Tank Suggestions

[JRLongton]

I use RHPs from ProPanel and regulate them with Herpstats. You need to call ProPanel to place an order, but Bob is great. He'll ask a few questions and tell you exactly what you need. I have mine shipped directly to AP and they install it in the enclosure. Makes for a nice, neat, and easy set up. One last caveat, you need to assemble enclosures from AP. It isn't hard, but can be a pain in the wrist if you don't have an electric drill!

My first T8 had the heat tape on the bottom. I wasn't sure if I would need it as I live in New England and Winters can get cold. As it turns out it was never used. Last Winter my snake room hit a low of 63F, and the RHPs kept everything within range.

But that applies only to me. Your situation may be different.

I don't know where you live, but if your average temps are higher, you might be able to use only the heat tape. I've of heard of lot of people doing exactly that, but they all tend to keep the ambient temp higher than is practical for me.

You'd probably be able to get your tank to work properly, but it would require a lot of maintenance and attention. I think people start with tanks because there is the idea that they look nice for display and such, but a real reptile enclosure looks much better. And better still when you get more than one, or two, or three! Frankly, nothing accents a living room like a stack of reptile enclosures!

I don't want to oversell AP and T8s though. That's all I've ever used, so my experience is limited.

There are other manufacturers out there. You mentioned Vision Cages; they are supposed to be among the best and I've heard good things about Boaphile. Reptile Basics has an enclosure that's very similar to a T8, BUT it comes already assembled, which may be something to think about. Though, I'm thinking it'll cost an arm and a leg to ship.

Truth be told, you probably can't go wrong with any of them. It comes down to a matter of preference and budget.

There's a lot to consider, and if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask!