AP t8 enclosure

How good are the ap t8 enclosures for a fully grown bp?

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They are perfect. Check out the thread on "how to set up a pvc enclosure" and you will read a ton of folks opinions and experiences with that cage. I have two and couldn't recommend them more. I'd give you more feedback but I'm headed to bed and can't bring myself to type a whole essay right now hahah. Cheers


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They work fine. I got my over 4' female pied in one. I did opt for the shelf though as she likes to climb.

Ok, I've seen a TON of users on here, as well as other snake keepers raving about Animal Plastics. I'm planning on switching all my enclosures to PVC in the relatively near future (when we start our complete house renovation project and I have my dedicated reptile room) and am barely into the research phase. Maybe somebody can answer a question for me that I am straight baffled by:
If so many people love AP enclosures, and they seem to be a well respected, busy company, WHY on Earth does it take 12+ weeks to receive a stock size enclosure from them?

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

If so many people love AP enclosures, and they seem to be a well respected, busy company, WHY on Earth does it take 12+ weeks to receive a stock size enclosure from them?

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You actually have the answer in your question - because they're so popular.

AP is a family company, not a big mega-corp with millions to dump into increasing production. There are also potential pitfalls with a small company scaling up - Google for general discussions. I had a multiple cage order with them that I called to see if I could pick up at the 2015 spring NARBC in Tinley Park, but they weren't going to be there because they had too much production work to do.

BTW, for those who haven't checked their website, a T8 is a quick ship item, about 3 weeks.

Currently have a T10 on order, debating on finances as to when to add another.



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Originally Posted by Prognathodon

You actually have the answer in your question - because they're so popular.

AP is a family company, not a big mega-corp with millions to dump into increasing production. There are also potential pitfalls with a small company scaling up - Google for general discussions. I had a multiple cage order with them that I called to see if I could pick up at the 2015 spring NARBC in Tinley Park, but they weren't going to be there because they had too much production work to do.

BTW, for those who haven't checked their website, a T8 is a quick ship item, about 3 weeks.

Currently have a T10 on order, debating on finances as to when to add another.



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Thanks for the reply. I was unaware the T8 was a quick ship item, but even 3 weeks seems like a long time to me. But, hey, I'm not in the production business, so I'm sure there is plenty I don't understand. I guess if the customer is aware of the time it will take to receive the item and ok with it, then there is no problem with it. I just personally wouldn't be willing to wait that long for something that doesn't even come assembled (I believe assembly is required, correct?).

i love my T8 and i don't think i'll ever buy anything other than an AP enclosure. my male is juuust under 4' and he does fine in there. i really can't recommend AP Cages enough.

I guess my next question would be: What separates AP from the others? Why are people willing to shell out the cash and sometimes wait months for AP when there are many other options? Not to mention it's a fairly simple DIY project if you know what you're doing. What features are on the AP that aren't on others?
I'm leaning towards building my own, but am not 100% yet. So I'm curious what makes AP stand out in the crowd?

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

I'm leaning towards building my own, but am not 100% yet. So I'm curious what makes AP stand out in the crowd?

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of course with the right know-how you can build your own, but i'm not one of those people. :P

the reason i chose T8 was because of its reputation around here, and i trust this community, so i bought one. one panel arrived cracked. when i contacted AP Cages, Ali responded right away and was extremely pleasant to talk with; i got my replacement within 24 hrs. Ali is a great person, and the customer service she offers is a huge reason why i would want to buy from them again.

the quality of their product is great (very light-weight, which is a HUGE plus for lil' ol' me; i can move it myself), plenty of options and add-ons to customize your enclosure, simple to put together, but it's their customer service that puts them over the top for me.

10/10

Big question and I don't want to open up Pandora's box if it's already been covered but PVC is seriously toxic, right? Like, cancer causing.

I am not well informed in this area but apparently even PVC shower liners are a big issue. I am not sure I want to bring big PVC enclosures into my home let alone put an animal permanently in it. Has this ever been discussed here?

Side note, I could be totally wrong here and I am certainly not informed about Animal Products. I think they seem great. Just wondering about PVC enclosures in general?

