Reptile Basics V.S. Animal Plastics

For both caging companies I want pros and cons. It would also be awesome if someone else had the items I'm interested in or experience in dealing with either company. I'm looking into buying either of these two terrariums:
http://www.reptilebasics.com/2x4-cag...t-divider.html
http://www.animalplastics.com/
(For the Animal Plastics, I've been interested in the T8)
Okay, so I was wondering about how much shipping is in general for Reptile Basics, I did the calculation for my zipcode and it didn't work. Then for Animal Plastics I was wondering how easy to put together they are, if the sealant is good, (I heard something about it being bad), and if both cages are sturdy.
Overall, I've calculated that the Animal Plastics T8 with pop in/pop out divider would come to 250 and the Reptile Basics 2x4 with permanent divider would come to 269 + Shipping.
I was wondering how the pop in/pop out dividers work. Also, this is for two ball pythons, one of which is very active so I hope this cage will support him until he mellows out a bit. Also, should I go with buying the heat for each one? I already have a zoomed heating pad but I forget if those are just for glass terrariums, also I have heat control so my snakes don't get burnt if that makes a difference.

I will most likely call both companies depending on how this goes. It's just nice to ask and get different questions I wasn't thinking about at the time or some questions I have answered.

Thanks. :)

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Originally Posted by Miko

For both caging companies I want pros and cons. It would also be awesome if someone else had the items I'm interested in or experience in dealing with either company. I'm looking into buying either of these two terrariums:
http://www.reptilebasics.com/2x4-cag...t-divider.html
http://www.animalplastics.com/
(For the Animal Plastics, I've been interested in the T8)
Okay, so I was wondering about how much shipping is in general for Reptile Basics, I did the calculation for my zipcode and it didn't work. Then for Animal Plastics I was wondering how easy to put together they are, if the sealant is good, (I heard something about it being bad), and if both cages are sturdy.
Overall, I've calculated that the Animal Plastics T8 with pop in/pop out divider would come to 250 and the Reptile Basics 2x4 with permanent divider would come to 269 + Shipping.
I was wondering how the pop in/pop out dividers work. Also, this is for two ball pythons, one of which is very active so I hope this cage will support him until he mellows out a bit. Also, should I go with buying the heat for each one? I already have a zoomed heating pad but I forget if those are just for glass terrariums, also I have heat control so my snakes don't get burnt if that makes a difference.

I will most likely call both companies depending on how this goes. It's just nice to ask and get different questions I wasn't thinking about at the time or some questions I have answered.

Thanks. :)

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Reptile Basics is free shipping on their cages. Although I do not use AP cages, I do have some Reptile Basics cages. They are great! However, they are pretty expensive. I now use Repti-Racks cages. The quality is not as good, but works for what I need. They are quite a bit cheaper too. They hold adult boas, no problem.

BTW, I do not suggest housing ball pythons in these types of cages. IMO, they do better in rack systems.

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Originally Posted by Wh00h0069

Reptile Basics is free shipping on their cages. Although I do not use AP cages, I do have some Reptile Basics cages. They are great! However, they are pretty expensive. I now use Repti-Racks cages. The quality is not as good, but works for what I need. They are quite a bit cheaper too. They hold adult boas, no problem.

BTW, I do not suggest housing ball pythons in these types of cages. IMO, they do better in rack systems.

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My ball python has a "personality" and he's very active. However, depending on my next ball python I'll decide whether to house it in the cage with the divider or in a tub. I don't really mind the price right now because my dad's paying for half, lol. I didn't know it was free, btw. Thanks. :D

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Originally Posted by Miko

My ball python has a "personality" and he's very active. However, depending on my next ball python I'll decide whether to house it in the cage with the divider or in a tub. I don't really mind the price right now because my dad's paying for half, lol. I didn't know it was free, btw. Thanks. :D

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You're welcome. The reason that I suggest a rack over a cage for balls is they stress easy. Some do not do well in large enclosures. You could always try it out, and switch to a rack if need be. It wouldn't hurt anything, and there are always people looking for used plastic cages if you need to sell it later. Make sure there are ample hiding places for the balls. I suggest using some foliage too to add a feeling of security.

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Originally Posted by Wh00h0069

You're welcome. The reason that I suggest a rack over a cage for balls is they stress easy. Some do not do well in large enclosures. You could always try it out, and switch to a rack if need be. It wouldn't hurt anything, and there are always people looking for used plastic cages if you need to sell it later. Make sure there are ample hiding places for the balls. I suggest using some foliage too to add a feeling of security.

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Yeah, I don't think my ball python is stressing, he eats fine. My only concern is he seems active but my husbandry is all good. I made sure there are currently two hides, but I just took out two and replaced it with a big one because he was getting too big for the two smaller ones. There are also two big fake plants in there for him, a climbing vine, and a piece of wood. Thanks for the advice. :)

My dad actually came up with another question. How do these ship? I mean they're so big, do you have to sign for them or be there when the package is delivered? Or do they keep it at the post office and you pick it up? x__x

My rack from reptile basics came completely assembled right to my door with no signature required.

They come ready to go. You just need a thermostat to control the heat.

Anyone have opinions on ultratherm UTHs vs flexwatt? Are ultratherms capable of heating those plastic cages to have 90 degree hot spots if the room temps are in the mid 60s?

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Originally Posted by mainbutter

Anyone have opinions on ultratherm UTHs vs flexwatt? Are ultratherms capable of heating those plastic cages to have 90 degree hot spots if the room temps are in the mid 60s?

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I'm was also curious, but I found this FAQ on their site which kind of helps. :)
http://www.reptilebasics.com/ultratherm-faq.html
So, basically 20 degrees above room temperature, which would be 80. You might want to use something like flexwatt since it's cold in the room you would be keeping one in.

Reptile Basics all the way. I have both AP and RBI and i'm selling my AP and going all RBI. Yes they are bit more but well worth it. The built in heat tape with the probe routing is a god send.

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Originally Posted by mainbutter

Anyone have opinions on ultratherm UTHs vs flexwatt? Are ultratherms capable of heating those plastic cages to have 90 degree hot spots if the room temps are in the mid 60s?

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Both the flexwatt and the ultratherms will give you a 90+ degree hotspot even if the room is 50 degrees.

Neither will do bum squat for heating the rest of the cage.

Given the choice, I'd go with the ultratherms.

Reptile Basics only makes up to a 2x4 tank though.