Hello-
Well, I've been reading and reading on these issues, but still have some questions. I'm going back and forth between building a rack with bins or building stackable cages. The cages look so much nicer and it's easier to see the snakes. However, they are harder to build, right? And more expensive with all the extra hardware involved (hinges, door handles and locks, ect.) The racks are pretty straight forward, heat tape goes under the plastic bins. If I decide to go with the cages instead, what is the best way to get the heat into the cage? If I use heat tape can I sandwhich it between two ceramic tiles? Do I seal this or not? Or do put the heat tape on the wood with a tile over it? If it's sealed will it bild up too much heat? These questions seem to be debated again and again in the threads but I can't make sense of which really is the best.
And lighting for cages. I know it's not needed but it's nice to have. The cages will be in the bedroom so using a black light at night would be nice. DO they make a flourescant black light? I wouldn't want any more heat coming from a bulb, especially at night. My room is hot enough as it is.
Even in the winter my room is the hotest in the house.
So, do those of you have racks miss not being able to see your snakes? Just wondering. I suppose I could do the rack if the cages are too much for now and if i didn't like it I could always build the cages later. Just wanted to pick peoples brains. Thanks!
Laura
Well, I've been reading and reading on these issues, but still have some questions. I'm going back and forth between building a rack with bins or building stackable cages. The cages look so much nicer and it's easier to see the snakes. However, they are harder to build, right? And more expensive with all the extra hardware involved (hinges, door handles and locks, ect.) The racks are pretty straight forward, heat tape goes under the plastic bins. If I decide to go with the cages instead, what is the best way to get the heat into the cage? If I use heat tape can I sandwhich it between two ceramic tiles? Do I seal this or not? Or do put the heat tape on the wood with a tile over it? If it's sealed will it bild up too much heat? These questions seem to be debated again and again in the threads but I can't make sense of which really is the best.
And lighting for cages. I know it's not needed but it's nice to have. The cages will be in the bedroom so using a black light at night would be nice. DO they make a flourescant black light? I wouldn't want any more heat coming from a bulb, especially at night. My room is hot enough as it is.
Even in the winter my room is the hotest in the house. So, do those of you have racks miss not being able to see your snakes? Just wondering. I suppose I could do the rack if the cages are too much for now and if i didn't like it I could always build the cages later. Just wanted to pick peoples brains. Thanks!
Laura