I have a 2 year old ball python, and I'm planning to replace his tank with an Animal Plastics enclosure.
I talked to Animal Plastics employees at their vendor booth at the NARBC this past weekend. They gave me a lot of great information, but they did make it clear that they liked to leave the decisions up to the buyers, as they themselves are not animal keepers. I just want to get and idea of the experience others have had with their products.
They suggested a T3 cage (36L x 24D x 12H) for a full grown male ball python. They could install Flexwatt belly heat on the bottom, and suggested I contact Pro-productswho would install a heat panel before AP even ships me the cage. I asked them if I still would need to have the 8.5" circle screen installed for a heat lamp, or at the very least, extra ventilation.
They told me that the vent at the back of the cage should be sufficient for ventilation, but I COULD have the circle screen installed on the top. Are three heat sources overkill? Of course, they would all be attached to thermostats, but I'd rather just use the panel and belly heat, if that would be sufficient. I'm scared of getting the enclosure made, and then I realize I do or don't want the circle screen later. It's going to cost around $300, so I want to make sure I get it right.
They could also install florescent or LED lights, which would of course just provide the cage with light.
If it would provide him with enough heat (and air) I would not get the circle screen, and just get the panel and belly heat. Also, does Pro-products install the heat panel on the top, or on the side? I've gotten conflicting information.