New Caye Caulker Dwarf Boa and would like general information

[KevinK]

I'm probably going to go that route. from what it sounds like I'm going to have to do it either now or later and id rather do it now. How do you check the humidity in the animal plastics? I'm assuming the same way but at this point I would rather be safe then sorry.

I monitor the humidity levels in my AP cages with just a standard Accurite household themometer/humidity unit. You just keep it in the cage. If it's not reading accurately you'll know by how well the boa sheds...but I have NEVER had humidity levels in the wrong place in an animal plastics cage. Mine ALWAYS read at 55%

I think you're making a fantastic investment that will last the life of the animal....(no bulbs to change is a huge factor because CHE's aren't cheap).

As Ckuhn said, you can keep the glass tank and use it but you're going to be constantly battling with maintenance. It's going to take a lot more trial and error to get your humidity and temperature settings right. That's not to say it's a bad setup but I would seriously consider the PVC setup.

[AbsoluteApril]

I do not know the specifics for your Boa. However, I keep a BCI.

Caye Caulker is simply a dwarf locality of Bi (BCi), so care is the same.

[dakski]

As mentioned previously, a T8/T10 would be great, but make sure you get all the heating elements you will/need want from the beginning and a really good thermostat. It's a bunch up front, but sounds like you want to do, and they are stackable cages. If you spend little more now and want another snake down the road, you can buy a thermostat today that can do multiple tanks. Thus, saving money later.

I personally, and depending on your room temps, would get some flexwatt/UTH in addition to an RHP. You can run off the same thermostat and I like giving my snakes belly heat. It also gets down to 67F in my finished basement/snake room in the winter.

You may never need to run both, but the small incremental cost initially means you are future proofed.

I have my BCI in a 6X2X1' Boaphile tank and have a RHP and UTH on the hot side and an UTH (smaller one) for the cool side. Much bigger tank, but also can get chilly in my house. The incremental cost for the heat tape was so small compared to the tank and thermostat, I did to be safe. I find both the RHP and UTH run, but not much at all.

Just my two cents. I also do not have AP tanks. So others may have different views.

You are asking the right questions! Good luck and awesome looking snake!

[dakski]

Caye Caulker is simply a dwarf locality of Bi (BCi), so care is the same.

Thank you AbsoluteApril!

Just a quick rundown then on temps in case it wasn't covered yet.

Hot spot/side: 86-89F

Ambient temps: 79-82F

Cool side: 80F

You already have humidity down. 60-70% or so.

[Jordanpg]

Alright I just put an order in for a T8 which will be here in 3 to 4 weeks. what types of heat panels or heating sources can you buy, I called pro-products and left a message but wanted to see what other options there are out there.

Where is a good place to buy the thermostats? online or is there local stores like Lowes and Home Depot that sell them.

Seriously thank all of you again for the advise and help.

[ckuhn003]

Alright I just put an order in for a T8 which will be here in 3 to 4 weeks. what types of heat panels or heating sources can you buy, I called pro-products and left a message but wanted to see what other options there are out there.

Where is a good place to buy the thermostats? online or is there local stores like Lowes and Home Depot that sell them.

Seriously thank all of you again for the advise and help.

Congrats! That's a good 1st step. I've been having a hard time getting a hold of Bob @ Pro Products. I guess he's just super busy but he's the way to go. He'll ship the RHP to Animal Products for them to install. Although his lead time might be longer then the 3-4 weeks it will take for the AP to be delivered.

As for thermostat, I would highly recommend getting a HerpStat at https://www.spyderrobotics.com

[dakski]

Alright I just put an order in for a T8 which will be here in 3 to 4 weeks. what types of heat panels or heating sources can you buy, I called pro-products and left a message but wanted to see what other options there are out there.

Where is a good place to buy the thermostats? online or is there local stores like Lowes and Home Depot that sell them.

Seriously thank all of you again for the advise and help.

We are always happy to help! Especially someone who wants what's best for their animal(s).

I have a Boaphile setup, and got everything from them/Jeff Ronne. So, I am not sure on thermostats or RHP's. I have heard good things about Pro-Products, but I would wait for other people to chime in on where to get thermostats, which ones, and RHP's.

Good luck and we will be here if/when you have more questions.

[KevinK]

Alright I just put an order in for a T8 which will be here in 3 to 4 weeks. what types of heat panels or heating sources can you buy, I called pro-products and left a message but wanted to see what other options there are out there.

Where is a good place to buy the thermostats? online or is there local stores like Lowes and Home Depot that sell them.

Seriously thank all of you again for the advise and help.

You're making a great first start with the T8.

The only other company that comes to mind for Radiant Heat Panels is Reptile Basics. However, they are listing their heat panels as "out of stock"....you would need the 80 watt unit from them. I would stick with Pro-Products personally, no one ever complains about them and Bob will talk you through exactly what you need....but probably a 65 watt unit for a T8.
http://www.reptilebasics.com/rbi-radiant-heat-panels

I like the recommendations on thermostats given thus far. They do not sell what you need at home improvement stores however.
Here are some great places to buy quality units:
https://www.spyderrobotics.com/
http://www.reptilebasics.com/thermostats
http://helixcontrols.com/?page_id=42

I personally only run radiant heat panels as a heat source, it's a good idea to have flexwatt but I have not found it to be necessary thus far (this is what Bob at Pro-Products recommended and so-far so good in several years of ownership). That's just what I do, mainly because I bought everything at once and was looking to save cash where I could lol.

[Jordanpg]

Aaaand now I have the Herpstat EZ2 ordered since ill have an extra tank to fill one day. does anyone know how long it takes to get a call back from pro-products or what their ship times are like?

[KevinK]

Aaaand now I have the Herpstat EZ2 ordered since ill have an extra tank to fill one day. does anyone know how long it takes to get a call back from pro-products or what their ship times are like?

It's been a few years since I dealt with Bob at Pro-Products but I think he got back to me in a day or two and at the time I ordered, shipping was approximately two weeks out.....if you ordered from him now you would probably be getting your heat panel way sooner than the cage. Like I said though, it's been a while since I've talked to him.....the guy knows his stuff. If you're confused by anything at this point as far as heating the cage goes, just ask him. He will talk your ear off about it in a good way.

....nice move on the double output thermostat btw, if you ever decide you want to run flexwatt you can do it easily now.