Any heating ideas for Vision cages?

munkyboy · #1 (**permalink**) 12-10-2004, 07:49 PM

I am considering ordering a stack of Vision cages for expansion of My boa collection. Size 4' X 26" deep X 14" high, or 5' X 28" X 14". Any ideas on how to best heat warm side of enclosure. My snake room is kept 75f-80f. I want to controll 89f on warm side by way of a thermostat. These cages are stackable, and have have rear vents that a heat emmiter could rest upon. I could use 2x4's to seperate the stack for use of under cage heating pads or radient heat panels, instead of heat emmitters.

I have experience with heating aquarium style vivs, but I'm switching to these plastic stackable cages, as they are more practical for expanding my collection. I'm just not sure on the best way to heat them. Any ideas you have that could save me the headache and expense of figuring it out trial and error style would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

Nefarion · #2 (**permalink**) 12-10-2004, 08:11 PM

Have you thought about boaphile cages? I personally like them much better than the visions. If space is a consideration, get the 12 inch tall cages ... which is plenty of height for boas. The 18 inch cages make cleaning easier and allow for more view of the boa but at the cost of an extra cage per stack.

www.boaphileplastics.com

If you do stick with the visions id go with Flexwat heat tape. Thats all you need, especially in a room that is kept 75-80. You shouldnt even need to seperate the cages. Just tape the heat tape with aluminum foil tape to the bottom of each cage ... wire them up... then stackem.

munkyboy · #3 (**permalink**) 12-10-2004, 08:19 PM

I'm not completely set on my descision re: brand of cage. If I go with the boaphile plastics cages, What is the best way to heat those stackables? Can they do this for me, as I will get a 6 cage stack and my handyman skills are lacking, especially in the electrical department.

Nefarion · #4 (**permalink**) 12-10-2004, 08:45 PM

Oh yeah, they will wire everything up for ya professionally. They will install a light/expandable end .. etc. They do it all. Great service from them. Expect a 4 week delay on the cage but its well worth the wait.

Here are some pictures of my boaphile cage, it is a 322d with shelf/expandable end/light/and UTH head installed. I also got the option for black hinges.:

Nice Strong Hinges:

Expandable End (only bottom half expands with shelf):

This is the inside side of the expandable end. You can also see the seam on the shelf. Its VERY sturdy.:

This is the corner of the expandable end:

This is an overhead shot of the top of the cage. You can see the material is folded over... its not mutiple pieces pressed together.

I love these latches:

Nefarion · #5 (**permalink**) 12-10-2004, 08:51 PM

Oh and the best way to heat boaphile cages for your situation (75-80 temps) is to get UTH (under tank heater) heat tape. They will install it for you.

I would reccomend getting a proportional thermostat as a pose to the on/off stat the boaphile plastics sells.

Proportional t-stats keep the temperature steady by constantly changing the current output... better function than on/off stats. I reccomend helix proportional stats: www.helixcontrols.com . You can order directly from helix, just givem a call. I recently got the DBS-1000 stat from them and absolutely love it.

munkyboy · #6 (**permalink**) 12-10-2004, 09:22 PM

Thanks for the advice, I am now re-thinking things after having viewed the site again. They may have just what I need. I may even look at the radient heat panels they offer to install for You. It seems the quality is very good. That is very important considering I will be getting a stack of six enclosures. I wish they offered a 5' X 28"w X 12"h. I do see that they do custom enclosures. That may be my best bet. Any other ideas?

Nefarion · #7 (**permalink**) 12-10-2004, 10:05 PM

They do do custom sizes but require a minumum order. You would have to email them to find out for sure.

I think radiant heat panels would be overkill in your situation. With a stack of 6 cages it will heat up your room even more. Radiant heat panels are generally reccomended to those who cant get the temps in their room up past the 73-75 range.

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