Alright, so I just re-read this whole thread and I think I have a pretty good grasp on what I will need to get this set up properly. It looks like my cage set up will consist of the following:

  • Animal Plastics T8 with divider, lock and 2 fluorescent lights
  • 2 ft x 11" Flexwatt and connectors.
  • Herpstat 2 (in case I need to run a RHP in the future)
  • Reptile basics hides x 2
  • water dish
  • accurate thermometer



Since we will only be using half the cage for now and don't really have plans to have more than one BP, I think this setup should work. Do you think 11" or 12" heat tape s overkill? Would a 6" heat tape suffice for a hot spot or should I stick with the 11"? The room where this will be is 76-78° in the summer and 66-70° in the winter. If I find that I am having trouble maintaining ambient temps in the winter I can add a small RHP in the future. I may also add a small LED strip for night viewing if my son wants it (It will be in his room). If by chance we ever decide to get a second BP for the other side of the cage, It will be easy to add another strip of heat tape to the other side.

After I have everything set up, We will start our search for the right BP. Hopefully I can find a reputable breeder in Central or Southern CA so I can save on shipping costs.

Thanks for the help!
-Bryan