New digs and takes a rat within 30 mins

Feeling pretty good tonight. Got the new AP T10 on Tuesday and took a couple nights setting it up and getting everything dialed in. Put Chiquita in it this evening and she immediately began exploring every inch. Within 30 mins I offered her dinner and she took the rat right away, explored a bit more and settled into her hide on the warm side. Wasn't exactly a plan but I am going out of town tomorrow and had her new home ready and had already thawed the rat. I really didn't expect her to eat but went ahead and gave it a shot since she always seems to be hungry.

I'm taking that as a good sign. Got a Herpstat 4 controlling the heat mat, RHP and also the humidity if needed. Feel pretty comfortable leaving her with the rest of the family for a few days. Got the alarms all set just in case something goes out of whack.

It took right at 16 weeks for the T10, so I couldn't wait to get it set up once it got here. Still want to get some more fake greenery for it but there are plenty of hides and plenty of water. I also got the basking shelf since she likes to climb a lot and that was one of the first places she went. She is always exploring so now she has plenty of room to roam.

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Hey, that's awesome! I'd take that as a "sign of approval" for sure. :sweeet: :w00t: :bounce:

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Originally Posted by slseals1969

Feeling pretty good tonight. Got the new AP T10 on Tuesday and took a couple nights setting it up and getting everything dialed in. Put Chiquita in it this evening and she immediately began exploring every inch. Within 30 mins I offered her dinner and she took the rat right away, explored a bit more and settled into her hide on the warm side. Wasn't exactly a plan but I am going out of town tomorrow and had her new home ready and had already thawed the rat. I really didn't expect her to eat but went ahead and gave it a shot since she always seems to be hungry.

I'm taking that as a good sign. Got a Herpstat 4 controlling the heat mat, RHP and also the humidity if needed. Feel pretty comfortable leaving her with the rest of the family for a few days. Got the alarms all set just in case something goes out of whack.

It took right at 16 weeks for the T10, so I couldn't wait to get it set up once it got here. Still want to get some more fake greenery for it but there are plenty of hides and plenty of water. I also got the basking shelf since she likes to climb a lot and that was one of the first places she went. She is always exploring so now she has plenty of room to roam.

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I just got my AP T10 on Wednesday and put most of it together (minus the glass doors and sealant). Did it take you awhile to dial in the RHP? I haven't played with mine yet so I'm hoping it's pretty straight forward. Please share some pictures if you have some. Also, how big is your BP?

Actually it didn't take much time at all. With my old cheap thermostat and glass tank with the probe attached outside of the RHP, I had to set the thermostat higher to get 90 degrees. I started out higher on the Herpstat but after a few adjustments it's sitting dead on 90 and the floor of the cage sits at 90 +/- about 0.3 degrees. I wanted to take some pics last night but was too busy watching her explore, double checking temps etc and packing for my trip[emoji3]. May not get to that today. Everything is a little dusty from breaking up the coco bedding.

It's been a while since I weighed her. She has to be well over 300g now. She is about 10 months old. When she completely stretches out she was longer than the length of the 20 gal tank she was in.

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I was thinking about maybe getting the T8 myself, do you guys think the extra 3in on the height is worth paying the extra amount for? Also, what accessories did you guys get with yours? I want to get Paarthurnax a nice setup, since he will probably be my only snake for a long time.

Edit: Couple of things, Lighting wise, do most go flourecent or LED? Also, is the heat tape that can be ordered along with it (For $35) installed in a specific way, or would I be able to buy it for cheaper on Reptile Basics and install it myself?

Apologies for all the questions, i'm new to having a cage like this instead of just a plastic tub.

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Originally Posted by Slicercrush

I was thinking about maybe getting the T8 myself, do you guys think the extra 3in on the height is worth paying the extra amount for? Also, what accessories did you guys get with yours? I want to get Paarthurnax a nice setup, since he will probably be my only snake for a long time.

Edit: Couple of things, Lighting wise, do most go flourecent or LED? Also, is the heat tape that can be ordered along with it (For $35) installed in a specific way, or would I be able to buy it for cheaper on Reptile Basics and install it myself?

Apologies for all the questions, i'm new to having a cage like this instead of just a plastic tub.

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I've heard the extra 3 inches pays off when you need to clean the enclosure but be ready to wait 16 weeks to get the enclosure (I believe the T8 is available via Quick Ship).

I had an RHP sent to AP for them to install. Also opted for the glass doors w/ lock and the LED lights. I was a little surprised the LED lights did not come w/ a switch. You basically have to plug/unplug the cord to turn them on/off.

