how to set up tub for new ball python

[bowtie-guy]

so iv always wanted a ball python, and now im prepared to get one. iv been doing my research and plan on getting his tub set up and playing with the temps till theyre ok for a week or two, then ill start looking at breeders. so heres my question. iv seen plenty of glass tank setups, and racks, but cant find any of tubs. what should i do about lighting. my room is in the basement so theres no room lighting. i know the ball python is nocturnal, do they need a light at all? also, how should i go about warming a large plastic tub? i know about the uth's, but is there any other type of heater neccesary? so can i see some pics of bp tubs, and how you go about lighting it, unless you dont need light

[Kaorte]

http://bp.kaorte.com/tubsetup.htm
http://www.ball-pythons.net/modules/...warticle&id=40

Lighting doesn't matter at all. There are some people who keep their snakes in complete darkness unless they are in the room and they do just fine.

[bowtie-guy]

thank you thats exactly the info i needed!

[krisstandfield]

well first off congrats on getting your first bp. About a light, no you do not need one but if you decide to use one all you have to do is cut a hole in the top of the tub. Then drill little holes around the big cut out. then get a small piece of steel mesh or metal screen and zip tie it on the inside of the top to cover the hole. then you can set the light right on the metal screen or steel mesh. for other heat i recommend using flex watt heat tape but you will need a thermostat to power it. but I think its way worth it for you and your snake. I used to use the zoo med uth but they always got to hot and they burned a few of my snakes belly's. Now that I use flex watt I have never had a problem. I hope this will help you out some.

[Evilme5229]

Congrats on your newest addition. I was completely paranoid about making sure that my first bp was completely comfortable. I went through the whole glass tank thing and it was just a complete nightmare, especially since I knew I wanted more than one. lol.

Tubs are easy and bps are really easy to keep. Pick a side where you want your heat pad to go. Make sure you purchase "feet," you can get them from Walmart for like $3. they have a self-stick adheasive backing where you can just put on the bottom of the 4 corners of your tub. This give your tub constant air flow and your mat is than not sitting on a hard surface (like a dresser). Put your pine shavings in, put your hide box half on the pad, half off and just put your water bowl on the opposite side of the heating mat.

I live in FL so I really don't have to worry too much about monitoring my temps. I do however got a $9.99 digital thermo so I know how hot his hide is inside. Other than that, they are happy as clams.

I just built a rack so I will be doing away with the heating matts and switching to heat tape. You won't need to do what I'm doing unless you are planning on having more than I would say 3 snakes. Heat mats can get expensive and fire hazards when you start getting into the higher number of snakes. :-)

[bowtie-guy]

thanks guys, i appreciate the help. im going tonight to get the thermostats and uth's, and all the cage accesories so i can give it a week or so to get set up and make sure my temps are good, then im gonna be looking into breeders close by. cant wait!! we decided to name it garfield

[jben]

thanks guys, i appreciate the help. im going tonight to get the thermostats and uth's, and all the cage accesories so i can give it a week or so to get set up and make sure my temps are good, then im gonna be looking into breeders close by. cant wait!! we decided to name it garfield

welcome and thank you for doing your research before getting your bp.

[steveboos]

welcome and thank you for doing your research before getting your bp.

I agree, it seems as if too many people buy the ball python first, then worry about the husbandry. If you want ANYTHING to go smoothly and if you want to keep your BP as stress free as possible, setting it up first is the best way.

Really good how your dealing with this and all the information given is the best around!

[Sariel]

welcome and thank you for doing your research before getting your bp.

^^^^^^