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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

of course with the right know-how you can build your own, but i'm not one of those people. :P

the reason i chose T8 was because of its reputation around here, and i trust this community, so i bought one. one panel arrived cracked. when i contacted AP Cages, Ali responded right away and was extremely pleasant to talk with; i got my replacement within 24 hrs. Ali is a great person, and the customer service she offers is a huge reason why i would want to buy from them again.

the quality of their product is great (very light-weight, which is a HUGE plus for lil' ol' me; i can move it myself), plenty of options and add-ons to customize your enclosure, simple to put together, but it's their customer service that puts them over the top for me.

10/10

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Thank you.

I am a huge fan of good customer service, but if their product is as high quality as I read on here, I should only need that once while placing the order (hoping to . I understand there are circumstances that occur, like yours, that would require further customer service. So aside from the customer service, what are some of the options many people opt for? What daily feature would you not want to live without that other enclosures don't offer?

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

Thanks for the reply. I was unaware the T8 was a quick ship item, but even 3 weeks seems like a long time to me. But, hey, I'm not in the production business, so I'm sure there is plenty I don't understand. I guess if the customer is aware of the time it will take to receive the item and ok with it, then there is no problem with it. I just personally wouldn't be willing to wait that long for something that doesn't even come assembled (I believe assembly is required, correct?).

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There are several reasons, 1 being the fact they use 1" thick PVC. These are made to last a lifetime. I see several others warping making it impossible for doors to close or sagging in the center if you try and stack enclosures.
Id bet its harder than you think to make a DIY correctly. Making one so that the PVC has a sliding track, a 2" lip so substate and waste don't leak out ect is no simple task without all the correct tools. If you did make one after Glass Panels, PVC and anything else you had to buy how much would you save on a enclose that is under $200 shipped it already has all the bugs worked out? Thats how I look at it anyway.
On another note as far as the T8, I would definitely go with a T10 for the simple fact of the height difference & door size. Cleaning or using climbing decorations ect..
Inside Hight is 10" on a T8 vs 13" on a T10. Thats a lot when trying to reach in 2' deep to clean. IMO [emoji1360]
As far as anything else id add, the Boyz covered it all.. They are a Family business working out of their small shop.. I'll always hire a small owner run operation like myself any day just for the customer service & quality control.
I have 2 enclosures that are suppose to ship this Friday.. Ive been waiting 13 weeks and once they are here I'll be glad I chilled out and waited for what I truly wanted.


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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

Thank you.

I am a huge fan of good customer service, but if their product is as high quality as I read on here, I should only need that once while placing the order (hoping to . I understand there are circumstances that occur, like yours, that would require further customer service. So aside from the customer service, what are some of the options many people opt for? What daily feature would you not want to live without that other enclosures don't offer?

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lighting! i didn't add the LED light option and i kick myself for it all the time! APC cuts a groove where a string of LEDs fit right in; they have single color LEDs or you can just ask them to cut the groove for you and you can use your own (most people like the kind with multiple color options). there's the shelf option that a lot of people's snakes seem to love using. the divider, the pre-installed heat tape...honestly if you ask nicely they'll probably do anything for you. and the fact that multiple enclosures stack together so nicely is another thing i love about APC.

I currently have 2 T8's and I love them.. I have a few T10's that should be shipping here this week.. I have used pro-line cages and Reptile basics cage... pro-lines are nice, but I'm not a fan of there door only being 8". hard to reach 2' back to clean. reptile basics cages are nice, they have a single swing down door, but mine doesn't hold humidity at all.. the animal plastics cages hold humidity great. if I ever need more cages I will go with animal plastics hands down. yes, they have a long wait, but you get what you pay for, and wait for.

