Cage Update: Decorations!

[Elizabeth94]

Hello everyone, as some of you may know I have recently acquired an Animal Plastics cage for my first boa. I am 90% complete. I have my herpstat set up and have a nice temp gun to see if my heat panel will provide a good hot spot and ambient temperature.

Here are some pictures of it now. I have jungle vine and wood coming in on Wednesday si the look isn't totally done, but I think it is coming along nicely. The substrate is coco husk, and the plants are from an art supply store (all have been inspected for wires and properly sanitized)

One question: Is it okay for plastic or "silk" plants to stay in contact with the radiant heat panel? Its surface temperature has not exceeded 130 degrees. I do not believe it is hot enough to cause a fire or meant the plants but I want to see if anyone has opinions. I rather not have that plant on the hide smushed looking if it really can touch.

[bebowebb]

Re: Cage Update: Decorations!

Looks very nice!

I would say it is probably not a great idea to have anything touching your RHP, especially anything that could potentially melt. It may not be as of yet, but the potential is there.

[zamora]

Re: Cage Update: Decorations!

What a beautiful home! I really like your setup and I think your new baby will be very comfortable there. I have to agree with [MENTION=10373]bebowebb[/MENTION] and wouldn't have anything touching the RHP, even if it doesn't actually melt the plant, it may be hot enough to release potentially noxious fumes that would harm your snake.

[Boxingboa]

Re: Cage Update: Decorations!

Looks fantastic

[Wes3118]

Re: Cage Update: Decorations!

Awesome setup. Looks really good, wish I could do that to all my cages

[Elizabeth94]

Re: Cage Update: Decorations!

it may be hot enough to release potentially noxious fumes that would harm your snake.

Great point I have not thought about that. I am actually happy with that plant now, I figure if she wants a nice hotspot she can lay on the hide under the plant.

My hot spot is PERFECT so far, but the coolest part of the cage is surface temp of 74... is this too cool? Should I add a heat pad or another panel to the cool side to raise it to 78 for the winter?

ALSO, do heat pads help the ambient temps significantly? I do not have a thermometer for ambient temps yet, just a temp gun for surface.

THANKS everyone!! You guys are great.

[Kung Fu Joe]

Re: Cage Update: Decorations!

Love your cage. Very nice!
I know you probably dont want to go drilling extra holes in your new cage... but sliding your rhp a few inches towards the cool side should even out the temps a bit.

[Elizabeth94]

Re: Cage Update: Decorations!

[MENTION=18031]Kung Fu Joe[/MENTION], I have thought about that, but I love the placement of the panel and the hot side is perfect. I think I am going to get a Kane Heat Mat 18"x18" to keep the cool side where I want it during the winter months. I won't need it in the summer unless I use air conditioning in my room (which would be nice, so both the snake and I can get a proper environment haha)

It has only been two days since I had it heated up and it will be a while until Zamora can ship me my baby because it's so cold...However, I am seriously considering switching my panel to the 88watt model. I have already contacted Pro Products and will see what they will do for me. They recommended a 65watt and I ordered the 75watt. The fact that this panel is working 100% of the time scares me since I don't want to overwork it in the winter.

A space heater is not an option in my case.

[Matt1976]

Re: Cage Update: Decorations!

Check out my enclosure in my gallery. I couldn't get it to upload here...sorry, I'm a rookie

[Kung Fu Joe]

Re: Cage Update: Decorations!

That should do the trick.