Caging Questions

[phoenix-dancing]

I just joined and was reading through a number of the cage suggestions. I was hoping I could get some input.

I have a 5 month ball python - she is in a 20 gallon tank about 30 inches long right now with lots 'o hiding spots - just your general slide lid aquarium type. I would like to get a nicer looking cage and one that will be good for her lifetime. It sounds like the 36 inch is a minimum? What about depth and height - got a little mixed up? It is my understanding that height is not a big one for them but depth is. So I was looking at some on Boaphiles, Visioncages, and Animal plastics - sometimes choices get overwhelming. Am I thinking too small for her lifetime at around 36(L)x24(D)x12(H)?

I like the fact that the light fixture is on the outside of animal plastic and vision but it seems that boaphiles really gets the better reviews in the end? Thoughts? I have a under cage heat pad on the bottom (one end) and 2 light fixtures - I do not keep my house too hot so need all of that to get a good temp around 80 . I am wondering if I will need all of that once the top is not just a screen. So not sure that I can assume the undercage heat pad will take care of it all for me.

The drawback on vision seems to be the doors over time and saw that some complained of buckling due to weight - I have a 15lb cat that I cannot keep off of everything for sure so must consider that.

Please give me some feedback and/or suggestions -- so torn on what to get.

[tigerlily]

You're right. You want more floor space, than head room. I think you'll be fine with that size cage. Animal plastics offer a heat cable with their cages, and I know some people have had a little difficulty with them, others liked them alright. To get flexwatt with AP you need to get it from another source, since they don't sell it. I liked Boaphile since they used belly heat and flexwatt, but if you order from Boaphile you may be looking at a couple month wait. (Be prepared to wait) As for Vision cages, I can't say. I hope that helps a bit.

[frankykeno]

Didn't a forum member on here just advertise a couple of Vision cages for sale recently? My memory sucks LOL.

If you can pick up a gently used cage it can be a great option.


~~Jo~~

[tigerlily]

Elevatethis had two for sale, but he's got sales pending on both.

[phoenix-dancing]

So I am new to all of this really. I did care for a friend's for a while and did lots of research on a good 'starter snake' - have always wanted one but had not done my homework until now. So help me out some on the what's what...


Flexwatt - Is that something other than the zoo med pad I have now? Is it something that could warm the whole cage without lighting help? I do know where to get these online.

We have a few options when it comes to stores here so I am finding so many other options online -- but not able to see them in person and such.

Do you think I will need a lamp if I have that -- I know many keep their houses warmer than mine and that is why I figured I needed the lamp too. This way Nagaina (my girl) and I can both be comfy at the same time. Her set up works now but man - is not a pretty site so that is what I am working on. I love the look of the Boaphiles - just the extra needed ambient temp is my main concern -- I know the undercage pad could take care of the hotspot.

Thank you guys -- this is helping just to be able to get some input from those that have more experience. Most of my friends with snakes have smaller tanks and use aquariums -- so not too many buddies to ask about the custom cages.

[Merchant]

You’ve seen my pics. i had ginger in a 20gal which i upgraded to the ap t11 which will be her home for life. She dose roam the entire cage and yes knocks over the accurite from time to time. Sometimes she hangs out in her tree sometimes in the back under all the vegetation. Sometimes she soaks in her water but not often. The belly heat option is the only heat source and it keeps her cage 90 or higher on the hot side (my thermo is set to 91) and 78-82 on the cool. The cool side is Warmer during the summer months 84-85 room temp is about 70 in the winter. The only problem I’ve had with the cage is that the plastic sliding door on one side has warped a bit and it’s a pain to close I’m going to replace them with polycarbonate. I recommend glass sliding doors or plastic swing doors.

[phoenix-dancing]

Thanks -- that is exactly the kind of help I am needing in figuring this stuff out....

[phoenix-dancing]

Are you using the flexiwatt? Do you have two or so set up so that you can keep one side cooler than the other? Do you mind if I ask -- about what temp do you keep your house (not snake enclosure temp)? That would be my final 20 questions for the day.

[Merchant]

the belly heat option for animal plastics is a heat cable. it is heavy gage wire recesed into a routed cut out on the under side of the cage floor. it covers 1/2 of the cage. i am useing a johnsons controls a419 abc thromostat. the room or house temp is set to 70 during the winter. the heat cable is more than capable of heating the cage even higher. than the 89-92 range i have it set for. dont let your house temps fall below 70 or you will have to run a second heat sorce to get the cool side up.

[phoenix-dancing]

I wanted to thank all of you for your input!! It was really great and helped me a lot!! Got an AP cage coming for my girl -- Nagaina! She helped me surf the net to pick it out -- so I think she is excited -- ha ha! Thanks!