Large adult snake housing questions inside!

[Slyther83]

I am looking to condense my snakes into a stackable setup. I've narrowed my source down to Sentec cages (based on many good reviews amongst forums) but I had a few questions for anyone with comparable setups.

Sliding glass doors vs slam latch?

Are cage dividers for maintenance worthwhile?

Will flexwat heat tape alone keep a 72x30x22.5 enclosure up to temperature, assuming the room remains at a constant 70-72 degrees?

[jason221]

Flexwatt will not maintain appropriate ambient temperatures, especially if the cage is on its own (not stacked). I can't speak to whether temperatures would improve if your cages were stacked, but I doubt it. The easiest solution is to get some sort of space heater to keep the room at about 80 degrees. Flexwatt is most appropriate for belly heat such as a 90 degree hotspot.

[Crazy4Herps]

I really like sliding glass doors as opposed to swinging doors for ease of feeding; I can open the door just enough to get a rat on tongs inside, and still have the glass between my hand / body and the snake. But substrate can get stuck in the ruts, so it's a toss up.

Depends on how much the dividers are. You really don't need a divider, though.

If you've got a good thermostat (Johnsons, Ranco, Herpstat, Helix, etc.), yes flexwatt will get basking temps where they need to be. Ambients can be more tricky, especially for arboreal snakes. I've got a space heater in my snake room, I keep the room at 70 and the UTH's in the cage are enough to bump ambients 5 or 10 degrees. The space heater also gives me peace of mind if any of my snakes get out, knowing they won't freeze.

If you're still shopping, I highly recommend Animal Plastics cages. I've been using them for all of my larger snakes for years and I absolutely love them.

[mainbutter]

I like sliding glass doors when safety is a necessity (or for flighty animals etc).

I don't use them, as it is no concern for any animals I keep. A bite from my biggest carpet python would suck, but the conveniences of swing doors for cleaning and cage access are wonderful for my situation.

+1 on animal plastics for cages. That's what I use. I've been thinking of trying boaphile lately, they make some fantastic products as well.

[Slyther83]

Thanks for the info guys- I'm gonna check out Animal Plastics as well.

Do you think a radian heat panel inside them would be necessary to supplement the flexwatt ? The room my snakes are in is generally 72-73 degrees.

[Wh00h0069]

Thanks for the info guys- I'm gonna check out Animal Plastics as well.

Do you think a radian heat panel inside them would be necessary to supplement the flexwatt ? The room my snakes are in is generally 72-73 degrees.

Yes, the flexwatt will only heat the area right above flexwatt. You will need a RHP to heat the air. When using an RHP, there really is no reason to use flexwatt.

[Slyther83]

What size rhp would you recommend for a 72x30x18?

Do they get mounted inside or would a snake get burned touching it I have no exp with radiant heat panels.

I read up, looks like an 80w would make the most sense. These are pretty damn cool.. Seemingly more efficient than bulbs or tape.

[jason221]

I wouldn't get a RHP if you are getting more than one cage. It makes more sense to use a single space heater than to buy several RHPs which cost about $90 each.

[Slyther83]

I wouldn't get a RHP if you are getting more than one cage. It makes more sense to use a single space heater than to buy several RHPs which cost about $90 each.

A space heater to keep the entire room warm?

[jason221]

A space heater to keep the entire room warm?

Yeah. Works best if it's not your room, though. Most people don't like sleeping in 80 degree temperatures.