T-10 or Reptile Basic

Recently, ive gotten the urge to get Paarthurnax a more...pretty...home, compared to his usual tub. Ive been looking around at PVC cages, and was originally decided on a AP T-8 (maybe a T-10 if i really want that extra room), but then i saw Reptile Basics had this one for a bit cheaper,http://www.reptilebasics.com/show-pi...ble-door-cage/ , and i could pick it up at the white plains show i was originally planning on attending anyways. Do you guys think the quality of AP is worth waitung longer for, or should i grab thr one from RB while i can?

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I have never owned or seen RBI cages in person but i can attest that AP cages are awesome and very well done. Plus the customer service is awesome. Worth the wait imo. Only downside is their LED lights suck...but i still order them lol. Luckily, Ali is happy to send me replacements when they go haywire on me.

Also, if i were you, stick to at least 15 inches of height. I have T8s and T10s and T25s and 3 inches doesnt sound like much but when cleaning out the cages and trying to reach into the back, 3 inches might as well be 1 foot lol.

Comparing apples to apples the T8 will probably be about the same cost with shipping.

But the real question is, is the RB what you want? It seems that it only comes with drop down acrylic doors. At least with AP you can get glass, and for the same amount. So is the RB what you want, or are settling due to the time wait with AP?

I have drop down, swing out, and sliding glass. They all have their benefits, but at the end of the day I’ll take glass, even if it costs more.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...332fc30b36.jpg
A25 on left, Boaphile 6 ft on top right, 3 T25’s on bottom right.


BTW, someone did a nice write up on the RB. You may want to do a search.

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Originally Posted by Reinz

Comparing apples to apples the T8 will probably be about the same cost with shipping.

But the real question is, is the RB what you want? It seems that it only comes with drop down acrylic doors. At least with AP you can get glass, and for the same amount. So is the RB what you want, or are settling due to the time wait with AP?

I have drop down, swing out, and sliding glass. They all have their benefits, but at the end of the day I’ll take glass, even if it costs more.
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...332fc30b36.jpg
A25 on left, Boaphile 6 ft on top right, 3 T25’s on bottom right.


BTW, someone did a nice write up on the RB. You may want to do a search.

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Did a little searching around and found it. Honestly, i'll probably save up the extra bit to get the AP cage. Yea, the wait time is going to be terrible, but I feel like it'll be more worth it in the end. Only thing is now, do I want LEDs or Florescent lights, and should I get cage door locks?

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Originally Posted by Slicercrush

Did a little searching around and found it. Honestly, i'll probably save up the extra bit to get the AP cage. Yea, the wait time is going to be terrible, but I feel like it'll be more worth it in the end. Only thing is now, do I want LEDs or Florescent lights, and should I get cage door locks?

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Ive had fluorescent lights, I prefer LEDs. The remote along with color options are sweet. However, AP only offers either white or red LEDS.

If anyone else lives in your home besides you, get locks. At least to have on hand when an occasion may apply.

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Originally Posted by Reinz

Ive had fluorescent lights, I prefer LEDs. The remote along with color options are sweet. However, AP only offers either white or red LEDS.

If anyone else lives in your home besides you, get locks. At least to have on hand when an occasion may apply.

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Ill probably get the locks then, its a good idea. Though, im a little confused, tried making a cart so i could see the funal cost, but it isnt showing shipping?

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Originally Posted by Slicercrush

Ill probably get the locks then, its a good idea. Though, im a little confused, tried making a cart so i could see the funal cost, but it isnt showing shipping?

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I don't think they have a proper shipping program. They only charge exact shipping and like to get all of the correct weights and measurements.

The advantage of ordering on the website is you slotted in the que. Then call in a day or so to finalize.

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Originally Posted by Reinz

I don't think they have a proper shipping program. They only charge exact shipping and like to get all of the correct weights and measurements.

The advantage of ordering on the website is you slotted in the que. Then call in a day or so to finalize.

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Sounds good, ill have to keep an eye on it. Thanks!

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Originally Posted by Reinz

Ive had fluorescent lights, I prefer LEDs. The remote along with color options are sweet. However, AP only offers either white or red LEDS.

If anyone else lives in your home besides you, get locks. At least to have on hand when an occasion may apply.

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Please explain this remote you speak of. I just got my T10 in the mail this week with LED lights and I don’t remember seeing a remote.

