Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm having a friend of mine build me a stacked enclosure for my snakes with a small cabinet underneath it.

The problem I'm running into is heating because one of the 4 snakes going into this thing is a ball python. I'm already planning on having him at the top, but I was wondering how much hassle I might have getting proper temps for 3 kings and a BP, and what the best choice for heat tape would be. Also, I'm going to need a good thermostat, anyone have any suggestions?

I'm looking at building a wooden enclosure with 4 individual "cages", using pegboard type material for the backing to provide air circulation and glass or plexiglass swing down doors to provide access to the snakes. Once we get it finished and the snakes in it, I'll post pics...
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~Maggie~

"Not one shred of evidence supports the notion that life is serious."
1.1 Cal Kings (Spot and Fry)
1.0 Florida King
1.0 Ball Python (Mitch)
0.1 Red Belly Piranha (Fluffy)
1.0 Australian Shepherd (Spooky)
1.0 Springer Spaniel/Beagle mix (Snoopy)
0.1 German Shep mix (Shadow)
0.1 Cat (Echo)

Personally, my BP is more tolerant towards a range of temperatures than the species seems to be given credit for. Right now, it's really stupid-cold outside here and my apartment has crap windows and crap radiators... so it's tough to keep the heat up. My BP's terrarium is split low 70s / low 80s. Believe it or not, she actually spends more time in the middle or on the cool side (I use 3 hides) than she does on the warm side. The only exception is after she's had a meal and when she's in shed.

Now, my MBK is at the same temps right now, and he is spending more time on the warm side. Of course- he tends to be most active in the late afternoon, and I don't get home until 6:30. So my impression might be a little off. My BP is active overnight, so I usually see more of her.

Thanks for the input... My BP is currently in the basement in a cold corner, so even though the main reason for the enclosure is to consolidate space, its also to get him outta the basement and upstairs were its warmer... Mine almost never leaves his warm hide during the day, but he tends to be active at night...
-----
~Maggie~

"Not one shred of evidence supports the notion that life is serious."
1.1 Cal Kings (Spot and Fry)
1.0 Florida King
1.0 Ball Python (Mitch)
0.1 Red Belly Piranha (Fluffy)
1.0 Australian Shepherd (Spooky)
1.0 Springer Spaniel/Beagle mix (Snoopy)
0.1 German Shep mix (Shadow)
0.1 Cat (Echo)