Getting a corn, cage suggestions?

[Bel5191]

Hi all, I am planning on getting a corn snake for a first snake. I would like to go with a higher quality cage rather than an aquarium. I don't really want to break the bank but I prefer doing it right to start with. I was looking at exo-terra terrariums, Vision cages and Boaphile plastics cages. The first question is size. The Vision cage I was thinking would work is the V332, 36" W x 28" D x 18" H. The Boaphile I was looking at is 36" W x 24" D x 17.5" H. I could put additional hides and foliage until the snake grew into it a little.

The next question is heating. In the winter I keep my house about 70 degrees F, in summer it can get up to 74F. I'll probably keep the snake in my bedroom which I can bump up the heat if needed (I have base board heaters). What kind of heating setup would be ideal? I was looking at radiant heat panels and they seem to get good reviews. Looking at the Boaphile cages they can install flexwatt under the whole cage, they also can install radiant heat panels. The Vision cage(s) have space for a heating pad and a mini heat lamp. What would be a good option to keep the ambient temp in the cage up and then what would be good for a hot spot to create a gradient?

I know from creeping on the forum here that there are proponents of multiple different methods. I shouldn't have any problems with humidity being that I don't have forced air heat. I am planning on probably using aspen bedding. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks, Ben

[DeesBalls]

i hear alot of people say vision cages are really nice, but i dont have one my self. have you ever thought about building your own out of wood? they are generally cheaper, you can build to exact measurements and relally make it your own.

and they are generally done with easy, just a drill and some screws, silicone and maybe some touch up paint.

but giving you may not want to build, i would say visoin, or even boaphile you can go wrong, specially with a corn snake.

[Bloedig]

I have looked at those Vision cages and I think they are very nice. I like that set up with heat pad and light. I do suggest getting a thermostat too. The temps here have started to go up and even a small difference in ambient room temps causes a decent sized jump in enclosure temps without a thermostat. I just use the ZooMed ReptiTemp 500R and it works great for me.

[DeesBalls]

Amazon.com: Hydrofarm MTPRTC Digital Thermostat For Heat Mats: Patio, Lawn & Garden also a good thermostat. i have 7 of them and they all work awesome!

[Bloedig]

One nice thing about the ReptiTemp is it has 2 outlets. I set mine so the red nighttime heat lamp and the heat pad are tripped. This tends to keep not only the substrate, but also the air temps more even. Just one thing I noticed a difference on between the two brands.