Built an enclosure - got a few questions

[herhuskalusk]

So I recently built an enclosure with the intent to house a bearded dragon. After thinking about it more I've decided that snake would be a better option for me...mostly because I don't want to be bothered with having to keep crickets and such all the time. I've been always wanted snake, and I think a ball python would be the perfect starter snake.

The enclosure measures 4ft x 2ft x 18inches tall. Since it is completely made out of wood I was wondering the best way to go about heating it. I've read that under tank heaters are most commonly used, but they don't work that well with a wooden enclosures. What other options are there? I was reading about some type of radiating heat mat but they seem to be quite expensive. Since I'm on a budget (college student) what would you guys recommend for heating this thing?

Also, if this tank is too big for a ball python I might end up just picking up a 20 gal long and doing a basic set up with a under tank heater, infrared buld, water dish, and hide. Let me know what you think! Thanks - Taylor

[EverEvolvingExotics]

A 4' x 2' x 18" setup would be too big IMO for a BP. If decided you wanted to house another species in there I would suggest a radiant heat panel hooked up to a thermostat.

[herhuskalusk]

Thanks for the quick answer. Could you recommend some good starter species for an enclosure this size? I really like the brazilian rainbow boas and I think they would fit nicely in a tank this size, but I'm not sure I'd be confident keeping one as my first snake. I also really like the red tail boas and carpet pythons, but have read some contradicting material regarding their adult tank sizes.

Sorry for all the questions, but how exactly are the radiant heat panels used? Are they meant to be just on the hide side of the tank like the under tank heating pads? Or, should I get one that covers the entire bottom of the enclosure? Is any supplemental heating needed in addition to the radiant heat panel?

[EverEvolvingExotics]

I'm not sure what would be the best pick for another species for that size tank. I would look into more caresheets to see what would work best for you. As for the radiant heat panel the best thing you could do would be to directly talk to someone who sells them to give you the best option for that size caging. I highly recommend reptilebasics.com. Rich is always there to answer your questions, has fast shipping, and quality customer service.

[RideRed12]

First things first,

Is your wood sealed?

What kind of wood is it, several kinds of wood can threaten the life of your snake.

How will the wood handle moisture?

You should probably start by answering those questions before going on to get a snake.

I've got a small bredli python(carpet python) and she's great. That would be a good size for a Jungle Carpet.

[herhuskalusk]

I built it out of oak flooring panels that were left over after my parents remodeled their house. It is not sealed at the moment, but could be done very easily. I would think because it is an oak hardwood it would handle moisture fairly well? Here's a picture of it...excuse the bad quality. and it is unfinished in this pic with a bunch of crap inside of it.


Just to be clear, I'm not trying to rush into getting a snake and putting it in this enclosure. Because it is fairly large, the snake would most likely take a couple years to grow into it anyways. Also, I made a typo on the tank dimensions...I believe it is actually 4 x 18" not 4 x 2.