buildin a cage 4 a columbian

[Sweetness]

Hi, I'm building a cage for a columbian. The measurements for the cage are 6'x2'x2'..would the humidity and temperature be where it should if I use a ceramic heat emitter, a basking light and a day-glo incadescent light? or would that be too much? I'm new at this experience and the columbian is going to be my first snake. If anyone has any info for me I'd appreciate.
Thanx
Jackie

[crazyboy]

the bulbs and CHE should b able to heat provide they asre the correct wattage. why not use an under tank heater or heat tape?

[Sweetness]

I was thinking about using an undertank heater...the only thing is the fact that I would have to put it inside the tank b/c I'm using melamine chipboard for the sides top and bottom. I read about the t-rex cobra heat mats that could be placed inside the tank...if I dont use an undertank heater what wattage would you suggest for the lights and CHE?

[Linds]

Heat tape and UTH typically aren't placed (nor are they safe to be) inside of an enclosure. My enclosures are built out of 7/16" OSB (chipboard) and 5/8" melamine (unfortunately) and the heat tape has no problems heating through the bottom of any of them. Most are actually only set on half the power output to acheive the proper temps. Bottom heat is really the most efficient, and IMHO, the safest ways to heat terrestrial snakes. Heat rises, so doesn't it makes sense to heat from the bottom up? Not to mention using CHE and lights would probably be anywhere from 100 - 200+ watts, while UTH/heat tape would probably be between 11 - 18 watts. You also don't have to worry about the dangerously hot devices being inside your enclosure with your snake. Even with bulb cages they can be quite hot. Your snake also doesn't require any special lighting since they are nocturnal. You woudl be wasting your money if you went with those day-glo bulbs and the like. Also, heating the air instead of the surface can cause the air to dry out faster.

[BoidKeeper]

I just built a 5x2x18" and I use 8 watt heat tape under one side and it gives plenty of heat.
Cheers,
Trevor

[Sweetness]

Thnx for the advice...so if I use an UTH do I need any additional heat sources such as a CHE or lights?

[BoidKeeper]

Depends on your ambiant temps. My cage is in my snake room so the air temp is always warm enough. If your cool end it too cool you may want to add additional heat.
Cheers,
Trevor

[crazyboy]

you shouldn't need any lighs if you use an UTH or heat tape. if you do need more heat you could always put a bigger peice of heat tape on there.

[MouseKilla]

Linds,

What problems have you had with the melamine?

[Linds]

Sweetness,
In most cases a UTH is sufficient unless your room is too cold. Melamine is fairly good at insulating.

Mousekilla,
The stuff is dreadful. It is heavy, it chips, it bubbles, and for the first little while, it smells. It would be disasterous if I wanted to put anything inside, such as branches or rocks, because it would scratch the surface making openings for moisture. If it bubbles already I would hate to see what would happen then :eek: Before anyone bounces out to say anything about it... I have enclosures built out of both the professional grade and the lower quality stuff, sealed properly, and no decorations or anything were ever used that would scratch the surface.

[MouseKilla]

Linds,

Wow, I suppose everything you've said about it is true but I guess the question is, What is easier or better?

I like using it despite it's tendency to chip and bubble and all the other flaws for the simple reason that you don't have to put yourself through the extra step (and expense) of painting plywood. You can buy a sheet of the stuff, have it pre-cut at the store, take it home, screw it together and you're basically finished. Follow HetForHuman's tutorial and it all comes together very quickly, simply and cheap too.

I saw the cages you posted pictures of and they look like they must work very well I just don't know about the whole painting business myself.