Re: enclosure help....

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Posted by Rob Carmichael on January 30, 2003 at 09:18:54:

In Reply to: enclosure help.... posted by lynex17 on January 30, 2003 at 09:07:04:

Personally, I would go with a slightly larger cage but since this is what you have to work with, I will make a few suggestions. Unless the cage is properly sealed and coated, be prepared for a stinky room...that is why I like using neodeshas and habitat system cages. As far as heat goes, you cannot go wrong with a pro product radiant heat panel. I now use them for all of my herps (both at home and at the wildlife center I direct)....we even use them to keep our raptors warm in the winter in their outdoor enclosures. Melamine holds heat very well which can be both a positive and a negative...guard against overheating the cage (a high quality thermometer and thermostat will go a long way towards putting your mind at ease). Bob Pound at pro products will tell you what size/wattage panel to get (you will probably want the one that measures approx. 12" x 12"). I love these panels as they provide a basking site without overheating the cage (kind of a natural, radiant heat). My indigos have grown exceptionally well and have produced some great clutches (but there are MANY other factors to determine success...in my case, prayer!) Depending on the location of the cage, you might consider installing a fluorescent bulb to provide background light which will be beneficial to your snake. My snake room provides natural, indirect light so I don't add any additional lighting. Good luck with your cage.

:Well, i finally got all the wood (3/4 melamine. yeah iknow it's REAL HEAVY but it's the only thickness i've got around here...) cut for my BTC's new home. it's gonna be 3ft long and 2ft, by 2ft. for ventalation i've a a 1.5ft by 3 inch rectangle cut out 3 inches from the top/bottom on the sides. i'm thinking of putting one side so the opening is on top, and one so the opening is on bottom. thought i'd get better circulation in the cage.
:now, about heating, i'm a little confused so i thought i'd ask all you experts out there, or any one with a little advice. i've considered a light bulb or 2 but i don't know how well it would heat. i know i'd have to put 2 sockets in one for a red bulb and a switch for each of them. or i've thought of just stapeling in some flexwatt with a dimmer switch on them. I haven't put the cage together yet so i'm open to all options.
:also, i have looked into them a little bit, but i am told radient heat panels are the best way to go. i'm guessing for a panel to fit this enclosure would probly cost about 40-60$$ so if anyone has had some experience with these, please share. One thing i am conserned about it what if i decided to put a different snake in there in the future.
:Also, i have a small ceramic heat emitter that could be used.
:thanks all.
:Travis.

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