Considering Purchase of a Normal BP

[nickdolin]

Hello everyone, it seems there is a wealth of knowledge here that I only hope to tap into.

Owning a corn snake (along with 3 tree frogs, 4 hermit crabs, 3 Fire Bellied Toads, 2 Dogs) has me hankering for a BP.

I'd either purchase from Kathy Love or Pro Exotics (any experiences with these two?) and more than likely I'd go for a Normal (and likely Male for the smaller size).

I'm planning on putting them in an 18Q/17L sterilite (same footprint as a 10G but only 6'' tall) Should this be sufficient for an 09? After he/she grew up some, I'd move up to the 30-40Q range.

I'm not one for extreme decoration in my tanks but from what I've read, here are the necessities.

1. 2 hides (small) one on the warm and one on the cool end.

2. UTH

3. Rheo/Thermostat to keep the UTH on about 92-94F

4. Bedding (I like Aspen)

5. Water dish (I use rubbermade containers)

6. Thermometer/Hygro w/ Probe to measure both ambient/hot side

From what I've seen/read that should cover the necessities. I also have a mister/moss to help with shed time.

Also- since the Sterilite uses an opaque plastic (kinda see through) should I still cover 3 sides of it?

Another Q- With belly heat of 92-94, do I need a 2nd UTH (for the cool side) if the ambient temp is 80-82F?

THANKS!!