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Originally Posted by ckuhn003

I've heard the extra 3 inches pays off when you need to clean the enclosure but be ready to wait 16 weeks to get the enclosure (I believe the T8 is available via Quick Ship).

I had an RHP sent to AP for them to install. Also opted for the glass doors w/ lock and the LED lights. I was a little surprised the LED lights did not come w/ a switch. You basically have to plug/unplug the cord to turn them on/off.

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This seems like it'll be a lot of waiting, considering i'll be saving for the next few weeks to get it, lol. Hopefully ill have it by October at that rate.:rolleyes: Whats an RHP?

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Originally Posted by Slicercrush

This seems like it'll be a lot of waiting, considering i'll be saving for the next few weeks to get it, lol. Hopefully ill have it by October at that rate.:rolleyes: Whats an RHP?

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Radient Heat Panel. It's one of the recommended ways to heat a PVC enclosure. Most use this as the sole way of heating the enclosure. Others use a combination of an RHP and a UTH.

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Originally Posted by ckuhn003

Radient Heat Panel. It's one of the recommended ways to heat a PVC enclosure. Most use this as the sole way of heating the enclosure. Others use a combination of an RHP and a UTH.

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Ill have to check it out. Im guessing the heattape is much less efficient when it comes to pvc? Also, could you maybe link me in the right direction? Im super curious now.


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Originally Posted by Slicercrush

Ill have to check it out. Im guessing the heattape is much less efficient when it comes to pvc? Also, could you maybe link me in the right direction? Im super curious now.


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Others can correct me if I mispeak, but I believe heat tape will only provide you w/ belly heat whereas an RHP will help both the ambient temps and provide the ability to create a hotspot.

Correct, RHP's are designed to work more like the sun, and heat the air as well, with minimal loss of humidity. Undertank heaters just create a hot spot for belly heat, but do virtually nothing for ambient temps.

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Originally Posted by Avsha531

Correct, RHP's are designed to work more like the sun, and heat the air as well, with minimal loss of humidity. Undertank heaters just create a hot spot for belly heat, but do virtually nothing for ambient temps.

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Sounds great, ill definetly be looking into it. Gonna need to save up around $500 in the coming weeks first!

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Lol yup, I know the feeling. I'm saving for a couple T10's, with all the bells and whistles and RHP's and Herpstats gonna run me like $600-700 a pop lol. But so worth it. I just starting making the switch to PVC and its life changing.

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Originally Posted by Avsha531

Lol yup, I know the feeling. I'm saving for a couple T10's, with all the bells and whistles and RHP's and Herpstats gonna run me like $600-700 a pop lol. But so worth it. I just starting making the switch to PVC and its life changing.

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Yea, its mainly the RHPs and Herpstats thats driving up the price. Gotta get some fake plants and substrate too. Any recommendations for good RHPs?

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Slicercrush

I was thinking about maybe getting the T8 myself, do you guys think the extra 3in on the height is worth paying the extra amount for? Also, what accessories did you guys get with yours? I want to get Paarthurnax a nice setup, since he will probably be my only snake for a long time.

Edit: Couple of things, Lighting wise, do most go flourecent or LED? Also, is the heat tape that can be ordered along with it (For $35) installed in a specific way, or would I be able to buy it for cheaper on Reptile Basics and install it myself?

Apologies for all the questions, i'm new to having a cage like this instead of just a plastic tub.

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the extra height is worth it just for the cleaning. Do it!

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Originally Posted by Slicercrush

Yea, its mainly the RHPs and Herpstats thats driving up the price. Gotta get some fake plants and substrate too. Any recommendations for good RHPs?

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Bob at pro products. Personally would never go anywhere else. Tell him about your setup/species and he will select the right panel for you. Reptile Basics sells RHP's as well though
Bob Phone: 845-628-8960

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Originally Posted by Avsha531

Bob at pro products. Personally would never go anywhere else. Reptile Basics sells RHP's as well though
Bob Phone: 845-628-8960

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Ill give him a call later, thanks for the info!

Might need to make a new thread at this rate, lol

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Originally Posted by Slicercrush

Sounds great, ill definetly be looking into it. Gonna need to save up around $500 in the coming weeks first!

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Yep, I'm saving as well. You need the tank, rhp, uth, and the new thermostat. The thermostat is just as much as the t-10. For the one I want anyway.

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Originally Posted by Sunnieskys

Yep, I'm saving as well. You need the tank, rhp, uth, and the new thermostat. The thermostat is just as much as the t-10. For the one I want anyway.

