Preparing for move to 36x18x18 Exo Terra. Tips?

[Bdnorton48]

Give yourself at least a 1/2 inch of clearance to the plastic for the frame and regulate all heat sources.

Thanks for the advice. There is already a part of the lid the has melted a bit and that is what had me worried. I'm shopping around the tank now and if i get any hits I'll probably be looking at a T8. Would you recommend ordering them from the website, or do they typically have these models at reptile shows? I'm located near Indianapolis and they generally have a very large reptile show biannually f.y.i.

[Mr. Misha]

I haven't began prepping it for the transfer quite yet so I might look into selling it and looking into the T8/12.

No worries. I just think it's going to be a lot easier for you in the long run. It will help you with humidity issues since the PVC terrariums are fully enclosed.

Also, if you decide to go the RHP route for ambient heating in the PVC terrarium (which I highly suggest), once you get a herpstat 2 to control the RHP and the heat tape (for the hot spot) you won't have to worry about anything at all.

That's the setup im running right now except I have a Herpstat 4 because I have 2 RHPs (my T12 is split) and heat tape. Even though it seems like a large investment at first, the worries about temps and humidity go away.

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[Bdnorton48]

No worries. I just think it's going to be a lot easier for you in the long run. It will help you with humidity issues since the PVC terrariums are fully enclosed.

Also, if you decide to go the RHP route for ambient heating in the PVC terrarium (which I highly suggest), once you get a herpstat 2 to control the RHP and the heat tape (for the hot spot) you won't have to worry about anything at all.

That's the setup im running right now except I have a Herpstat 4 because I have 2 RHPs (my T12 is split) and heat tape. Even though it seems like a large investment at first, the worries about temps and humidity go away.

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I am currently using UTH/lighting with my glass tank so I have little knowledge on RHPs and Flexwatt. My understanding is that Flexwatt heats from the bottom-up and RHPs heat the air. I'm guessing the heat tape is for creating the hot spot? I guess if you could clear some of this up I would greatly appreciate it. Also, is there any particular reason why you choose RHPs over Flexwatt? I noticed on the Animal Plastics website the have an add-on feature for an 11" flexwatt panel which looked rather attractive to a beginner like me.

[Mr. Misha]

I am currently using UTH/lighting with my glass tank so I have little knowledge on RHPs and Flexwatt. My understanding is that Flexwatt heats from the bottom-up and RHPs heat the air. I'm guessing the heat tape is for creating the hot spot? I guess if you could clear some of this up I would greatly appreciate it. Also, is there any particular reason why you choose RHPs over Flexwatt? I noticed on the Animal Plastics website the have an add-on feature for an 11" flexwatt panel which looked rather attractive to a beginner like me.

So Flexwatt is just a brand of heat tape which is just another UTH type. They're used to create belly heat and a hot spot if you'd like. The RHP (radient heat panel) provides ambient heat temperature in the terrarium.

I use both the RHP and the heat tape because one creates ambient temps and the heat tape creates a hot spot.

You can either get the Flexwatt heat tape included with the AP terrarium or you can get one whatever size you want from reptilebasics.com I hope all of this makes sense. Lol.

Here's a great thread on Animal Plastic terrariums:
http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?t=165571

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[Bdnorton48]

So Flexwatt is just a brand of heat tape which is just another UTH type. They're used to create belly heat and a hot spot if you'd like. The RHP (radient heat panel) provides ambient heat temperature in the terrarium.

I use both the RHP and the heat tape because one creates ambient temps and the heat tape creates a hot spot.

You can either get the Flexwatt heat tape included with the AP terrarium or you can get one whatever size you want from reptilebasics.com I hope all of this makes sense. Lol.

Here's a great thread on Animal Plastic terrariums:
http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?t=165571

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Okay, so if I were to go with a herpstat 2 (definitely leaning towards this) I could hook one channel up to the RHP and one to the heat tape? I guess with never really messing around with heat tape I'm kind of unsure of how it works. Does it require any self wiring or is it pretty easy to hook up? Another question I have...is the redline feature for herpstats all just aesthetics? Thanks again for everything! You are a life saver

[Mr. Misha]

Okay, so if I were to go with a herpstat 2 (definitely leaning towards this) I could hook one channel up to the RHP and one to the heat tape? I guess with never really messing around with heat tape I'm kind of unsure of how it works. Does it require any self wiring or is it pretty easy to hook up? Another question I have...is the redline feature for herpstats all just aesthetics? Thanks again for everything! You are a life saver

If you get the heat tape from Animal Plastics (which is an extra add-on) its kinda expensive. You can buy the heat tape from reptilebasics.com ($3 sqf) and wiring part of it and they'll hook it up for you. If you're interested in how to hook it up, google THG heat tape and they have directions on their website how to do it.

In regards to the Herpstat 2, yes, you can plug in both the UTH and the RHP. The redline feature is mostly aesthetics but I guess it would be a nice feature if you have it in the bedroom because at night the screen will be darker. The regular herpstat screen is a bit bright at night.

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[Bdnorton48]

If you get the heat tape from Animal Plastics (which is an extra add-on) its kinda expensive. You can buy the heat tape from reptilebasics.com ($3 sqf) and wiring part of it and they'll hook it up for you. If you're interested in how to hook it up, google THG heat tape and they have directions on their website how to do it.

In regards to the Herpstat 2, yes, you can plug in both the UTH and the RHP. The redline feature is mostly aesthetics but I guess it would be a nice feature if you have it in the bedroom because at night the screen will be darker. The regular herpstat screen is a bit bright at night.

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Awesome stuff! Just wanted to let you know where you helped get me to after everything. Looking at an AP T8, Herpstat 2 redline, 80 watt RHP, and will probably go with the heat tape from reptile basics. Just was wondering, when I order the heat tape (ordering a 2'x1' section) and select the "connect for me" option is that all I will need to do?

[Mr. Misha]

Awesome stuff! Just wanted to let you know where you helped get me to after everything. Looking at an AP T8, Herpstat 2 redline, 80 watt RHP, and will probably go with the heat tape from reptile basics. Just was wondering, when I order the heat tape (ordering a 2'x1' section) and select the "connect for me" option is that all I will need to do?

Sounds like you're on the right path. I think even though its a little bit expensive at first, you'll be really happy with it. Plus, if you ever decide to get another BP, you can always split the T8.

Yep, the "connect for me" option is exactly it when you include the connector set in the purchase.


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