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

[SKO]

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

I would honestly forget about the lights and flexwatt , get the right sized RHP, and have animal plastics cut a spot for the flexwatt just in case you do need to get it in the future. An RHP should be sufficient enough with the ambient temps you said your room would get to. Flexwatt and the florescent lights wouldn't be enough to keep the ambient temps high enough in a t8. I would also suggest not having two snakes in a split t8. My big guy is only 1800 grams right now and when I see him on one side of the cage, I can see that half of a cage would not be big enough for him.

Also, depending on what size snake you get, you might not need a divider. I put my female in a full t8 with plenty if clutter when she was around 500 grams. She has been absolutely fine in it.

The led strip is definitely worth it. If you can u would just by it now before the cages come because it is way easier to install when you are building the cages.



This pic is from the first night I got the cages and was still setting them up. The led strip I got from Lowes. Really glad I did.