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Lol same, will probably go with the Herp4 when I order 2 tanks, but may just go with the 6 because its not like I'm never getting more snakes lol

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Originally Posted by Avsha531

Lol same, will probably go with the Herp4 when I order 2 tanks, but may just go with the 6 because its not like I'm never getting more snakes lol

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I thibk ill probably stick with a herpstat 1, since i know i wont be getting any more for a while lol.

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Originally Posted by Sunnieskys

Yep, I'm saving as well. You need the tank, rhp, uth, and the new thermostat. The thermostat is just as much as the t-10. For the one I want anyway.

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Could you just use heattape for the uth, or is the pvc too thick?

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Slicercrush

Could you just use heattape for the uth, or is the pvc too thick?

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I personally would not use only heat tape for a BP unless the air temps in the room are kept like 78+. My BC is in a boaphiles cage with only heat tape, but the BP's need the higher ambient temps. However the thickness of the PVC doesn't affect the UTH, those can get pretty hot!

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Originally Posted by Avsha531

I personally would not use only heat tape for a BP unless the air temps in the room are kept like 78+. My BC is in a boaphiles cage with only heat tape, but the BP's need the higher ambient temps. However the thickness of the PVC doesn't affect the UTH, those can get pretty hot!

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Dont mean to change the topic but since you brought it up, what are the differences in ambient temp requirements for a BP and BOA. I’m going to put a Boa in my old pvc cage which has two UTHs and no RHPs.

My BP I keep ambients in the low 80s, with a hotspot at 91 highest. My BC I keep the uth at 87-88, and ambients in PVC with just the heat tape is 79 hot side and 77 cool side. From what I've seen BI like it a little warmer than BC though

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Forgot to mention, this is with my room temps staying at 72-73 degrees

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Originally Posted by Avsha531

My BP I keep ambients in the low 80s, with a hotspot at 91 highest. My BC I keep the uth at 87-88, and ambients in PVC with just the heat tape is 79 hot side and 77 cool side. From what I've seen BI like it a little warmer than BC though

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Ok, so not too much difference. I keep my BP ambients in the high 70s (77-78) and sometimes it will dip to 75ish in the coldest of winter nights. My hotside UTH is around 92 and the cool side uth I believe is around 83.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Avsha531

I personally would not use only heat tape for a BP unless the air temps in the room are kept like 78+. My BC is in a boaphiles cage with only heat tape, but the BP's need the higher ambient temps. However the thickness of the PVC doesn't affect the UTH, those can get pretty hot!

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Just curious, anyone know the difference between a herpstat 1 and the herpstat 1 basic? Wondering what they cut to lower the costs


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Originally Posted by ckuhn003

Ok, so not too much difference. I keep my BP ambients in the high 70s (77-78) and sometimes it will dip to 75ish in the coldest of winter nights. My hotside UTH is around 92 and the cool side uth I believe is around 83.

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Was looking at this and thinking of picking up since im going to the expo, what do you guys think? Should i still go with AP? http://www.reptilebasics.com/show-pi...ble-door-cage/

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Originally Posted by Slicercrush

Was looking at this and thinking of picking up since im going to the expo, what do you guys think? Should i still go with AP? http://www.reptilebasics.com/show-pi...ble-door-cage/

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I cant speak for the quality of this cage but Animal Plastics has the same size (T8) for $25 cheaper. I’m not sure if it qualifies for quick shop so I would check.

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Originally Posted by ckuhn003

I cant speak for the quality of this cage but Animal Plastics has the same size (T8) for $25 cheaper. I’m not sure if it qualifies for quick shop so I would check.

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True, but with the $45 shipping, it would be cheaper to get the RB one, which is why i was curious of the quality comparison. Ill probably google it when im home from work (gotta make money for this enclosure!)

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Missed a few posts while I was out of town.

Remember if you plan to use both heat tape for belly heat and a radiant heat panel for ambient, you will need to control both heat sources, not just one. Some people just use a radiant heat panel and put it on one end and heat the ambient on that end to around 90. I want to just have the hot spot on the floor and not heat everything up.

I also went with the reptile basics RHP. They also shipped directly to AP who then installed it before they shipped my T10. I just couldn't justify almost twice the price after shipping. I also got the heat tape directly from AP. If I had known more about it, I might have gone a different route. I don't like the way you kind of have to leave it hanging out the back or side on the cage based on the instructions, especially when it's just taped to the bottom. It doesn't have any issues heating the pvc and keeping the floor at the correct temp.

