Equipment suggestions?

[XrabbitX]

I'm going to build a couple of tanks in the near future and was wondering if you guys could recommend me some specific products I can get in the US (reasonably priced preferably).

Adjustable heat mats
Thermometer
humidity gauge
heat lights
timers for lights/pads

Thanks so much!

[Scubadiver59]

Tanks (glass) or enclosures (i.e. wood or PVC)?

[XrabbitX]

At this point the first tank I have to set up is glass with a wire mesh lid. I may set up another one in a plastic tub later on.

[phenyx]

Originally Posted by XrabbitX

At this point the first tank I have to set up is glass with a wire mesh lid. I may set up another one in a plastic tub later on.

If you plan to house a creature with higher humidity requirements in this tank, you'll need to block off a portion of the mesh with plastic to keep the humidity inside.


You can go to Wal-Mart or Target and get one of their stupid-cheap poster frames, with the four slide on edges. Toss the frame slides in the trash and you have a beautiful piece of clear plastic you can cut to size. It will melt on contact with heat lamps, though, so you'll either have to suspend your heat lamp on a lamp stand or cut dome-sized + 1-2" holes in the plastic. I prefer lamp stands myself because you can adjust the temperature by raising or lowering the lamp.

[Jim Smith]

What species of animals are you planning to house in the aquariums? This will help us provide you with more specific information.

[pet_snake_78]

The enclosure is only going to be suitable for specific species because their needs can vary a lot. What kind of herps do you want to get into?

[XrabbitX]

I don't really have questions about the enclosure, just the specific equipment I mentioned that goes into the enclosure. Thanks!

[Herpin' Man]

Here's what I use:
Reptile Heating
Heat mats aren't really "adjustable" in most cases; rather, you would attach a thermostat and set it to the desired temperature.
Timers can be purchased at any hardware store.

[pet_snake_78]

I don't like the non-digital timers even though they are cheap. I have found a lot of them don't seem to actually "tick" properly and the time gets off over time or they end up giving me other issues. Plus clicking all the buttons to change the time with the seasons is pretty annoying (now which direction do I push them down again...)