Quote Originally Posted by jylesa View Post
Hey guys! It's been awhile since I've posted on here. I've been thinking about upgrading Bazzy (BP) from his Sterlite bin enclosure to a professionally made PVC enclosure. I am interested in several brands at the moment (listed in the title) and have poked around here. It seems like the consensus falls in favor of Animal Plastics in terms of product quality and customer service. The more I read, I am leaning more and more towards AP as well.

I found this review here particularly helpful: http://www.reptileinsider.com/showth...n-Use-and-Not)

That being said, I have a few considerations I wanted to ask you all about:

1. If I go with the AP enclosure, I'm thinking about installing a radiant heat panel to help maintain ambient temps especially in the winter. However, I am not a handy person. How easy is it to do this? As said, it's super easy. You can pre-drill the holes if you want, it makes it a little easier, but isn't necessary. If you know you're going to use an RHP, get it before you put the enclosure together. It's much simpler that way.

2. I'm hoping to get a red-tailed boa one of these days. The stackability of the AP and Vision enclosures make this appealing. Considering my current snake (3 yr old, about 1kg), what is the most appropriate size for him? I'm thinking T8 for my BP and T11 if I get the boa.

3. Do you all have a preference for sliding/swing doors? I prefer glass to acrylic. I got the glass and really like it. I have heard that over time, the acrylic will scratch and possibly warp. Also, you have hinges that become points of failure. The sliding glass doors are simple, and should never wear out.

4. In the review linked above, it says the AP tanks can be equipped with flex-watt; however, it is fixed in place by crimping and using plastic clips. According to the article, it mentions that the use of plastic clips be a little more dangerous. This makes sense, but I've never heard of this happening. What is the best way to remediate this (other than to do it myself...not very handy; not sure I'd trust myself to do it right)? I decided to use RHP's and belly heat with my T8 as the room can get chilly in the winter months. I instead went with 12" heat tape from Reptile Basics. I got a 2' long piece so it goes from the front to back of the T8. I had RB wire it for me as well, and it was cheaper than the flexwatt from Animal Plastics. I was ordering hides and water bowls from Reptile Basics so that's what I got... I'm glad I did. It's been great. I will say that my RHP provides about 100% of the heat in my enclosure. The heat tape doesn't do much, but should the RHP ever fail, I guess it's there as a backup.

I look forward to hearing your opinions! Thank you

Attached some pictures of my Baz, just for fun and since it's been awhile

I can't see the picture of your snake, as photo sites are blocked for me at work... But I'm guessing it's an adult, so you won't be needed the divider in your T8. I would go with an 80w RHP from Reptile Basics and just install it a little left or right of center, depending on what side you want to be your hot side. That should be plenty as long as your room doesn't drop below 68 degrees or so.