[Housing] Heating

[Aspectt]

So I am about to get mY FRIST snake and it is going to be a red tail boa. I am getting a 3' by 1.5' by 16" tall tank for the first 6 months or so till i find one that is permanently big enough it is a little baby still like foot long or so from the petstore hahah so back on point my dad keeps the house at 63 at night because he wants to save money. It i cant have a light on all night for heat will a heat pad and one of those ceramic bulbs give enough heat? to heat to 84 or so?

[Pandorasdad]

Re: Heating

A good Under Tank Heater, or UTH and thermostat will serve you far better than bulb style heaters. Bulbs remove humidity from the air, which is bad for your boa.

[Aspectt]

Re: Heating

So I do have to get a thermostat how much are they? And what do they do like do they make heat or something or just Control it?

[bcr_229]

Re: Heating

With an ambient temperature that low I would avoid using a tank as glass is an awful insulator. Get a proper reptile enclosure made of either PVC or melamine instead. With a radiant heat panel attached to the ceiling and an under-tank heater you can keep your snake comfortable much more easily.

[Jrock23]

Re: Heating

A thermostat can cost 50 to 60 bucks at your local pet store..

[Kung Fu Joe]

Re: Heating

I have to agree with bcr_229. That is a very cool room your snake is going to be in. The CHE will dry out the air causing your snake to be susceptible to shedding issues, respitory infections and the like. Been there, done that. Get yourself a good 4X2 (or larger) with a powerful radiant heat panel and a good progressive thermostat. You will save money in the long run by incurring his initial expense. The graveyard of glass cages, heat lamps, CHE's and practically brand new on/off thermostat in my closet can attest to this.

[Aspectt]

Re: Heating

WHat about if i get the heat higher? or put a little space heater in my room where he would stay Set it too 80 and then have a UTH?

[Kung Fu Joe]

Re: Heating

Oil filled heaters work well... But they use a lot of electricity, they do catch fire sometimes, and may void your homeowners insurance policy. I would wager that the cost of running a space heater for a year will far exceed the initial cost of the RHP and progressive thermostat. I live in a very cold environment and have used all of the above as I keep my house cool.

[Aspectt]

Re: Heating

SO i guess my and my dad are going to incresses the temp a little till i can get a good encloure what company is good and cheap? And i will do a heat lamp and htu on one side and nothing on other and get a niht bulb for night cycle

[Kung Fu Joe]

Re: Heating

Boaphiles, Animal Plastics, and Pro line are all good choices.

[Aspectt]

Re: Heating

Can someone link me the best cage to get overall for a full grown red tail like the one i should have for next

[Kung Fu Joe]

Re: Heating

Do you want drop down doors or sliding?

[Pandorasdad]

Re: Heating

Dude,

Animal Plastics
Plastic Reptile Cages, Tanks and Racks. Snake, arboreal, lizard and turtle light weight custom flexwatt heated enclosures.

Also, you should go here for some reading...

http://www.redtailboas.com/f110/part-1-ultimate-boa-constrictor-care-guide-view-line-40589/

[Aspectt]

Re: Heating

I red that but i still want to just make surte i am getting the right one and sliding will be better

[Kung Fu Joe]

Re: Heating

If sliding would be better Animal Plastics would be a fine choice. Their T10s and T25s are good values.
Boamaster has a 4x2 econo cage and a 48x32 that is also very economical.
Vision, Neodesha, and cages by design may also suit your needs.