Animal Plastics PVC Cages

[NimbusPrime]

I'm looking into buying some PVC cages from Animal Plastics. I am interested in getting some feedback from other people who have bought products from them. I am looking at replacing the glass tanks that I have right now. My main problems with the glass tanks are that they're heavy, don't hold heat well, are terrible with humidity, and I want to upgrade my herps to bigger tank sizes.

So, I was looking at the PVC cages and Animal Plastics seems to have good prices and I've heard nothing but good things about them. But I'm looking for some first hand accounts or any other recommendations that are out there.

What I really want to know is how heavy the tanks are compared to glass tanks, or just as a general scale. I already have a rack I keep my tanks on, but its fairly high and I don't want to have huge heavy tanks on a high rack. Also, I am moving around a lot as I work and go to school so I want to make sure the tanks aren't going to be a huge hassle to move around.

Also, I want to know how well the heating elements that are available from AP are any good. Are they the best to use with their other products or do other UTH work? Currently I use Zoo Med heat mats with a switch dimmer and probe as well as infrared thermometers to keep the temps where I want. Can I still used my switch dimmers with the Flexwatt heating that is offered by AP? Or would I need to get a thermostat?

Any input would be so helpful. Thank you.

[Mr. Misha]

Where to start... Lol. I got my AP T12 (48x24x24) used and it's one of the best investments I've ever made. The AP PVC enclosures are VERY light and very easy to put together.

Temps wise, it holds temperature pretty well but if you don't have a RHP providing ambient temps, you'll have to make sure that your room stays at the right temperature. Instead of getting heat tape from AP, you can order THG heat tape with a plug-in connector from reptilebasics.com and save some money. I think it's like $3 bucks per sqf.

I'd highly suggest getting an actual thermostat to control the UTH. A dimmer only works when you're there. You can get an on/off thermostat like Hydrofarm for $35 bucks and you'll know your UTH isn't going to get hotter than what you set it. If you have a little bit of money though, I'd suggest the Herpstat line. You can try get one used for a good price. I ended up picking up a used Herpstat 4 for the same price as a new Herpstat 2 and it works great.

Other than that, i'd suggest getting glass sliding doors. They're much easier to clean and don't scratch like plexiglass does. Out of the add-ons, I'd probably would order the lamp and the locks. Maybe the divider if you decide to add one more snake into the enclosure.

Here's a good thread on AP enclosures. You might find a lot of answers here (don't know why they didn't sticky it yet).
http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?t=165571

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[NimbusPrime]

Oh my gosh, thank you so much! Super helpful! It really sounds like a good investment any way I look at it. I will defiantly look into the real thermostats. As for the heat tape, is it better to use the tape or actual pads? That was my only other question. Thank you so much for the response!!

[Mr. Misha]

I personally use heat tape in my enclosure just because I needed to cover a bigger heating area and it's a lot cheaper than buying a bigger heat mat. Plus, I think there's a warning on heat mats that says not to use them on any material besides glass.

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[nick654377]

I have 4 animal plastics tanks. they range with weight. I would say generaly around 60-80 lbs. I recommend using an rhp as if you do not provide atleast a 1/4 inch of space for air flow the heat tape/ flex watt will over heat and have a chance to cause a fire. investment wise best investment I have ever made and their customer service is superior. ali is phenominal. I needed a tank by Friday so I orderd a t8 on Monday and she had it to me Thursday afternoon. that is customer service to the max.

[Commandokev]

Here are my T8's. I am using Flexwatt heating tape and the 1 light for each tank. They are stacked with no air in between them or the desk they are sitting on. This IS safe because as you can see on the top of the second tank I have a Herpstat 2. This controls the temperatures of the Flexwatt mats and prevents them from getting too hot. I absolutely LOVE them so far. The quality is amazing and the set up was very easy. I highly recommend these cages.

[nick654377]

Reptile Basics shared THG Heat Inc.'s status.

December 1, 2013


Some important guidelines to follow when using heat tape:

1. Element should never have power applied while it is rolled (even the smallest amount) or overlapping other element. This is very critical and can lead to immediate or future failure. An unsafe buildup of heat will quickly occur in any area of contact!

2. Never use element on carpeting or other similar surface, even with a thermosta...t! There must always be at least a small (1/8" or more) air gap on at least one side of the element. An unsafe buildup of heat can occur causing pre mature product failure. Avoid using element under layers of material more than 1/2" thick including cage substrate.

3. Element should always be regulated with a thermostat. Under no circumstances should element be used unregulated and plugged directly into a power source. Try to locate the probe at the hottest area of element whenever possible (ex. on the element under the tub or enclosure).

4. It is important that the element be regularly inspected and that no part of the element be over 105° F and element is laying flat and smooth. Pay special attention to areas of element underneath objects where heat can build up to levels higher than areas exposed to the air. An example of this would be underneath tubs in reptile racks or under caging, seed flats, etc. This is very important for safe and continuous use of heat tape.

5. Do not mix sizes or wattages of element on one thermostat.

6. If using element in contact with any metal surface, the metal surface must be grounded. A shock hazard can exist as well as the possibility of induced voltage. If using metallic (aluminum) tape to fasten element do not overlap any of the electrical areas in the element- black conductive bars or copper buss bars.

[nick654377]

that is from rich at reptile basics. the owner of a company that sells the stuff.