I Need Help Finding a Cage!

Hello everybody,

I'm currently housing my female lesser platinum in a 20 gallon tank and she's already 3 years old. She's approx. 3.5 feet long and 989 grams. I feel like it's time to upgrade her living space. I'm trying to find a tank that will last her whole life even if she gets to be 3,000 grams. I've been looking at the Critter Cages as a good upgrade. Would you guys think that the XL critter cage (L:48" W:24" H:18") or a longer but slimmer cage would be better? Could you guys also please tell me some cheap places to look for some of these. Ive looked on craigslist but no luck so far. I need to get this cage within this next week so I'm really hoping you guys can help me out.

Thanks in advance,
~SC

I would buy a PVC cage for her from somewhere like Animal Plastics.

Or a tub setup, a 34-41qt (though not as pretty)

I agree with Mike. Animal Plastics PVC cage is really high quality.
The T8 model is perfect for an adult BP.

I really like those animal plastic T8's. When I have the money I'll look more into that style. Right now I'm more interested in a plain glass terrarium. More specifically zilla's XL critter cage. Could you guys tell me if I should get the XL, the 40 breeder, or something bigger? I really appreciate yalls quick responses. Keep em comin!

Thanks,
SC

Since it sounds like you just want to find something that is inexpensive for awhile while you save up for a nice PVC enclosure I would definitely recommend just going with a tub setup. They are highly functional and probably the most inexpensive route you can go, so you will already have some extra money left over that can be the start of your savings for the PVC enclosure.

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Originally Posted by C&H Exotic Morphs

Since it sounds like you just want to find something that is inexpensive for awhile while you save up for a nice PVC enclosure I would definitely recommend just going with a tub setup. They are highly functional and probably the most inexpensive route you can go, so you will already have some extra money left over that can be the start of your savings for the PVC enclosure.

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I would have to agree. I will probably just go to walmart and pick up a relatively large sterilite tub for now (not sure about the spelling). Do you guys have any recomendations for a good tub that will be big enough for a 4 ft. 1kg BP? Also, for the future, what kind of door would you guys recommend for the T8? I see on animal plastics website there are two different types of doors: the swinging doors and the sliding doors. Which ones are more convenient? Keep in mind the swinging doors are 35 more dollars. Is it worth it?

Thanks again for all of your responses,
SC

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One last thing,

If I'm going to spend the money on that nice of a setup, would it be beneficial to go ahead and spend the extra money on a couple extra features they offer? Like the flexwatt, locks, White Fluorescent Fixture, Pop in-Pop Out Divider, etc? Right now I only have 1 BP so buying this cage wont be that bad. But once I start breeding, I will definitely start using racks lol.

Thanks again,
SC

I would get a tub like this: (but in a single pack not 6 lol)

http://www.target.com/p/sterilite-6-...t/-/A-11861874

Check out this thread on the AP T8... I have more than a few of these now and I strongly suggest the sliding glass doors, cage locks (to keep people out), 11" flexwatt, & fluorescent lights. If you want to keep more than 1 BP in the T8 then get the divider 9If you get the divider you will also have to purchase a second fluorescent light fixture)

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...With-Pictures!

The sliding glass doors are way more convent, and won't ever warp like the swing doors or acrylic sliding doors will.

From my experience, ball pythons do not do well in cages. IMO, they do much better in rack systems / tubs.

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Originally Posted by Wh00h0069

From my experience, ball pythons do not do well in cages. IMO, they do much better in rack systems / tubs.

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What makes you say that? All of mine are doing great. Growing, eating, shedding in one piece. What more could you ask for?

PVC cages hold humidity in just as well as tubs, and hold in heat much better than tubs. With the right heat source/thermostat a PVC cage can be controlled much more precisely than a tub can be. And doesn't require a heated room to control the ambiant temps.

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Originally Posted by stupidcracker00

I would have to agree. I will probably just go to walmart and pick up a relatively large sterilite tub for now (not sure about the spelling). Do you guys have any recomendations for a good tub that will be big enough for a 4 ft. 1kg BP? Also, for the future, what kind of door would you guys recommend for the T8? I see on animal plastics website there are two different types of doors: the swinging doors and the sliding doors. Which ones are more convenient? Keep in mind the swinging doors are 35 more dollars. Is it worth it?

