

Do you have like a rough estimate or what a pro-products RHP would cost by chance would you? I'm just trying to figure the cost of everything and basically just getting the prices down so I know before hand.

Mine was $94. I believe it is an 80 watt

So what I plan on doing is getting the T8 and using Flexwatt for my basking spot and a RHP to adjust the ambient temps in the cage to what is recommended and I was gonna run both of those off the Herpstat 2. I don't plan on putting a divider in so my BP will have the whole cage to himself so do you think that would work out just fine or no?

That would be fine but the right sized RHP will be enough. I only have an RHP and it works fine. Ambient heat is enough, as long as there is a hot and cold side.

I was worried too because my living gets to be around 70 but with the RHPs my temos are perfect in both cages. Ambient never goes below 80 on the cool side and the warm side stays around 92 on the ground and a bit warmer in the hide

So you use the RHP for the basking spot and just let the ambient heat adjust for the cooler side or how do you have that rigged up?

Yep. The RHP is on the left side so that whole side is basically a basking spot. The right side stays at 80.

And I guess during the warmer months you just turn down the temps on the RHP? What thermstat are you using if you don't mind me asking? I'm currently reading through the whole thread so I apologizes if you already mentioned it or something.

Yep just adjust the temps. I have a herpstat 2 because I have two t8s both with an RHP. The probe for the herpstat I put halfway between the RHP and surface of the mulch.