new here first BP need advice

[TLR386]

Ok so i have been browsing these forums for hours everyday for the past week, i have learned a ton and everyone here seems very knowledgeable. i have my tank almost all setup and i was planning on going to the Orlando Repticon on the 15th to purchase my ball python. i have also been browsing craigslist and i came across this male spider and i had a few questions.

the guy said hes 180 grams, would this be considered a hatchling or a well started and do you think that's a good size for my first snake? how long would i be able to house him in a ten gallon? (i was going to do a tub but i already have a tank with small heating pad and heat lamp for my ambient temps cause my apartment stays around 68*, so i will be upgrading to a tub when i can afford a bigger heating pad and a good thermostat im just using lamp dimmers for now)

he is asking $80 dollars it seems like a good quality spider to me i like the white sides what do you think? do you think i will find a better deal at the expo or should i just pick this one up?

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[ChrisS]

$80 isn't bad but you'll see a MUCH larger selection at the expo. I say hold off for now. If you absolutely can't wait, go for it. But still go to the expo for the experience.

[The Serpent Merchant]

The Orlando Repticon is a good show and there should be a good selection of BP's to choose from. That said, that is a good deal and a good looking spider. Can't go wrong either way.

Just incase you haven't come across these 2 threads yet I highly suggest that you read through them:

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...ius)-Caresheet

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...t-Thermometers

If your house stays that cold tubs probably aren't going to be the best choice unless you are willing to heat the room that the tub is in to 75-82 degrees year round. A PVC reptile enclosure would be a much better option as you won't have to heat an entire room

[TLR386]

yeah the wait is killing me lol. how long can i keep it in a ten gallon if i got this spider?

[The Serpent Merchant]

It really depends on how quickly he grows.... but I would say 6 months at the most.

[TLR386]

Ok so i the tank is all setup and its reading 96 on the hot side and 82 on the cold side but when i touch the newspaper under the hide it doesnt even feel warm how many degrees do i lose going through 2 sheets of newspaper, i have the thermo probe under the newspaper attached to the glass.

[The Serpent Merchant]

Remember that 96 is lower than your body temperature so it really won't feel that warm. Even still 96 is hotter than I like to keep my cages. I never let any part get above 95. A ball python only needs a hot side temperature of 88-92 degrees.

[TLR386]

i dont have it yet but im just messing with the temps getting it ready, im going to meet the guy tomorrow and take a look at it. thanks though ill lower it to around 93 or so. i can already tell these lamp dimmers are going to be a pain in the ass.