saving energy?

[minimonkey]

Any ideas on how to ensure that my vivs are more energy efficient? My vivs are one cabinet split up like you see as display tanks in pet stores but quite large (they were cast-offs from a pet store - darn good bargain!). They are currently rigged up to a thermostat that regulates the temperature and supposedly is more efficient. I rely on natural light for lighting as my critters have their very own window :spinner:

Just curious is there any other steps i could be taking?

 

[ghosthousecorns]

What are you using to heat them? Heat tape? Lamps?

 

[caz223]

If you have a lot of snakes, then display cages aren't very utility, time, or labor efficient.
Snake racks are much easier, faster, more consistent, better to maintain, and less costly to provide optimal conditions.
The easier and faster it is to maintain them, the better care they will tend to get.

 

[alan]

Since you already have the viv, and have the heating set-up with a thermostat I can only think of one thing.
If you have extension cords either try not to use them or make them the shortest length and largest gauge that is practical. The resistance of the wiring (any wiring) dissipates some of the current as heat. Thicker wires have less resistance.

 

[bitsy]

Only thing I can think of is that the upper tanks might be benefitting from residual heat rising from the lower ones. If you had each one on a separate stat, then you might be able to turn down the upper ones by a degree or two.

But that's probably so slight a saving that it'd take years to recoup the cost of the stats!