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Originally Posted by Mr Sully

There are several reasons, 1 being the fact they use 1" thick PVC. These are made to last a lifetime. I see several others warping making it impossible for doors to close or sagging in the center if you try and stack enclosures.
Id bet its harder than you think to make a DIY correctly. Making one so that the PVC has a sliding track, a 2" lip so substate and waste don't leak out ect is no simple task without all the correct tools. If you did make one after Glass Panels, PVC and anything else you had to buy how much would you save on a enclose that is under $200 shipped it already has all the bugs worked out? Thats how I look at it anyway.
On another note as far as the T8, I would definitely go with a T10 for the simple fact of the height difference & door size. Cleaning or using climbing decorations ect..
Inside Hight is 10" on a T8 vs 13" on a T10. Thats a lot when trying to reach in 2' deep to clean. IMO [emoji1360]
As far as anything else id add, the Boyz covered it all.. They are a Family business working out of their small shop.. I'll always hire a small owner run operation like myself any day just for the customer service & quality control.
I have 2 enclosures that are suppose to ship this Friday.. Ive been waiting 13 weeks and once they are here I'll be glad I chilled out and waited for what I truly wanted.


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

lighting! i didn't add the LED light option and i kick myself for it all the time! APC cuts a groove where a string of LEDs fit right in; they have single color LEDs or you can just ask them to cut the groove for you and you can use your own (most people like the kind with multiple color options). there's the shelf option that a lot of people's snakes seem to love using. the divider, the pre-installed heat tape...honestly if you ask nicely they'll probably do anything for you. and the fact that multiple enclosures stack together so nicely is another thing i love about APC.

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Thank guys. I gotta say, just from reading all the quality feedback you as well as others have posted, I am seriously considering going AP. The hold-ups for me are the waiting time (I would opt for at T10s) and the assembly required part. I have worked with PVC sheets in the past using them for finish carpentry as well as exterior house trim. My buddy is a master carpenter who primarily does finish work and he would be giving me a hand as well as providing the tools I don't already have. I know he won't charge me anything, I'll probably buy him a pizza and he'll be stoked. He'd actually enjoy a project like this, cause it's something he doesn't do all the time. So basically, If I'm waiting that long for them to cut some sheets, drill some holes, run a router here and there, maybe a few dado cuts and ship me sheets and heat tape, etc... then I would have to assemble it, why not just do it all?
I'm asking honestly, because I have not ruled them out. And considering I could bang out 4 of them in a weekend with my buddy, but I'm considering it says a lot.

P.S. Mr Sully, I'll buy American, buy local, and give my business to the small guys and the mom and pop shops every chance I get! :salute:

Thanks people, Im definetly buying them in the near future. I just have a question about heating, should i just order the flexwatt belly heat option that they offer? Also, there is an option that says 8" stand, has anyone bought this as well? I would love to see a picture but they dont have one on the website.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...8ab76eeb57.jpg
Also, dumb question, Im gonna order two t8 enclosures, and im planning on putting one on top of the other, i dont need to order something to do this right? I mean, will they just "fit" one over the other?

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Originally Posted by rock

Big question and I don't want to open up Pandora's box if it's already been covered but PVC is seriously toxic, right? Like, cancer causing.

I am not well informed in this area but apparently even PVC shower liners are a big issue. I am not sure I want to bring big PVC enclosures into my home let alone put an animal permanently in it. Has this ever been discussed here?

Side note, I could be totally wrong here and I am certainly not informed about Animal Products. I think they seem great. Just wondering about PVC enclosures in general?

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After reading your post I decided to do some research. Wow, I knew PVC could be dangerous and is quite toxic, but I really had no idea how much so.
I thought a lot of it was just the typical paranoia and that since it seems to work just fine in many applications, it must be ok. I will research more.

I guess its one of those "worked for years, hasn't killed me or the animals yet" kind of deal ;) The fact is, it is CHEAP and it looks nice. So its very practical as well. The material lends itself
well to construct cages from it, you don't need to actually have a mold, you just buy sheets and cut to fit, although needs to be precise. It doesn't "crack" like other plastics and has some give.
I wonder if heating it aids in releasing the toxins into the air? Wonder if the PVC that is used to build animal enclosures is somehow different and less toxic?

The Neodesha display cage I have is not made from PVC. They need a Rack to be stacked, though (or a shelf unit)

Showcase cages are also not made of PVC. I used to have one and that was by FAR the best reptile cage I have ever seen. Ingenious in design, gorgeous, easy to clean and maintain. Stackable, but not cheap. I guess if I was only to have 2 or 3 cages, I might go with that option once again. But I would have to research if the material they use isn't just as toxic as PVC.

