Well I have a cage that I built that I really like. It is an oak 3/4" oak plywood cage with a CHE heat source. It measures 4'x2'x2'. I use a Herpstat 1 to control it and temps are perfect. 90-92 on hot side and 78-80 on cool. I do have to use cypress as substrate to battle the CHE humidity sucking power. I only have to mist once every week or two in the summer and up to twice a week in winter. Humidity is 50-60%.

So that setup is working but now I want another snake or two. I think I want PVC cages that are 4'x2'x1'. That way I can stack them on my current oak stand to replace my old cage.

My concern is the that I have a cool house. I can't devote a room to snakes unfortunately. My room is 65-68F in winter and up to 73 in summer. I want to use PVC because humidity will be easier to control and I would like to use UTH for my heat source instead of a CHE. Of course I will use my Herpstat for regulation.

Will I have high enough ambient temps in a room that is 68f with only a UTH as a heats source?
Do any of you have PVC cages in rooms close to 68f?
If a second heat source is necessary, what do you use?

My goal is the simplest solution.

I am looking to get the cage at an expo this summer and then run it as a test setup for a week or so to perfect the setup. I just don't want to waste the money if it is going to need heat lamps or a CHE because then I will just forget it and keep what I have.


Thanks. As usual any input or experience is much appreciated.