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

[The Serpent Merchant]

So, here's my shopping list:

Already Have (and would use with a T8):

• Two adult BPs
• Two small ceramic water dishes
• Two Acurite Thermometers
• Four Reptile Basics large hides (two for each section of the T8 after divider is installed)
• ReptiBark

Animal Plastics

• One T8
• One T8 divider
• Two fluorescent lights
• One lock

Reptile Basics:

• Two feet of 12" inch heat tape
• THGHeat Wire/Clip/Insulator Set
• Aluminum foil tape (or, do you use the Ultra Thin Double Layer Tape?)

Does that sound right so far?

The only thing I believe I have not included is a thermostat, which leads me to the next set of questions. When I was considering the RHPs, I figured I would purchase the Herpstat 2 and use one thermostat to control each of the RHPs (so I could independently control each side of the T8). However, I am concerned that if I start out with the heat tape and end up needing to add RHPs, the Herpstat 2 will not be sufficient and that I will need a Herpstat 4. If I end up having to purchase the RHPs, can I still use the Herpstat 2 by itself? If so, how would I do that (e.g., plug one RHP into each thermostat and don't use a thermostat for the heat tape? But that would leave the heat tape unregulated. Or, would I plug both RHPs into one thermostat and plug the heat tape into the other? But if I did that, where would I put the probes (one under the heat tape and the other one one side of the tank)? Also, if I start out with the Herpstat 2, would you recommend placing just one probe in the center of the heat tape, right under the divider? Or, would you recommend using both probes under the heat tape?

Last question for now: Would you consider any other thermostats besides the Herpstats (e.g., the ones sold by Reptile Basics)?

Thanks again for all your patience with my newbie questions. I don't want to have keep fussing with getting the vivarium set-up; instead, I want to enjoy the BPs.

Your list looks good.

All 3 heat sources will need their own thermostat (or thermostat channel in the case of the herpstat 2 or 4).

You have 3 options:

1. Get a herpstat 4 from the beginning. This is as future proof as possible. If nothing else you could use the other channels to control the lights, and even musters.

2. Get a herpstat 1 now and if you need to add RHP's down the road get a herpstat 2 for them at that time as well.

3. Get a herpstat 2 from the start. If you need RHP's stop using heat tape and only the RHP's.

You cannot run heat tape without a thermostat.


I wouldn't consider other thermostats currently. The herpstat thermostat line has more features, are safer, have great support, and are a better deal $ for $. Than anything else on the market.