If I were to go with AP cages I would definitely head Mr. Sullys advice and go with the slightly taller option. Even if that meant a longer wait. With the door and front opening being so narrow and the cage being so deep, this can really make cleaning/maintenance quite difficult. Esp. if that cage is either lower to the ground or higher up. Lights would also be a absolute MUST HAVE for me. For the same reason, I would see where and what I need to clean!! I would also go for the shelf. It adds a lot of real estate to the cage and if you hang something from it, they make great hides underneath of them :) The shelf also makes more sense in the slightly taller cage.

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Originally Posted by zina10

After reading your post I decided to do some research. Wow, I knew PVC could be dangerous and is quite toxic, but I really had no idea how much so.
I thought a lot of it was just the typical paranoia and that since it seems to work just fine in many applications, it must be ok. I will research more.

I guess its one of those "worked for years, hasn't killed me or the animals yet" kind of deal ;) The fact is, it is CHEAP and it looks nice. So its very practical as well. The material lends itself
well to construct cages from it, you don't need to actually have a mold, you just buy sheets and cut to fit, although needs to be precise. It doesn't "crack" like other plastics and has some give.
I wonder if heating it aids in releasing the toxins into the air? Wonder if the PVC that is used to build animal enclosures is somehow different and less toxic?

The Neodesha display cage I have is not made from PVC. They need a Rack to be stacked, though (or a shelf unit)

Showcase cages are also not made of PVC. I used to have one and that was by FAR the best reptile cage I have ever seen. Ingenious in design, gorgeous, easy to clean and maintain. Stackable, but not cheap. I guess if I was only to have 2 or 3 cages, I might go with that option once again. But I would have to research if the material they use isn't just as toxic as PVC.

If I were to go with AP cages I would definitely head Mr. Sullys advice and go with the slightly taller option. Even if that meant a longer wait. With the door and front opening being so narrow and the cage being so deep, this can really make cleaning/maintenance quite difficult. Esp. if that cage is either lower to the ground or higher up. Lights would also be a absolute MUST HAVE for me. For the same reason, I would see where and what I need to clean!! I would also go for the shelf. It adds a lot of real estate to the cage and if you hang something from it, they make great hides underneath of them :) The shelf also makes more sense in the slightly taller cage.

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I know, it's the sort of thing you would almost rather not know because so many things contain PVC. There are entire lists dedicated to it and the products we have in our homes and give to our kids. Although, I am not the type of person that wants to turn my whole life upside down.

It's a personal choice and risk for each person. HDPE is what I will use for my enclosures now that I've read a bit more and derailed this thread. My apologies.

I agree with Mr. Sully's advice as well on the increased height for cleaning.

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Originally Posted by Gc99

Thanks people, Im definetly buying them in the near future. I just have a question about heating, should i just order the flexwatt belly heat option that they offer? Also, there is an option that says 8" stand, has anyone bought this as well? I would love to see a picture but they dont have one on the website.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...8ab76eeb57.jpg
Also, dumb question, Im gonna order two t8 enclosures, and im planning on putting one on top of the other, i dont need to order something to do this right? I mean, will they just "fit" one over the other?

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I built my own Base with storage but here are the AP stands.
The Enclosures stack without any other products.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...7961c0d345.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...6d9e1ada98.jpg


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Sooo instead of the t8 i should get the t10? Based on the height for cleaning right? And how do you even set up one of these cages and the flexwatt heat tape that comes with them? Because i know its not as simple as a uth where you just stick it to the bottom

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mr Sully

I built my own Base with storage but here are the AP stands.
The Enclosures stack without any other products.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...7961c0d345.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...6d9e1ada98.jpg


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Awesome! Thanks! Also, whats the best heating for these cages? I was thinking of just adding the option of the flexwatt belly heat 11" that they offer but it seems really complicated to set up because its not just like a uth, and if you stack the cages wont that make the heat tape to overheat? Even if i stack them, will i have space to attach the thermostat probe?

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mr Sully

I built my own Base with storage but here are the AP stands.
The Enclosures stack without any other products.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...7961c0d345.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...6d9e1ada98.jpg


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I certainly like your option FAR better. Without storage, those stands seem such a waste of space...and not even that attractive, either !!