Thanks again for all of your responses,
SC

- - - Updated - - -

One last thing,

If I'm going to spend the money on that nice of a setup, would it be beneficial to go ahead and spend the extra money on a couple extra features they offer? Like the flexwatt, locks, White Fluorescent Fixture, Pop in-Pop Out Divider, etc? Right now I only have 1 BP so buying this cage wont be that bad. But once I start breeding, I will definitely start using racks lol.

Thanks again,
SC

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A 32qt sterilite or rubbermaid tub from walmart would work fine.

If you know youre gunna want more bps and plan to breed i would skip getting a cage and just save up to buy a rack instead of a PVC cage. For now i would buy a 32qt tub for like $8 and keep your bp in that until you save enough for a rack. Even if you only have one snake or 2 snakes you can still keep them fine in like a 4 tub rack. I have this one from Reptile Basics and love it:http://www.reptilebasics.com/iris-sw...y-or-back-heat

Animal Plastics also makes some awesome racks. I bought an older used 10 tub model that runs on heat cable and it works like a champ. I love both of them about equally.

Like i said, if you are already planning on more snakes, just skip the cage and go straight for a rack lol. Because we know you cant stop at just one ;)

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Originally Posted by The Serpent Merchant

I would get a tub like this: (but in a single pack not 6 lol)

http://www.target.com/p/sterilite-6-...t/-/A-11861874

Check out this thread on the AP T8... I have more than a few of these now and I strongly suggest the sliding glass doors, cage locks (to keep people out), 11" flexwatt, & fluorescent lights. If you want to keep more than 1 BP in the T8 then get the divider 9If you get the divider you will also have to purchase a second fluorescent light fixture)

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...With-Pictures!

The sliding glass doors are way more convent, and won't ever warp like the swing doors or acrylic sliding doors will.

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So you think fluorescent lighting is good? I researched for my cage setup and it looked like people discouraged it... I'd prefer to have a light for aesthetic reasons. What type of light do you suggest? Brand? Wattage? I was even looking at the blue lighting.

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Originally Posted by Mike41793

A 32qt sterilite or rubbermaid tub from walmart would work fine.

If you know youre gunna want more bps and plan to breed i would skip getting a cage and just save up to buy a rack instead of a PVC cage. For now i would buy a 32qt tub for like $8 and keep your bp in that until you save enough for a rack. Even if you only have one snake or 2 snakes you can still keep them fine in like a 4 tub rack. I have this one from Reptile Basics and love it:http://www.reptilebasics.com/iris-sw...y-or-back-heat

Animal Plastics also makes some awesome racks. I bought an older used 10 tub model that runs on heat cable and it works like a champ. I love both of them about equally.

Like i said, if you are already planning on more snakes, just skip the cage and go straight for a rack lol. Because we know you cant stop at just one ;)

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So you would recommend the 32 qt tubs for a full grown female instead of the 41 qt? I want my female to have enough room to be able to roam like she would if she was in a tank. Is that even possible?

I just went from a 20 gallon long to a 41 qt tub. Best thing ever!

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Originally Posted by therunaway

I just went from a 20 gallon long to a 41 qt tub. Best thing ever!

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That's encouraging news! What brand did you get? I want to go get one today :)

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Originally Posted by akillian24

So you think fluorescent lighting is good? I researched for my cage setup and it looked like people discouraged it... I'd prefer to have a light for aesthetic reasons. What type of light do you suggest? Brand? Wattage? I was even looking at the blue lighting.

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Lights are not necessary at all... they are for viewing not the snakes. I provide heat via Flexwatt or radiant heat panels, then light my cage with 18" T8 Linear Fluorescent tubes. (15 Watt) I use Zoo-Med Naturesun full spectrum (2.0 UV) tubes. UV isn't necessary but the 2.0 bulbs produce a more natural light (has a much higher color temperature 6500 Kelvin) But any fluorescent tube will work.

If you are talking about using heat bulbs for heat the best way to go is Infrared heat bulbs. These are the best: http://www.petsmart.com/product/inde...uctId=11147193 (I would start away from the blue/red bulbs that are just standard lightbulbs coated in blue/red *these: http://www.petsmart.com/product/inde...ductId=4188810)

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Originally Posted by stupidcracker00

That's encouraging news! What brand did you get? I want to go get one today :)

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Yes, I know... I'm quoting myself.. I just really need this question answered. Which 41qt tub should I get? Like what's the Length, Width, and Height it should be? I'm going to go to Walmart and Target to see their selection. I would just like some info before I go.

