Chloe Zhang
The Animal Plastics T8 cage is easy to assemble and comes with detailed instructions and a build tutorial. The assembly is made simpler by the cage's EZ Build features, which are designed to reduce the time needed for pre-assembly before shipping. The cage is shipped unassembled to keep shipping costs low and prevent damage during transportation. It is important to follow the instructions carefully, as the cage is machined precisely, and improper assembly will affect the sliding glass performance and stacking of the cage. The assembly requires a drill, and it is recommended that two people are present when assembling any cage over 4 feet in length.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Assembly | Easy |
| Instructions | Provided, along with a build tutorial on the website |
| Material | 1/2" CDPVC (Controlled Density PVC Plastic) |
| Outside Dimensions | 47(3/4)L x 23(1/2)D x 11(3/4)H |
| Flexwatt Belly Heat Installation | Tape using supplied foil tape to the bottom of the cage in the desired position |
| Thermostat | Required to properly control the heat tape |
| Stacking | Possible with supplied stacking pins |
| Design | Inset/overhang look, unique to Animal Plastics |
| Pre-assembly | Not required |
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What You'll Learn
Follow the instructions carefully
It is important to follow the instructions carefully when assembling your Animal Plastics T8 cage. The cage is machined precisely, sometimes to the 20,000th of an inch in certain joints, so incorrect assembly will affect the sliding glass performance and how the cages stack. Assembly is not difficult, but it can be awkward with larger cages, so it is recommended that two people are present when assembling any cage over 4 feet in length.
Start with the bottom piece and a side piece. Make sure that you match the labels so that you are using the correct side piece. Place the long end of the cage across the floor with the back of the bottom piece against the floor and the front facing up. Line up the side to the bottom and attach it all the way down. Do not overtighten the screws. All drills have a clutch, which turns down the power of the screwdriver. Use a 9-volt drill for assembly and turn its clutch down to 4. If you have a cordless drill over 9 volts or a plug-in drill, turn the clutch down to the lowest setting.
Attach the other side piece to the bottom piece in the same manner. When the doors are closed, they will recess slightly into the sides of the cage. If you are installing Flexwatt belly heat, tape it to the bottom of the cage in your desired position using the supplied foil tape. There is an outline with a probe slot on the bottom of the cage, but this is only a suggested placement and does not have to be used. Ensure that the cage does not sit on the Flexwatt clips; they need to butt up to the back or side of the cage. Use a thermostat to properly control the heat tape, preferably a proportional thermostat, and ensure that the thermostat probe comes into contact with the heat tape for the best control.
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Use the correct tools
It is important to use the correct tools when assembling your Animal Plastics T8 cage to ensure that it is put together securely and safely. The manufacturer recommends using a drill to assemble the cage, specifically a 9-volt drill for this purpose. This is because all the joints are machined precisely, sometimes to the 20,000th of an inch, and incorrect assembly may affect the sliding glass performance and stacking of the cage.
Drills are powerful tools, and it is important to know how to control them. Drills have a clutch that turns down the power of the screwdriver. You must turn down the clutch to prevent overtightening the screws. For a 9-volt drill, turn the clutch down to 4. If you are using a cordless drill over 9 volts or a plug-in drill, turn the clutch down to the lowest setting.
Using the correct tools will ensure that your Animal Plastics T8 cage is assembled correctly and securely. It will also help to avoid any damage to the cage during the assembly process. The manufacturer also recommends having two people present when assembling any cage over 4 feet in length, as it can be awkward to handle larger cages.
In addition to a drill, you will also need foil tape for the Flexwatt belly heat installation. This is an optional feature, but if you choose to install it, you will need to tape the Flexwatt to the bottom of the cage using the supplied foil tape. Make sure the cage does not sit on the Flexwatt clips, and butt them up against the back or side of the cage instead.