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Originally Posted by jmcrook

They are perfect. Check out the thread on "how to set up a pvc enclosure" and you will read a ton of folks opinions and experiences with that cage. I have two and couldn't recommend them more. I'd give you more feedback but I'm headed to bed and can't bring myself to type a whole essay right now hahah. Cheers


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I cannot find that thread anywhere :/

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Originally Posted by Gc99

I cannot find that thread anywhere :/

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Here you go:


https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...-With-Pictures!

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Originally Posted by zina10

Here you go:


https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...-With-Pictures!

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Thank you :)

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Gc99

Awesome! Thanks! Also, whats the best heating for these cages? I was thinking of just adding the option of the flexwatt belly heat 11" that they offer but it seems really complicated to set up because its not just like a uth, and if you stack the cages wont that make the heat tape to overheat? Even if i stack them, will i have space to attach the thermostat probe?

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I don't use Belly Heat, I have Pro Panels.


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Originally Posted by Gc99

I cannot find that thread anywhere :/

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https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...-With-Pictures!
Long thread but FULL of great info! I read through this a whole thing a few times before settling on my setups and I love them.


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Assembly of AP cages is simple - all the holes are pre-drilled, non-obvious parts are labeled, and they come with instructions. Shipping unassembled saves on shipping cost.

Somebody up-thread said they're made from 1" material, which is incorrect, its 1/2", IIRC.

My husband and I are engineers, and he's good with tools, but the time saved in design and fabrication is worth it to me. The parts are machined to really better tolerance than we could achieve at home. And there's economies of scale in purchasing materials on AP's end - I researched, and getting similar PVC, etc. wouldn't save me much.


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Originally Posted by Prognathodon

Assembly of AP cages is simple - all the holes are pre-drilled, non-obvious parts are labeled, and they come with instructions. Shipping unassembled saves on shipping cost.

Somebody up-thread said they're made from 1" material, which is incorrect, its 1/2", IIRC.

My husband and I are engineers, and he's good with tools, but the time saved in design and fabrication is worth it to me. The parts are machined to really better tolerance than we could achieve at home. And there's economies of scale in purchasing materials on AP's end - I researched, and getting similar PVC, etc. wouldn't save me much.


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I hope they are strong because i was thinking of drilling holes for the thermometer probe so that i can run the wires outside

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Originally Posted by Gc99

I hope they are strong because i was thinking of drilling holes for the thermometer probe so that i can run the wires outside

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We all drill holes.. Its all good, justmake sure your 100% happy with how you want to run wires so your new enclosure doesn't resemble Swiss Cheese after you've changed your mind 4-5 times hahahahaha


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Originally Posted by Mr Sully

We all drill holes.. Its all good, justmake sure your 100% happy with how you want to run wires so your new enclosure doesn't resemble Swiss Cheese after you've changed your mind 4-5 times hahahahaha


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Hahaha i wouldnt want that lol I just need to run the accurite thermometer probe (i think it was you who helped me pick that one, thanks, im pretty happy with them) so i would need two holes, one on the warm side and one on the cool side for the wire


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Originally Posted by Gc99

Hahaha i wouldnt want that lol I just need to run the accurite thermometer probe (i think it was you who helped me pick that one, thanks, im pretty happy with them) so i would need two holes, one on the warm side and one on the cool side for the wire


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This is a similar Thermometer like you have and a drilled T8 from the PVC thread. See how we run them. Probe/Wire goes out and comes back in where the basking area will be. ...https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...8e563559fe.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...2d31e6c19e.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...0e3aa46f66.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...751329a433.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...9ba85c77ca.jpg


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Originally Posted by Mr Sully

This is a similar Thermometer like you have and a drilled T8 from the PVC thread. See how we run them. Probe/Wire goes out and comes back in where the basking area will be. ...https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...8e563559fe.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...2d31e6c19e.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...0e3aa46f66.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...751329a433.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...9ba85c77ca.jpg


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I wouldnt be able to put a screw on the probe tho, because if its for a ball python then the heat mat would be damaged by it right?

