Ordering T8-set up questions

[Stormy]

I will be ordering a T8 and had some questions on set up. Here's what I was goingn to go with:

Sliding glass doors
Door lock
Divider
Two holes in the top with screens for 8" lights

I will be getting a Herpstat thermostat as well for the UTH.

I'm ordering the divider because the set up will be for our little guy who is 6 months old now; plan on using it so he feel secure in 1/2 the cage then remove it once he's bigger.

On the lights: do I need two lamps or just one? I've read that the T8 holds heat/humidity much better then a glass tank which is what he's in now. Or would one spot for a lamp be better with the UTH on the other side?

Any advice is welcome

Thanks.

[Sauzo]

I wouldn't order any holes in the top. That will just be spots that humidity will escape from. Just mount a RHP for the heat since they are more energy efficient, don't dry the air out and don't ever need to be changed. Check out http://www.reptilebasics.com/rbi-radiant-heat-panels or http://pro-products.com/ . I personally use Pro Products ones but they are more expensive but very nice. With an RHP you wont need a UTH but you will a T-stat like a Herpstat to control it with. If you want lighting in there, just get LED lights or an 18" or 22" fluorescent fixture from Home Depot. I use http://www.homedepot.com/p/GE-18-in-...6466/100384834 in my cage and it works fine.

I too am looking at getting my little girl an AP cage or another Pro-Line. If I go AP, I will be getting a T10 with sliding glass doors and that's it. I will order and put in my own RHP and lighting as its really easy. I will do the T10 as I want that extra height for the RHP as I don't like anything sitting too close to it.

[Stormy]

I was just reading the sticky about setting up the T8; the flouresent lights aren't a threat to the snake as far as burns? I really like the look of the cages; much nicer then a glass tank and look easier to maintain.

[michaelt]

these are the LED lights i used in my T-8 work great different colors and such, would avoid the cutouts u were talking about,

Top of my T-8

[Stormy]

If I want to use the cage divided what size RHP would you suggest? Set up to a Herpstat of course

[michaelt]

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Cyron-9-i...5yc1vZc7phZebe link didn't post, with mine divided i use 2 40w from reptile basics

[Stormy]

Do you use a UTH also or just the RHP?

Sorry so many questions; just want to make sure I order everything I need

[michaelt]

i have a 11" flexwatt down the middle because I have 2 snakes in there, 2 40W RHP, controlled by herpstat 4

[Stormy]

That sounds like what I'm going to go with; may end up getting another male BP once I have a T8 set up and running correctly.

Thanks for all the help.

[D1C]

I was just reading the sticky about setting up the T8; the flouresent lights aren't a threat to the snake as far as burns? I really like the look of the cages; much nicer then a glass tank and look easier to maintain.

My T8 just came in. I chose the LED lights. They are a thin strip cut across the whole top of the cage. they are recessed in the top (so they dont stick out) and it is placed about 1/3 of the way from the back of the enclosure to allow room for a RHP. Ill take a pic if you like