How to set up a PVC cage (AP T8) With Pictures!

[danojeno]

Thanks. I know that Animal Plastics recommends Pro Products. At this point, I'm first trying to decide whether I just try the heat tape without RHPs (which would save me about $150). I'm thinking that as we enter the summer months and the room temperature in my house is in the 78-82 range, the heat tape and fluorescent lights will be sufficient. Thus, I probably won't know until next winter (when the room temperatures in my house drop to 68-72) whether I need to add the RHPs. In one sense, that is nice because it means I don't have to spend the money on the RHPs now and will feel more comfortable buying the T8 now. How difficult is it to add the RHPs to a T8 yourself after it is all set up?

It is cleaner, but not necessary, to have AP install the RHPs. In addition to the basic install, which looks quite easy, they router channels for the power cords. This looks alot cleaner. Now, if you have 78 to 82 temps in that room, you are not going to be running squat for heat, if the fluorescents are on. The other day we had a crazy heat spell and I came home to a screaming Herpstat alarm, set to 86. Ambient room temp was 82 and the fluorescents cooked up the cage to 86. Temp gradient is easy to maintain...unless your room temp equals your ideal ambient or cool side temp. Then any heat you throw at the hot side erases the gradient. Not a big deal, but gotta watch out for the light usage when the room is warm.