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Originally Posted by Gc99

I wouldnt be able to put a screw on the probe tho, because if its for a ball python then the heat mat would be damaged by it right?

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Just use a shorter 1/4"-3/8" round screw. The pvc is 1/2" thick. The pics shown are an example of how some of us mount the thermometer probe when using a heat mat/flexwatt/UTH/etc


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Originally Posted by jmcrook

Just use a shorter 1/4"-3/8" round screw. The pvc is 1/2" thick. The pics shown are an example of how some of us mount the thermometer probe when using a heat mat/flexwatt/UTH/etc


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Yes but what im wondering is, if the probe goes above the uth, wont a screw damage it?

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Originally Posted by Gc99

Yes but what im wondering is, if the probe goes above the uth, wont a screw damage it?

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Not if you use a screw hat has a length shorter than the thickness of the material you're screwing it into. The thickness of the cage material is 1/2". There is no physical way that a screw shorter than 1/2" will go all the way through the floor of the cage. The UTH goes under the cage and will be untouched by the screw


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by jmcrook

Not if you use a screw hat has a length shorter than the thickness of the material you're screwing it into. The thickness of the cage material is 1/2". There is no physical way that a screw shorter than 1/2" will go all the way through the floor of the cage. The UTH goes under the cage and will be untouched by the screw


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Duhhh 😂 sorry, im not a very crafty person, that makes total sense tho Im gonna do that once i get them, eventhough my bp are still young, im gonna put lots of stuff in there so that they feel secure.

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Hahahaha you'll get it buddy, just slow down a little and things will start to make sense. After all this your going to be a heck of a DIY'er [emoji1360].
Get a 1/2-3/4" length screw like you might get in a doorknob kit. I always add a dab of silicone when i sink them into PVC too. Do it slowly and don't over tighten and strip it.


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Originally Posted by Mr Sully

Hahahaha you'll get it buddy, just slow down a little and things will start to make sense. After all this your going to be a heck of a DIY'er [emoji1360].
Get a 1/2-3/4" length screw like you might get in a doorknob kit. I always add a dab of silicone when i sink them into PVC too. Do it slowly and don't over tighten and strip it.


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you want maybe 3/8" round head screws for mounting an Acurite probe to cage floor. 3/4" would just barely start to poke through the bottom and puncture the heat tape I'd imagine. Pretty sure mine are mounted with a 3/8" screw at most.


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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

Ok, I've seen a TON of users on here, as well as other snake keepers raving about Animal Plastics. I'm planning on switching all my enclosures to PVC in the relatively near future (when we start our complete house renovation project and I have my dedicated reptile room) and am barely into the research phase. Maybe somebody can answer a question for me that I am straight baffled by:
If so many people love AP enclosures, and they seem to be a well respected, busy company, WHY on Earth does it take 12+ weeks to receive a stock size enclosure from them?

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From what I was told, they only have one cutting machine so they can only cut one pattern at a time. Add to that its tax time and there you go. It took me 13 weeks for my T10s and 4 weeks for my T8s. But in their defense, I did add another T8 and stand 2 days before my 2 T8s were supposed to ship so they took an extra 4 days to quickly bust out another T8 and stand to fill my order. Thanks Ali!!

Remember AP is a family business, not some huge factory like Ford or Chevy or Boeing lol. Gotta give them some leeway. Ali is awesome though for customer service and I cant wait to order my T25s :D

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Originally Posted by Gc99

I hope they are strong because i was thinking of drilling holes for the thermometer probe so that i can run the wires outside

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Don't drill holes in it. Just use https://www.walmart.com/ip/AcuRite-D...nitor/16888914. These are what I use and you don't need to drill any holes. I also use flexwatt and had AP install the LEDs for me so I didn't have to drill anything. I personally don't like drilling holes all over my new cages lol. Here is my 3 T10s on the left and 3 T8s on the right. Need to order another T8 for Luna and then focus on the 4 T25s later this year depending how fast the boas and retic grow.
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...251a9ff5_h.jpg

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Originally Posted by Sauzo

From what I was told, they only have one cutting machine so they can only cut one pattern at a time. Add to that its tax time and there you go. It took me 13 weeks for my T10s and 4 weeks for my T8s. But in their defense, I did add another T8 and stand 2 days before my 2 T8s were supposed to ship so they took an extra 4 days to quickly bust out another T8 and stand to fill my order. Thanks Ali!!