If you only go with one heat source, then you could probably just go with the Herpstat 1 basic. The differences I could find were something about the clocks, which won't really matter for constant temp control, it won't do humidity, which again won't matter for this application and it takes out the safety relay feature. I guess that last one might concern me a little, I don't know what effect that would have if the unit fails. You might want to research that a little more. I'll try to get some pics this evening if I get a chance.

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Originally Posted by slseals1969

Missed a few posts while I was out of town.

Remember if you plan to use both heat tape for belly heat and a radiant heat panel for ambient, you will need to control both heat sources, not just one. Some people just use a radiant heat panel and put it on one end and heat the ambient on that end to around 90. I want to just have the hot spot on the floor and not heat everything up.

I also went with the reptile basics RHP. They also shipped directly to AP who then installed it before they shipped my T10. I just couldn't justify almost twice the price after shipping. I also got the heat tape directly from AP. If I had known more about it, I might have gone a different route. I don't like the way you kind of have to leave it hanging out the back or side on the cage based on the instructions, especially when it's just taped to the bottom. It doesn't have any issues heating the pvc and keeping the floor at the correct temp.

If you only go with one heat source, then you could probably just go with the Herpstat 1 basic. The differences I could find were something about the clocks, which won't really matter for constant temp control, it won't do humidity, which again won't matter for this application and it takes out the safety relay feature. I guess that last one might concern me a little, I don't know what effect that would have if the unit fails. You might want to research that a little more. I'll try to get some pics this evening if I get a chance.

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Ill probably be going with an RHP only, i have an extra thermostat for belly heat if i change my mind later. Ill also be probably getting a normal Herpstat 1, any pics are appreciated!

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I've had the hardest time getting decent pics but here's what I finally got, not great but I think you can get the idea. More greenery should get here tomorrow. She's got two identical hides in the back, another large one up front and the giant cork log.

She has stayed in the back hide on the left since shortly after I feed her. I got a little worried since she's usually roaming about daily so I finally took her out to check on her and immediately realized that her eyes were completely gray. I put her straight back in the hide and covered her back up and moved the Herpstat humidity up to 70. Shortly after I found her in the hide on the right and then next time I checked she was back in the left hide.

Today would be feeding day but decided to put it off til she comes out again. She was completely calm when I took her out so I'll just keep an eye on her until she comes out looking for food, which is usually all the time. Decided it wasn't a good time for a weigh in our measure either. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...815d241326.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...2e4bfa9a7b.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...eafc55bf80.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...c7b796262f.jpg

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Originally Posted by slseals1969

I've had the hardest time getting decent pics but here's what I finally got, not great but I think you can get the idea. More greenery should get here tomorrow. She's got two identical hides in the back, another large one up front and the giant cork log.

She has stayed in the back hide on the left since shortly after I feed her. I got a little worried since she's usually roaming about daily so I finally took her out to check on her and immediately realized that her eyes were completely gray. I put her straight back in the hide and covered her back up and moved the Herpstat humidity up to 70. Shortly after I found her in the hide on the right and then next time I checked she was back in the left hide.

Today would be feeding day but decided to put it off til she comes out again. She was completely calm when I took her out so I'll just keep an eye on her until she comes out looking for food, which is usually all the time. Decided it wasn't a good time for a weigh in our measure either. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...815d241326.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...2e4bfa9a7b.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...eafc55bf80.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...c7b796262f.jpg

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Pretty cage! Just curious, do you have any idea on how the humidity on the herpstat works?


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Originally Posted by Slicercrush

Pretty cage! Just curious, do you have any idea on how the humidity on the herpstat works?

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I don't believe you can control humidity w/ the herpstat; only temps and I believe lighting cycles.

You have to buy a specific humidity sensor and then there are different settings for how it operates when the humidity is out of the parameters you set. I have mine connected to the Habba- mist that I already had. So when it dips a couple points below the 70 set point I entered it turns power on to that specific plug.

I set the mister for 30 second mist so it either sprays until the humidity is reached and the Herpstat cuts power or for 30 seconds. It doesn't take much to raise humidity in the new pvc enclosure so it usually just runs for a few seconds until the Herpstat turns it back off.

Only problem I have noticed is humidity drops really quick any time one of the doors is opened. That usually cuts the mist on right away so you can see the right glass is a little fogged since the mister overcompensated slightly. It went up to about 75 right before I took the last pictures because I opened the door. I'll let it equalize a little then open the door again if it's still too high. I'm still learning but I may just turn the mister off before I open the door and then let it equalize and turn it back on. It seems to be working very well so far. I'll just check periodically and make sure there's no mold issue.