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Originally Posted by ckuhn003

Please explain this remote you speak of. I just got my T10 in the mail this week with LED lights and I don’t remember seeing a remote.

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Sorry I wasn’t clear on this. All of my LEDs were purchased elsewhere because I wanted multi colors.

I bought my lights on Amazon. I believe that they were just under $20 per set.

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Originally Posted by Reinz

Sorry I wasn’t clear on this. All of my LEDs were purchased elsewhere because I wanted multi colors.

I bought my lights on Amazon. I believe that they were just under $20 per set.

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Im curious, would you recommend buying them seperate, or just have AP install them? Also do they have a slot for an RHP or would i need to drill my own holes?

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Originally Posted by Slicercrush

Im curious, would you recommend buying them seperate, or just have AP install them? Also do they have a slot for an RHP or would i need to drill my own holes?

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AP routes a channel 6 inches from the back wall that i believe it is 10MM led strips can recess into to keep snakes from pulling them down. They also cut a slot in the top and route a channel in the outside top as well to fit the connector and the cable out of.

You can have AP install the RHP if you have it sent to them. That is what i am doing right now with Pat my GTPs cage.

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Originally Posted by Sauzo

AP routes a channel 6 inches from the back wall that i believe it is 10MM led strips can recess into to keep snakes from pulling them down. They also cut a slot in the top and route a channel in the outside top as well to fit the connector and the cable out of.

You can have AP install the RHP if you have it sent to them. That is what i am doing right now with Pat my GTPs cage.

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So after purchasing the cage, i guess i would just call/email them about that and send it over?

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Originally Posted by Slicercrush

So after purchasing the cage, i guess i would just call/email them about that and send it over?

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Yes, or if you haven’t purchased it yet just have RB or Pro Products ship it to them.

AP channels in two different sizes, 10mm and I’m not sure, but think it is 8mm. I prefer lights in the front as opposed to the back. I think it looks more natural so to speak. I don’t like seeing the light bulbs.

I highly recommend the channels. I had LEDs in 5 of my cages before I knew about AP offering LEDs. 2 of my snakes have managed to pull the light strips down and swing on them like a trapeze. It’s a real pain trying to repair that after the cages are already built.

I ordered 2 reptile basics 48x24x15. They seem solid and very affordable from review. Ordered mine with led option


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I have one RBI 2'x3'x12" and am adding a second.

I like the fact that it came fully assembled with the LEDs installed (although they do have an on/off switch, I wish they had a dimmer). The packaging was amazing, but still the carrier managed to damage one side panel. I emailed Reptile Basics and their customer service could not have been better. They asked if I was comfortable replacing the side panel myself (I was) and two days later both left and right side panels (even though I only needed the right) arrived with new screws and the square head bit I would need. They also refunded $25 for my trouble even though it clearly was not their fault.

The routing for the UTH and UTH probe was great. I wasn't completely comfortable with the tape they provide to secure their UTH so I did add Gorilla Tape around the edge of the UTH.

I also wasn't comfortable with the stainless screws they provided to secure the RHP, so I picked up stainless bolts and nyloc nuts instead.

My only criticism after having the RBI for a few months is that the finish on the cuts, especially around the door, was rough. A little sand paper took care of that problem.

Would I prefer glass to plexiglass? Absolutely. But am I willing to wait 4 months for it. Nope.

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Originally Posted by larryd23

I have one RBI 2'x3'x12" and am adding a second.

I like the fact that it came fully assembled with the LEDs installed (although they do have an on/off switch, I wish they had a dimmer). The packaging was amazing, but still the carrier managed to damage one side panel. I emailed Reptile Basics and their customer service could not have been better. They asked if I was comfortable replacing the side panel myself (I was) and two days later both left and right side panels (even though I only needed the right) arrived with new screws and the square head bit I would need. They also refunded $25 for my trouble even though it clearly was not their fault.

The routing for the UTH and UTH probe was great. I wasn't completely comfortable with the tape they provide to secure their UTH so I did add Gorilla Tape around the edge of the UTH.

I also wasn't comfortable with the stainless screws they provided to secure the RHP, so I picked up stainless bolts and nyloc nuts instead.

My only criticism after having the RBI for a few months is that the finish on the cuts, especially around the door, was rough. A little sand paper took care of that problem.