Remember AP is a family business, not some huge factory like Ford or Chevy or Boeing lol. Gotta give them some leeway. Ali is awesome though for customer service and I cant wait to order my T25s :D

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Thanks!
I just don't think I have the patience to wait that long. If I build my own with my buddy I can get them done in a weekend and a bit cheaper too. Plus I can build my own size specs.

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

Thanks!
I just don't think I have the patience to wait that long. If I build my own with my buddy I can get them done in a weekend and a bit cheaper too. Plus I can build my own size specs.

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Well if you got a buddy with a router, workbench and all the stuff, yeah. Just the little extras Ap does is nice. Like the hole for the dowel to line up/lock cages together, the t-stat probe channel on the bottom for heat tape so the cages can sit flush on each other, the routed and fitted LEDs with routed cord channel out the top so cages again sit flush on each other and the whole shelf deal. its all done very nice. Just got to order them BEFORE you need them lol.

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Originally Posted by Mr Sully

This is a similar Thermometer like you have and a drilled T8 from the PVC thread. See how we run them. Probe/Wire goes out and comes back in where the basking area will be. ...https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...8e563559fe.jpghttps://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...2d31e6c19e.jpghttps://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...0e3aa46f66.jpghttps://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...751329a433.jpghttps://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...9ba85c77ca.jpg


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I wouldn't drill the holes and put down the screw unless you are using paper substrate. If you plan to use anything to hold humidity, your snake will push the stuff around. My BP shoves substrate all over when she is out playing. Plus I don't know about your snakes but mine had a habit of trying to poop on the things. I ended up putting them up on the shelf. Now Caesar will knock it down on top of his hides lol. I just cant win with him. The boas leave it alone but the BP will push it off too. It's the dang pythons haha.

Haven't read every post but I wanted to share my photos and experience with my t8's
I purchased the heat panels from RBI and had them shipped to ap and they installed them as per my instructions so the wires exit the top into a routered channel.
Installed an outdoor rgb led kit from amazon my self
Ran all the wires for the lights, temperature probe and thermostat out though the pre drilled hole ap put in , just had to open them up slightly making for an easy clean looking install
Built the stand myself , the lowest cage about 30 inches from the floor so I minimize bending over and that makes my back happy
Kirk

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...e5e50cfc84.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...29f08b9541.jpg


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kirks_Herps

Haven't read every post but I wanted to share my photos and experience with my t8's
I purchased the heat panels from RBI and had them shipped to ap and they installed them as per my instructions so the wires exit the top into a routered channel.
Installed an outdoor rgb led kit from amazon my self
Ran all the wires for the lights, temperature probe and thermostat out though the pre drilled hole ap put in , just had to open them up slightly making for an easy clean looking install
Built the stand myself , the lowest cage about 30 inches from the floor so I minimize bending over and that makes my back happy
Kirk

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...e5e50cfc84.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...29f08b9541.jpg


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I think i heard somewhere that the t8 comes with a sealant for once your done assembling everything, is that right? Like, to put in the cracks so that there are no leaks or whatever. I cant remember where i read that lol

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yes you put the sealant between the panels as you assemble it
in case a water bowl spill it contains itself
i only put it halfway up the sides and none on the top in case
you need to disassemble later
and its good stuff too you will have a lot left over
Kirk

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Originally Posted by Kirks_Herps

yes you put the sealant between the panels as you assemble it
in case a water bowl spill it contains itself
i only put it halfway up the sides and none on the top in case
you need to disassemble later
and its good stuff too you will have a lot left over
Kirk

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Ohh it comes with it? Amazing lol one of the cages i want needs to have the basking shelf and the light they offer, does it come as extra parts that i got to assemble too?

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It comes 100% broken down in a flat pack
You have to assemble everything
Have A cordless drill with a clutch turned down very low
To avoid stripping out the screws will speed things up
Kirk