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Originally Posted by ckuhn003

I don't believe you can control humidity w/ the herpstat; only temps and I believe lighting cycles.

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The higher models (Herpstat 1 and up I believe) allow you to use a misting system with the Herpstat, if you purchase a humidity probe. I don't know how it works, as I don't have a humidity probe and I don't need a misting system, but the option exists.

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Originally Posted by slseals1969

You have to buy a specific humidity sensor and then there are different settings for how it operates when the humidity is out of the parameters you set. I have mine connected to the Habba- mist that I already had. So when it dips a couple points below the 70 set point I entered it turns power on to that specific plug.

I set the mister for 30 second mist so it either sprays until the humidity is reached and the Herpstat cuts power or for 30 seconds. It doesn't take much to raise humidity in the new pvc enclosure so it usually just runs for a few seconds until the Herpstat turns it back off.

Only problem I have noticed is humidity drops really quick any time one of the doors is opened. That usually cuts the mist on right away so you can see the right glass is a little fogged since the mister overcompensated slightly. It went up to about 75 right before I took the last pictures because I opened the door. I'll let it equalize a little then open the door again if it's still too high. I'm still learning but I may just turn the mister off before I open the door and then let it equalize and turn it back on. It seems to be working very well so far. I'll just check periodically and make sure there's no mold issue.

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Would you recommend a mister for a tank like that? Havent really needed to bother with humidity much yet, since tubs are super easy - just move a water bowl left or right

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It's probably overkill with PVC but I already had it to control humidity in the glass tanks we had been using.

It is nice to have everything controlled. I travel a bit so it's really nice not having to worry if someone checked the humidity for me or not when I am gone. With a RHP it may not be as easy as moving a water dish but someone else would have to comment on that. It is very nice not having to guess at humidity and how much to mist to get to the correct humidity but the Habba- mist isn't the cheapest either.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by slseals1969

It's probably overkill with PVC but I already had it to control humidity in the glass tanks we had been using.

It is nice to have everything controlled. I travel a bit so it's really nice not having to worry if someone checked the humidity for me or not when I am gone. With a RHP it may not be as easy as moving a water dish but someone else would have to comment on that. It is very nice not having to guess at humidity and how much to mist to get to the correct humidity but the Habba- mist isn't the cheapest either.

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Also not the best reviews from what i see, either. Might look around a bit see what i can find, did you have to make any modifications to the cage for the mister?

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You have to drill holes for things like temp and humidity probes if you want a clean look.

For the mister, it has rubber tubing. It has one that comes off the mister and then Ts into two separate hoses with sprayer nozzles on the ends. I drilled two holes right under the shelf just the size of the tubing, disconnected the nozzles and feed the hose through and reconnected the nozzles. It's hard to even see them under the shelf but it looks like they are just attached to the back wall. All the hose is hidden in back.

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None of the misting systems had great reviews when I was researching. These had the better of the not so good reviews so I decided to get one and try it out. Amazon had a pretty good deal at the time. After having good results with the first, I didn't hesitate when we got another snake. I have had great results with both of them. The second had a broken part that couldn't be replaced and Zoo-med went above and beyond to remedy the problem. I can't say enough good things about their customer service and response.

I'm only one example out of all the reviews but I have two and love them.

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Originally Posted by slseals1969

None of the misting systems had great reviews when I was researching. These had the better of the not so good reviews so I decided to get one and try it out. Amazon had a pretty good deal at the time. After having good results with the first, I didn't hesitate when we got another snake. I have had great results with both of them. The second had a broken part that couldn't be replaced and Zoo-med went above and beyond to remedy the problem. I can't say enough good things about their customer service and response.

I'm only one example out of all the reviews but I have two and love them.

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Very true, i might add it on later, since the price for this cage keeps rising lol

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It doesn't seem that expensive until you start adding all of the other support items you need to go with it. The humidity probe itself ain't cheap but add in the RHP, Herpstat, lighting, decor, something to put the whole setup on etc etc, it cost way more than the snake did. Obviously I won't skimp on taking care of her but it was not a cheap endeavor.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by slseals1969

It doesn't seem that expensive until you start adding all of the other support items you need to go with it. The humidity probe itself ain't cheap but add in the RHP, Herpstat, lighting, decor, something to put the whole setup on etc etc, it cost way more than the snake did. Obviously I won't skimp on taking care of her but it was not a cheap endeavor.

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Very true. $160 for the cage goes up to $230 with lights and locks, then $50-100 for RHP, $135 for herpstat... expensive, but worth it since itll be his home for a very long time, better than a tub.

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