Need new cage advice

[Ranger]

Hi all,

New member here. I am in the process of buying a Showcase Cage (48" long model) to house an adult ball python. I plan to have flexwatt underneath connected to a Ranco thermostat. There is also space for a fluorescent light and a dome. If I have a flo light in a fixture (on a daily timer), should I have a second light in a dome, and should this second light also be connected to the thermostat? Or should I have a ceramic heater in the dome and on the thermostat?

The thing that seemed odd to me about the Showcase was that the dome location is directly over the undertank heat. I guess this is to provide a better heat gradient, but I don't want to make the one side too hot with two heat sources.

Thanks for any thoughts!

[Bobsean]

I think that you will have to hook everything up and see for yourself. Do you have a photo of the cage and lighting situation? I think that the flexwatt and the Flo light should work well together. I have never used a flo light, but from what i understand its just a floracent light with a wide UV spectrum and not really a heat source.

[Krazy99CL]

I dont know if your personal preference on the cage, but those are expensive. Nice, but you should look into other caging manufactures. Just helping you out because some of us wish we had money to play with. Its a lot of hard earned cash and you should spend it wisely(thats why we are here).

Well heres a list. of cage makers.
www.boaphileplastics.com
www.reptilebasics.com
www.animalplastics.com <highly recommended

Good luck

[Krazy99CL]

I dont think the flexwatt would work well with that kind of caging bc of the thickness.

[twh]

a 4 ft. cage for a ball python is a bit of overkill.if your room temps are high enough the lamp probaly won't be necessary (they kill humidity) as the flexwatt or heat pad should get you ideal temps.have fun !

I dont think the flexwatt would work well with that kind of caging bc of the thickness.

[Reptilian]

a 4 ft. cage for a ball python is a bit of overkill.

As long as temps, humidity are correct, and plently of hiding spaces are provided, I see nothing wrong in a 4 foot cage.

[Ranger]

Thanks for the feedback. I settled on the larger cage because I only have one animal, and I liked the Showcase product because I thought it was the best looking product. Plus they're ready to ship. Although for the money, I may consider the AP option. So thanks for the link. I'll do a little more homework...

I'll see how the flexwatt and fluorescent light do for temps, and add a ceramic if need be. I've found that if I keep the door shut, the room stays pretty warm. Humidity has been the far bigger challenge than temp.

Thanks again!

[Argentra]

RBI 4x2' cage at Reptile Basics. Heat installed and shipped assembled.

For mine, I installed two flo lights, one at each end and one day one night. In an enclosed space, they add to the ambient heat (tho not nearly as much as an incand.). So, you shouldn't need the dome. Also, flexwatt can work in any cage depending on how it's installed. If the cage material is too thick or doesn't put heat through well, then install the FW on the inside of the cage covered with a layer of vinyl flooring.

The main thing with any display cage is to set it up and try it running 'empty' for at least a few days to see how it works and iron out any kinks.