Also, I am looking into buying a rack from animal plastics that can house hatchlings, juveniles, and adults. I assume hatchlings and juveniles can be housed in the same sized containers. Is that correct? Because if so, that would save me from buying multiple racks. I'm looking for a rack that can hold two or 3 adults, and 8-10 hatchlings/juvies. Do you guys have any recommendations for my needs?

Thanks in advance,
~SC

Quote:

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Originally Posted by stupidcracker00

Yes, I know... I'm quoting myself.. I just really need this question answered. Which 41qt tub should I get? Like what's the Length, Width, and Height it should be? I'm going to go to Walmart and Target to see their selection. I would just like some info before I go.

Also, I am looking into buying a rack from animal plastics that can house hatchlings, juveniles, and adults. I assume hatchlings and juveniles can be housed in the same sized containers. Is that correct? Because if so, that would save me from buying multiple racks. I'm looking for a rack that can hold two or 3 adults, and 8-10 hatchlings/juvies. Do you guys have any recommendations for my needs?

Thanks in advance,
~SC

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If you are just getting a tub that isn't going in a rack I would get this exact tub (Sterlite 41 qt underbed box) Dimensions: 34-3/4" L. x 16-1/2" W. x 6" H.

http://www.doitbest.com/Storage+tote...sku-624136.dib

As far as racks go I would stick with the IRIS line racks that AP makes. You are going to need to get a rack for hatchlings/Juveniles and a separate rack for adults.

The 375 series for hatchlings/Juveniles

The CB-70 Series for adults.

Ok so I've been thinking the last couple of days about what the best option is for me. Ive come to this: I will be getting a rack for Christmas because I will want to start breeding the following year. I will probably get four levels in my rack that will house 4 adults. By the time I'm going to breed I will have saved up money for a hatchling/juvenile rack that will house my new babies until they reach adulthood. By that time I should have sold the ones I don't want to keep and the other ones will go in my adult rack.

So in the meantime I need to get somethig very temporary. I was really thinking of the T8 from AP but that's just as much as a rack. That being said, should I get a 40g breeder for 83 bucks or should I just get a 74 qt tub? I'm lookin for a lot of crawl space for her.

Thanks
SC

Sooo...

I wouldn't go any bigger than a 41 quart tub. Bigger=harder to heat.

Avoid tanks at all cost IMO.

So I found a 75 gallon tank and a 115 gallon tank on Craigslist. The 115 is 75 bucks and the 75 is close to that. I also found a guy just around the corner from me who sold his whole collection and is now just trying to sell his rack. I'm goin to meet with him in an hour to check out his racks.

I'm havin a really hard time deciding between a humongous tank for her to be able to spread out in, or a simple rack set up. I only have one snake as of right now so a rack might be over kill... What would you guys do?

Since you're interested in breeding, sounds like the rack system will be most economic for you. Yea, you have 1 snake now but plan on adding to the collection... might as well set it up now for your future endeavor. I agree with avoiding glass aquariums. I have a 20 gal long for my snake and just picked up a 75 gal for my other hobby (fish) and I can not imagine heating/controlling humidity in a tank that large.:weirdfaceThe 20 gal is enough of a PITA... enough to convince me to switch to something like the AP T8 lol. Sides, if most BPs are like mine, "spacious" is not in their vocab and could care less about how much room there is. Since they spend sooo much time hiding, it seems like a waste and just more difficult for yourself to maintain. *shrug* A large glass aquarium will also rack up your energy costs trying to keep the heat properly regulated and therefore may cost you as much if not more in the long run. Just my 2 cents.

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Originally Posted by LadyWraith

Since you're interested in breeding, sounds like the rack system will be most economic for you. Yea, you have 1 snake now but plan on adding to the collection... might as well set it up now for your future endeavor. I agree with avoiding glass aquariums. I have a 20 gal long for my snake and just picked up a 75 gal for my other hobby (fish) and I can not imagine heating/controlling humidity in a tank that large.:weirdfaceThe 20 gal is enough of a PITA... enough to convince me to switch to something like the AP T8 lol. Sides, if most BPs are like mine, "spacious" is not in their vocab and could care less about how much room there is. Since they spend sooo much time hiding, it seems like a waste and just more difficult for yourself to maintain. *shrug* A large glass aquarium will also rack up your energy costs trying to keep the heat properly regulated and therefore may cost you as much if not more in the long run. Just my 2 cents.

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Ya that sounds logical to me. I'll probably go with animal plastics rack. That may have to wait till Santa can get it for me... I don't have that kind o money right now. But you are right, in the long run, it'll save me a butt load of money. That T8 looks really tempting too. Ugh so many choices...