*Room Temperature and Enclosure Temperature (What are the Limits for the Room?)

[Eric Alan]

First off avoid Vision cages. I was also looking into them since I was going to get the V600 for my boas but after talking to people and reading up on them, I found out they sag a ton in the middle and if you try and stack them, the bottom cages' door binds. Also I was told that the glass doors are easy to pop out so not very secure. I have heard only good things about AP.

Also I don't see a point to a divider as I would never keep anything other than a male hognose snake in a 2x2x1. So you would save a lot by skipping the divider and the 2x 40 watt RHPs.

For the T-stat, if you go with a Herpstat, get at least the Herpstat 1. That one I believe is around $130 but it has all the bells and whistles of the Herpstat 2 and 4, just its only made for 1 set up. Its also in a nice stand alone case that can just be put on top of the cage. The Herpstat basic is nice but as the T-stat is the most important item, pay the extra $15 and get the Herpstat 1 which has the safety relay as well as a couple other bonuses.

As for your temps, I would definitely get the 80 watt RBI RHP. Since its getting to be spring, you should be fine but from the temps you have said you have, you probably will need heat tape in the winter so it might be a good idea to get a Herpstat 2. Those run about $195 but can monitor 2 heat sources.

As for heat tape like I mentioned, you should be fine without until next winter if you need it at all. Hides, go online to Reptile Basics. They got the best hides imo and they are pretty cheap. Like I mentioned I use the large ones for 4' 1000g+ girl and she loves them. Water bowl, you can just go to any local pet shop and pick one up. my advice though is to get a wide base one or just a large one. I use the extra large Zoo Med rock looking ones which are bigger on the bottom and small on top and my girl still tries to burrow under it sometimes and arch her back up and tries to tip it. She is a terror though and destroys anything not tied or cemented down lol.

So a cage, T-stat, RHP, 2x hides, water bowl and substrate should run about $500. $200 for the cage with shipping, $150 for the Herpstat 1, $20 for both hides, $10 for a water bowl, and anywhere from $10-$20 for substrate depending what you go for.

This x2. I can personally recommend the AP T8 cages, as I had a couple when I was starting out and they were fantastic. Since then, my collection has grown exponentially and I have all of my animals in rack systems (a few by AP - they make a great product). Also, like everyone else has already said, definitely spring for the Herpstat. They are the only thermostats in use here for the snakes themselves (the room heater is on an on/off style Ranco).

There have been such great replies here that that's about all I've got to add (unless you've got additional questions based on these replies). What a great team we've got here!

Best regards,
Eric