help me setup enclosure for bp- new to bps

[elbee]

Hello all,
My name is Laura and I am new on the forum. I am not new to snakes, and have kept colubrids. However, I am wanting something with a little more weight to it, good temper etc. Long story short, I am looking into getting my first ball python. Before I do, I want to make sure that I am able to have an appropriate enclsure for it. I am looking to get a 2010 male more than likely. Here is my question, if I did a tub setup, could I use an under tank heater with it? All of my under tank heaters are hooked up to a thermostat. It is no helix, but it has done the job for me so far. I currently run 3 under tank heaters on it. Would the plastic melt? I was thinking of getting a tub and wanted to know what you would recommend, as you know more than I do . Also, I have read care sheets, but in your opinion, what should the hot spot and humidity be? I am wondering if this works, how many holes will need to be be drilled in the tub. Also, any suggestions and advice is welcome, this is not something that I want to rush into. Thank you and God bless.

Laura

[blackcrystal22]

Hello all,
My name is Laura and I am new on the forum. I am not new to snakes, and have kept colubrids. However, I am wanting something with a little more weight to it, good temper etc. Long story short, I am looking into getting my first ball python. Before I do, I want to make sure that I am able to have an appropriate enclsure for it. I am looking to get a 2010 male more than likely. Here is my question, if I did a tub setup, could I use an under tank heater with it? All of my under tank heaters are hooked up to a thermostat. It is no helix, but it has done the job for me so far. I currently run 3 under tank heaters on it. Would the plastic melt? I was thinking of getting a tub and wanted to know what you would recommend, as you know more than I do . Also, I have read care sheets, but in your opinion, what should the hot spot and humidity be? I am wondering if this works, how many holes will need to be be drilled in the tub. Also, any suggestions and advice is welcome, this is not something that I want to rush into. Thank you and God bless.

Laura

You can use a UTH as long as you keep it on the thermostat and check the temps with a temp gun or a probe thermometer. The plastic will not melt unless it exceeds 120F.
Tubs are best for regulating temps and humidity, and you don't have to worry about cost for upgrading the size.
If you're getting a 2010, you may want to get a 15qt tub or a 32qt depending on his size. Drill or solder some holes into the tub for air (none in the lid, just the sides), I start with holes along the sides about 1-2" apart and add more if the humidity gets too high.
Hot Spot: 90-95F (if you use aspen, make sure it's not hotter than 95F under the substrate at the bottom or you could use paper-towels or newspaper.)
Humidity: 50-70% (60% is prime, but up it a little before a shed)

[elbee]

Thank you so much! Now to start looking into breeders. I am looking at a mojave or lesser male I think. Or whoever catches my eye . Thank you again.

[SlitherinSisters]

Yep, a UTH is perfectly fine. A heat mat should never get hot enough to melt plastic, it would have to get well over 200 degrees, most plastics don't even melt until 400 and some. As for other things about the set up. Get a smaller tub, don't use a gigantic tub for a young/small bp. For a '10 baby I would say a sweater box to a 28 qt tub would be fine-depending on size. I keep my hot side 92 and prefer that my cool side doesn't drop below 80, 75 at the absolute coolest. Don't let your temps go above 95 or below 70. Good luck and welcome to the site and the addiction!