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Install Flexwatt belly heat
To install Flexwatt belly heat in an Animal Plastics T8 cage, follow these steps:
First, ensure you have all the necessary components, including the Flexwatt heat tape, foil tape, and a thermostat. Flexwatt belly heat is an economical heating option for your cage. It is important to note that while Flexwatt provides belly heat, some sources suggest that a Radiant Heat Panel (RHP) may be sufficient for your snake's heating needs, especially if you live in a warmer climate.
Once you have the components, start by taping the Flexwatt heat tape to the bottom of the cage using the supplied foil tape. You will notice an outline with a probe slot on the bottom of the cage—this indicates a suggested placement for the Flexwatt, but it does not have to be followed as long as the cage does not sit on the Flexwatt clips. Ensure the clips butt up against the back or side of the cage.
Next, connect the thermostat to properly control the heat tape. It is strongly recommended to use a proportional thermostat, and the thermostat probe should be in contact with the heat tape for optimal control.
Finally, test the setup to ensure it is functioning properly and providing the desired level of heat. You may need to adjust the thermostat settings to achieve the optimal temperature for your snake's enclosure.
Remember, it is always important to consider the specific temperature requirements of your snake and the climate conditions in your location when determining the best heating solution.
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Stack cages safely
To assemble an Animal Plastics T8 cage, you must first identify the bottom piece. Then, match the labels on the side pieces to the bottom piece, attaching the first side piece to the bottom piece with screws. Do not overtighten the screws. Attach the other side piece in the same manner.
- Stacked cages should always be placed on the floor, not on a table, for support and to avoid dangerous sagging in the middle.
- If you are stacking cages, ensure they are well-supported to prevent the structure from sagging in the middle. This can be done by using the right length of support rod and securing it tightly underneath the floor grids of the upper level using zip ties.
- Consider your height and the height of anyone else who will be taking care of the animals in the cage. If you add a stand, it can make it easier to reach into the cage.
- A “half-height” stand using short or tall half grids can achieve the toe-kick ability without increasing the height as much as a full grid-high cage stand.
- Avoid too much tension on outer walls and connectors to prevent stress on the overall structure.
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Identify the unique design
The Animal Plastics T8 cage features a proprietary design with an inset/overhang look unique to the brand. The design is protected by a patent (US Patent # D 1,052,189) to prevent the production of mimic cages. The T8 cage is easily identifiable by its unique design, even from 20 feet away.
The T8 cage is slightly smaller in length than traditional Animal Plastics cages and can be stacked on top of them using the supplied stacking pins. The cage is made from 1/2" CDPVC™ (Controlled Density PVC Plastic) and has precise measurements of 47(3/4)L x 23(1/2)D x 11(3/4)H.
The design of the T8 cage is not only unique but also functional, with features that make assembly quick and easy. The cage is shipped unassembled to keep shipping costs low and prevent damage during transportation. Clear instructions and a build tutorial are provided to ensure proper assembly, as improper assembly can affect the sliding glass performance and stacking ability of the cage.
One notable design feature of the T8 cage is the recessed doors, which slightly recess into the sides of the cage when closed. The cage also includes a Flexwatt belly heat installation, which is an economical heating option. The Flexwatt can be taped to the bottom of the cage in the desired position, ensuring that the cage does not sit on the Flexwatt clips. A thermostat is required to control the heat tape effectively, and it is recommended that a proportional thermostat be used.
Overall, the Animal Plastics T8 cage stands out with its distinctive inset/overhang design, offering both aesthetic appeal and functional benefits that make it a unique and innovative product in the market.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a drill with a 9-volt power screwdriver.
Make sure you have received the instructions and build tutorial. The Animal Plastics T8 is shipped unassembled to keep shipping costs low and prevent damage.
First, match the labels so that you are attaching the correct side piece. Place the long end of the cage across the floor with the back of the bottom piece against the floor and the front facing up. Line up the side to the bottom and attach it all the way down. Repeat for the other side piece.
Tape the Flexwatt to the bottom of the cage in your desired position using the supplied foil tape.
