Building 8x4x4

[Varanid]

Hi,

I'm planning on building an 8x4x4 cage and am not sure if I need to insulate the cage or not.

The cage will be in the basement and though its a finished carpeted basement it gets cold down there, I'm mostly concerned about the floor getting to cold in the winter. I live in Illinois so the winters get pretty cold. I was originally going to use a stock tank for the base but will use plywood as the base if I need to insulate.

Do you think I should insulate the cage?

[phenyx]

I should think your heating elements wouldn't have to work as hard to maintain temperature if the cage was insulated on the bottom. It would also have fewer spikes and drops if it were insulated. If it were me, I'd insulate.

[VeedubDan]

I should think your heating elements wouldn't have to work as hard to maintain temperature if the cage was insulated on the bottom. It would also have fewer spikes and drops if it were insulated. If it were me, I'd insulate.

^^ Exactly!

If you have the means to insulate, then definitely do it! You'll save money on your electricity bill too.

[craigafrechette]

I actually wrap the back, sides and top of my enclosures with 1/2" foam board insulation for the winter months. Saves me tons of headaches in the cold MA winters. It helps keep temps up and humidity in.

What animal is the enclosure for?? That's a huge enclosure to keep heated. I would almost definitely say insulate it.

[Varanid]

I actually wrap the back, sides and top of my enclosures with 1/2" foam board insulation for the winter months. Saves me tons of headaches in the cold MA winters. It helps keep temps up and humidity in.

What animal is the enclosure for?? That's a huge enclosure to keep heated. I would almost definitely say insulate it.

Alright thanks I'll go with using plywood then. The enclosure is going to be for some ackies.

[craigafrechette]

Alright thanks I'll go with using plywood then. The enclosure is going to be for some ackies.

Oh nice. I know nothing about their temp/humidity requirements.
What temps are required?
And what humidity?