Would I prefer glass to plexiglass? Absolutely. But am I willing to wait 4 months for it. Nope.

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With this all said, im just curious, was there mounting for your RHP already drilled, or did you ask for that custom? If i order RBI, id be picking it up in person, probably unassembled.

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Originally Posted by Slicercrush

With this all said, im just curious, was there mounting for your RHP already drilled, or did you ask for that custom? If i order RBI, id be picking it up in person, probably unassembled.

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There were no mounting holes drilled for the RHP. On the advice of more experienced hobbyists on this site, I install my RHP on the left side of the viv, over the UTH.

I purchased an 80 watt RHP which does a great job of maintaining temps in my home, where I keep the temp around 70 degrees.

I know that the 2'x3'x12" viv comes assembled. I believe that the larger vivs may be shipped unassembled. I think the information is on their website.

You can find some pics of my RHP installation here: https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...54#post2615854

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Originally Posted by Reinz

Yes, or if you haven’t purchased it yet just have RB or Pro Products ship it to them.

AP channels in two different sizes, 10mm and I’m not sure, but think it is 8mm. I prefer lights in the front as opposed to the back. I think it looks more natural so to speak. I don’t like seeing the light bulbs.

I highly recommend the channels. I had LEDs in 5 of my cages before I knew about AP offering LEDs. 2 of my snakes have managed to pull the light strips down and swing on them like a trapeze. It’s a real pain trying to repair that after the cages are already built.

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Im gonna start lookimg at all the pros and cons, see what i hve to work with. I forgot i had actually emailed Cserpants a while ago about a 2tier rack and they just got back to me stating it would be $180 with $45 shipping, which would be nice, but then id be tempted to get another snake right away.. so im debating that as well. Ugh, i hade decisions like this. Another snake, or 1 snake in a beautiful enclosure

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One more questions with the T-10/8, the ambient temperatures of my room are usually between 70-75F (it stays pretty warm even during the winter do to my PC and fishtank also in the room), so would i need both a RHP and a UTH, or would i be fine running the hot spot only using a RHP to make the gradient?

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I maintain 80 degree ambient temp with the RHP and 90 degree belly heat with the UTH. So... I use both. The expense isn't in the heat source, it's in the thermostat. I use Herpstat which seems to be universally regarded as one of the best, if not the best.

But on that subject I wouldn't take advice from me. There are many more experienced hobbiests on this forum who are better equipped to answer that question.

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Originally Posted by larryd23

I maintain 80 degree ambient temp with the RHP and 90 degree belly heat with the UTH. So... I use both. The expense isn't in the heat source, it's in the thermostat. I use Herpstat which seems to be universally regarded as one of the best, if not the best.

But on that subject I wouldn't take advice from me. There are many more experienced hobbiests on this forum who are better equipped to answer that question.

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Its not even really the expense, i have heattape/uths already, im just curious if i would need one or both. Also kind of decides whether j get a herpstat 2 or 1, but i might end up just getting the 2 to make sure i have all my bases covered

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Originally Posted by Reinz

Ive had fluorescent lights, I prefer LEDs. The remote along with color options are sweet. However, AP only offers either white or red LEDS.

If anyone else lives in your home besides you, get locks. At least to have on hand when an occasion may apply.

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Thinking back on the lighting situation, do you guys think i would be better off buying a waterproof LED kit off of amazon, and just asking them to cut the inlet for them to install myself, or should i just get the LEDs they provide and pay the extra $20 for less hassle?

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Originally Posted by Slicercrush

Thinking back on the lighting situation, do you guys think i would be better off buying a waterproof LED kit off of amazon, and just asking them to cut the inlet for them to install myself, or should i just get the LEDs they provide and pay the extra $20 for less hassle?

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If you decide on RBI, I would get their LEDs. They look good and work great. Well worth the expense. Well worth the $25 charge. And as for the Herpstat, buy the Herpstat 2 at a minimum. I bought a Herpstat 1 with our first BP. When I bought our second BP, I bought the Herpstat 6.

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Originally Posted by larryd23

If you decide on RBI, I would get their LEDs. They look good and work great. Well worth the expense. Well worth the $25 charge. And as for the Herpstat, buy the Herpstat 2 at a minimum. I bought a Herpstat 1 with our first BP. When I bought our second BP, I bought the Herpstat 6.

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I think im going to go with AP, so thoughts?

