PVC cage set up: couple of quick questions

[The Golem]

Just bought a 2'x'2'1' PVC cage and it's quite nice, more floor space than I was expecting - and a lot lighter. I'm about to set it up and wonder:
1. I have Flexwatt that is 23" long x 11.5" wide. Should I tape it in place so that left is cool and right side is warm, or front is cool and back is warm?
2. What to do about the bump from the probe? Do people usually use risers/casters/pads to lift the cage off the ground? Or don't even worry about it.

[The Golem]

Welp, think I figured it out. Temps are steady at 88-90 on warm side. I tried taping the probe onto the case and putting the flewxatt over it but it wouldn't sit flat so I decided to tape the probe on the outside.
Since it will be sitting on the floor I might use a piece of Reflectix underneath; it will help keep the temp steady and provide some noise insulation too.
No lighting installed, and not sure if any is needed; it will get indirect sunlight during the day.

The cage has a strong rubber/silicone smell so I'm going to let it air out for a few days and hope the smell goes away before introducing the snake to his new home. I think 1 brick of coco husk will provide a good layer of substrate.
There's plenty of room inside for 2 hides, 1 water bowl, a piece of cork flat and a branch.

[The Golem]

I was planning to put the PVC cage in my bedroom, but have been reading up on this material and now wonder why I bought it and if I should even keep it in my home at all or see if the store will take it back. Anyone have an opinion on this?

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a common synthetic material used extensively in plumbing, heating and cooling, particularly in new construction, remodeling and HVAC system replacement. PVC is also found in a host of other products, including vinyl siding and flooring, carpeting, wiring insulation, roofing materials, doors, windows and trim. If you have a high efficiency furnace, or plan to install one, chances are good that your heating and cooling contractor will use PVC piping on the furnace's fresh air intake and exhaust ports.The abundant use of PVC, especially in heating and cooling applications, has given rise to a new environmental concern, known as "outgassing."
Over time, PVC releases volatile organic compounds (VOC) into the air. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, this release, or outgassing, is suspected as a cause of health problems ranging from eye, nose and throat irritations to nausea, fatigue, dizziness and memory impairments, among others. The EPA states says long-term exposure to low levels of VOCs in water and air have been linked to permanent neurological, liver and kidney damage, and may play a role in reproductive disorders.
At room temperatures, PVCs are stable, but the chemicals used to manufacture it have a low boiling point. When heated (as would happen with a PVC furnace exhaust port or during a house fire), the release of VOCs into the air increases significantly.

[thejennabird]

Curious to know where you read that quote? Many, many users of this forum keep reptiles in PVC or plastic containers (Sterilite bins, RUBs, etc.) for years - frequently in their homes and bedrooms - with no noticeable health affects to humans or animals. In fact, PVC enclosures are one of the most recommended types of reptile cages because of their ability to maintain heat and humidity. Here's Boaphile's take on the issue, including a large number of citations and supporting documents.

It's worth noting that not all PVCs are the same, and some tend to "outgas" more than others. Depending on the manufacturer of your enclosure, the type of PVC used in your cage ("closed cell") is not the same type used by plumbers and construction applications ("plasticized PVC"). I know Animal Plastics uses a non-porous PVC that is supposedly better.

Some people do complain about the "plastic smell" of plastic enclosures, but this should dissipate quickly. People have rooms literally FULL of plastic enclosures with no overwhelmingly plastic smell or toxic fumes. This is because, well... note the dangerous temperatures listed by your quote are "furnace exhaust ports" and "house fires". Ie extreme temperatures that you or your snake should never be close to anyways.

[michaelt]

At the temps we use for our ball pythons it is safe.. Furnace exhaust ports are a lot higher in temp and fire..

[The Golem]

Thanks for the info. Did more reading about the different types of PVC. My concern was largely based on the smell of the enclosure; when I bought it, it was wrapped and sealed in plastic and probably had been for months so it really stank of silicone sealant.
Now a week later that's dissipated and there's just a slight plastic odour which will probably not be noticeable once the damp coca husk is in it.

Next problem is that it is less than 1 inch too big for the closet and position I wanted to put it in but I'm going to make it work somehow.