v70 rack or pvc enclosure for single ball python?

torn between a 3 tub v70 rack from cserpents and a 3x2x1 or similar pvc cage. right now i only have 1 bp that would go in the rack. i dont really plan to get more ball pythons but maybe a boa or sd retic or something down the line. my main issue is id like to get his temps and humidity right as he goes months without eating and i have a feeling it has to do with being in a 20L glass cage. i do have an extra radiant heat panel which is making me think maybe go with the pvc enclosure but they run about $200 and for another $100 i could house 2 more snakes if need be.

also of concern is will the heat tape be enough to heat the rack? my room drops in the winter below 70 and im worried there wont be enough heat for the rack.

any advice would be appreciated. also if i were to go with the cage what size is best?

cheers

Unless you're willing to heat your room, you'll have a lot of issues trying to maintain ambient temperatures on a rack.

I'd go for the cage.

Racks are harder to clean maintain temps and cost more to run they only really save space unless you have a number of them. PVC enclosure!


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I am in the same exact position right now. What size cage you looking at

i bought a pvc cage , about 30x24x12 id say at the white plains show, seems to be going well, although i am having trouble getting the temps past 85 however, with a pro products heat panel and herpstat4. definitely better than the aquarium however. i would have had more trouble heating the rack for sure. not sure if i need a heat pad underneath i do wonder how people manage to heat larger pvc cages with just a radiant heat panel. im glad i went with the cage over the rack though

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Originally Posted by beez

i bought a pvc cage , about 30x24x12 id say at the white plains show, seems to be going well, although i am having trouble getting the temps past 85 however, with a pro products heat panel and herpstat4. definitely better than the aquarium however. i would have had more trouble heating the rack for sure. not sure if i need a heat pad underneath i do wonder how people manage to heat larger pvc cages with just a radiant heat panel. im glad i went with the cage over the rack though

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What is your thermostat set to? Is the heat panel running at full power most or all the time?

i have the tstat set to 92, with the probe just above the substrate level. the panel's running at 100% the whole time because it cant get it past 85. im using cypress mulch and the common reptile basics black hides if that makes a difference.

Where exactly is your thermostat probe? What are you measuring temperatures with?

t probe comes through a hole in the back of the cage about half inch above substrate on the back of the cage. y radiant heat panel is on the right side of the cage, above the probe. the probe is the one that came with my herpstat 4

Try moving your probe off the wall. See what it measures when the probe is centered on the RHP.