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Originally Posted by Slicercrush

I think im going to go with AP, so thoughts?

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Good choice. To be honest, i find AP LEDs are junk, yet i keep having them add them to my cages lol. A lot of people dont have problems with them but i do. Out of 9 AP cages, i have had to replace lighting in 7 of them. Not hard but just a hassle as i have to take cages off the stack and then remove the tops, flip them over, pull out the old strips and put in the new one. Ali has been awesome and never given me grief about sending me new lights even after a year. i do give her grief about it and she sent me the water resistant ones they were working on and they works so far.

As for just having them route out the channel in the roof and ordering lights from Amazon or something, they will do it. Remember to ask what size their channel is though. I asked Ali when i last talked to her but i forgot now. Like Reinz said, i think they are 8 or 10 mm. I personally would just have them install them. They warranty them and like i said, a lot of people dont have problems. Maybe its because i run high humidity with my boas and the humidity builds up in the channel above the light strip since it is the highest point, who knows.

Oh and personally i would spring for the shelf option. Easy and cheap way to add more floor space to the cage and my BP uses it when she is out and about most of the time.

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Originally Posted by Sauzo

Good choice. To be honest, i find AP LEDs are junk, yet i keep having them add them to my cages lol. A lot of people dont have problems with them but i do. Out of 9 AP cages, i have had to replace lighting in 7 of them. Not hard but just a hassle as i have to take cages off the stack and then remove the tops, flip them over, pull out the old strips and put in the new one. Ali has been awesome and never given me grief about sending me new lights even after a year. i do give her grief about it and she sent me the water resistant ones they were working on and they works so far.

As for just having them route out the channel in the roof and ordering lights from Amazon or something, they will do it. Remember to ask what size their channel is though. I asked Ali when i last talked to her but i forgot now. Like Reinz said, i think they are 8 or 10 mm. I personally would just have them install them. They warranty them and like i said, a lot of people dont have problems. Maybe its because i run high humidity with my boas and the humidity builds up in the channel above the light strip since it is the highest point, who knows.

Oh and personally i would spring for the shelf option. Easy and cheap way to add more floor space to the cage and my BP uses it when she is out and about most of the time.

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Sounds good. Ill have to contact ali either tomorrow or sometime next week. Does anyone here have any preference on the white or blue LEDs?

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Originally Posted by Slicercrush

Sounds good. Ill have to contact ali either tomorrow or sometime next week. Does anyone here have any preference on the white or blue LEDs?

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Well it Memorial weekend so I doubt they will be around until Tuesday.

As for what color, i use whit lighting.

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Originally Posted by Sauzo

Well it Memorial weekend so I doubt they will be around until Tuesday.

As for what color, i use whit lighting.

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Very true, main reason why i probably wouldnt have tried. I was just worried maybe the white being a little too bright for the snake, maybe im just paranoid at this point

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Originally Posted by Slicercrush

I think im going to go with AP, so thoughts?

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AP is an excellent choice. I probably would have gone with them were it not for the extremely long lead time. Having said that, I'm very happy with my RBI viv and plan on purchasing more from them.

The LED lighting is very bright. When I have the time I'm going to add an inline dimmer. As it is now, I only really using the LED lighting when I'm searching for pee and poop.

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Originally Posted by Slicercrush

Very true, main reason why i probably wouldnt have tried. I was just worried maybe the white being a little too bright for the snake, maybe im just paranoid at this point

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It will be fine especially if you get the shelf. The shelf will add a dark strip on the cage floor that most of my snakes like to use a hide. The lighting isnt bad though. None of my snakes seem to care about it. I feel you need to give snakes or any animal a day/night light cycle. And as long as you are offering hides and with a shelf, the snake has plenty of places to get 'shade' if wanted.

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Originally Posted by larryd23

AP is an excellent choice. I probably would have gone with them were it not for the extremely long lead time. Having said that, I'm very happy with my RBI viv and plan on purchasing more from them.

The LED lighting is very bright. When I have the time I'm going to add an inline dimmer. As it is now, I only really using the LED lighting when I'm searching for pee and poop.

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Sounds good, i'll probably be investing in a timer, just so I can keep the lights on/off on a normal schedule. Does anyone have any recommendations for a stand? I may keep it on where he is now, but if I can find a decently priced stand, he might get his own little area in my room.