PVC, RHP, general setup advice

[CALM Pythons]

So just kind of thinking ahead, as at the rate she is growing, I am probably going to be moving my BP to her forever cage by the end of this year so I am in the research/info-gathering phase. I think i am going to go wtih a PVC cage, I like the animal plastics T8. I am thinking I want to go with an RHP, possibly with heat tape to supplement hot spot, but I have a few questions.

Firstly, does anyone have any experience with Vivarium Electronics' RHPs? It seems a lot of people on here use ProProducts, but it seems as though I could probably save myself a bit of money going with the VE brand and their standardized sizes rather than the custom route. Are they reliable?

Second, in my current setup, (41qt bin, 23x16x8") I am heating from below with a heat mat. I don't have any additional heating from above as with the heat mats and insulation and the short height of the tub, i'm able to keep her ambient temp within an acceptable rage of 75-77*, even in the dead of winter. I know a lot of people use RHPs alone and say the BPs don't actually need belly heat but for some reason I am just more comfortable having a source of belly heat for her hot spot. I certainly can save myself a bit of money on the thermostat if I only have one heat source to control (looking at the Herpstat 2, but the Herpstat 1 is a bit cheaper), but I also just worry about the RHP not being enough to keep a good hotspot for her, especially under a hide. I live in Colorado and it gets quite cold here so I like the idea that her floor temps are nice and toasty just in case the ambient temp dips.

Can y'all share some of your experiences/recommendations in this area?

Thanks in advance!!

Honestly your statement about saving a few bucks is the worst thing you can use as justification when safety and health are the subject.
With a AP enclosure all you need is a Pro Products RHP. I use 120 watt panels in my T12’s.
You going with a T8 ( I suggest a T10) only need 1 panel to get your basking temp and your ambient. Your looking at $120- $150 tops to the door depending on wattage with a 15 year warranty.
Your herpstat 1 is $140.
A enclosure is $150 or $200 to your door. (T8 or T10)
You will not regret buying the best of the best once to have them a lifetime.

Products I use and recommend:

Enclosures- Animal Plastics: Good things come to those who wait. A 3-4 month wait on these enclosures is normal, but the quality is worth it. Ive tried them all from Boaphile to Vision and there is no comparison:
https://apcages.com/collections/terrestrial-cages
https://www.facebook.com/apcages/

Heat/RHP - Pro Products: Pro Panels are a top of the line Radiant Heat Panel. You do have to call and speak with Bob. He does not have online ordering. He also wants to know your specie, enclosure size and home ambient temperatures to recommend the best size panel for your needs: I run 120 watt for 4’ enclosures and lower my power to 80% on the Herpstat, aprox $160, 150 watt panels I use on 8’ enclosures with a 120 watt on cool side, aprox $180.
http://pro-products.com/pro-heat/

Thermostats - Herpstat is one of the best if not #1 for quality and safety:
https://www.spyderrobotics.com/index...products_id=26

Thermometer- Sensor Push. $49 each. This was a great investment. I do not have the WIFI Gateway station (for $99) to monitor while Im away from home, I use the Bluetooth compatibility for phones/Ipad etc..for at home monitoring. I have these in all of my enclosures for cool side ambient and humidity monitoring:
http://www.sensorpush.com/products/h...SABEgKJAfD_BwE
https://www.facebook.com/SensorPush/

Butcher Paper. I use Zoro, they have several sizes and great prices. If you want 60lb paper it is Brown. I use 2 sheets of 40lb because I like the White, makes it easy for me to see a mess. Best prices are available through Zoro’s ebay , you can also buy from their online store:
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?m...2F273444919986

Hides- Reptile Basics has the best injection mold Hides. They are not sharp or brittle, don’t be fooled by “look alike” PVC Hides that crack or have sharp corners:
http://www.reptilebasics.com/hide-boxes
https://www.facebook.com/Reptile-Bas...6716234800488/

Feeders- Rodent Pro:
https://www.rodentpro.com/?gclid=EAI...SAAEgJPHPD_BwE
https://www.facebook.com/rodentpro/

Snake Equiptment- Animal Equipment By Stoney LLC. Great quality:
https://www.aestoney.com/shop/
https://www.facebook.com/AnimalEquipmentByStoneyLlc/

Cleaner Disinfectant- F10 SC veterinary disinfectant. This is all I use. You have to shop around for it online because its out of stock a lot. I buy from Amazon and Ebay. Distributors like Reptile Basics and LLL Reptile have had it in the past but run out quickly. Never buy it in the spray bottle, that’s a rip off, get the concentrate and mix it.
I can buy 100ML(3.4 oz) for $19.99.
200 ML (6.8oz) $28-$32
Or the best is 1 Liter (for Large Scale Breeders/Keeper) $90-$110.
A example: 200 ML (6.8oz bottle) will mix into 13 Gallons of cleaner. Thats a lot of spraying.

Water Bowl 5qt $9.99- https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/pr...uart-camo-bowl

Water Bowl 7 Gal $9.99-https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/tuff-stuff-products-heavy-duty-feed-pan-7-gal

Water Bowl 15 Gal $19.99-https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/tuff-stuff-products-heavy-duty-oval-stock-tank-15-gal

POWER OUTAGE -
Here are 3 ideas. One hooks to your meter and you plug the generator directly into your meter box and run whatever you want in the house, or the other 2 are cheaper ideas for Heat only to keep your animals at a safe temp. You can buy Propane or Natural gas. No electric needed.
https://www.google.com/search?q=genr...EW&pie=plaji-i

Propane -https://www.homedepot.com/p/Mr-Heater-30-000-BTU-Vent-Free-Radiant-Propane-Heater-MHVFRD30LPT/305088499

Natural gas- https://www.homedepot.com/p/Mr-Heate...0NGT/305088469




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