Help for new owner

[nighttrain_1991]

I recently got my first ball python, and after reading many of the posts on here and information on other sites it seems that plastic tubs are the way to go for housing. Unfortunately at this time I have over 150.00 invested into a glass tank set up, so I'm hoping I can make it work. As far as heating goes I thought I had it under control and then read about tank floor vs ambient air temp readings and switched the set up focusing on tank floor temps. Is one more important than the other or are they equally important? I have a 40 gallon (36 X 18 X 16) tank with a 30-40 gal uth and an assortment of heat lamps. Currently I'm using a 100 w white light and 100 watt black light during the day and the 100 watt black light during the night. I tried a 150 watt light in the center of the tank but the floor temps were too hot where the uth is. Right now I think I have a pretty good gradient as far as the floor temps go but air temps may still be too cool. The much bigger problem though (at least in my mind) is the humidity. I can't seem to get it above 30 for more than maybe 30 minutes. I put a water dish directly over the uth and added some sphagmum moss under one of the hides which sits partially over the uth, but still no luck. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[Raven01]

First off, please get some type of thermostat for your UTH. People here seem to really like the Herpstats and Vivarium Electronics but even a very basic $30-50 model from another manufacturer will save you tons of trouble.

Second, I have to ask what you have chosen for your substrate and whether or not you have any of the screen top covered?

And, welcome to the forum and best of luck with your new pet.

P.S. pic may help with suggestions to fix your issues, or some sharp eyed members may catch things that don't seem like an issue but, will save you vet trips, money and a distressed animal.

[nighttrain_1991]

Using aspen bedding for substrate with sphagmum moss underneath in a couple spots to try and help with humidity. Currently I don't have any of the top ocvered but after reading some other threads I was going to try covering as much as I can with aluminum foil. I was worried about the heat lamps but foil seems like a good idea. I will post pics when I get home from work for sure.

[BHReptiles]

Yes, cover your screen top with aluminum foil or damp towels. Just leave a space for some air exchange and for your heat lamps. I would also switch to cypress mulch, eco earth, coco fibers, or a mixture of them all as your substrate instead of aspen. These will help to lock in moisture. You will need to moist the enclosure at least twice a day.

I'm sorry to say this, but you will battle humidity all day, every day. Tanks just don't hold humidity well at all. You can make it work, but it will take a lot of time and dedication.

[nighttrain_1991]

Thank you for the advice. How much of the top do I need to leave open for proper air exchange? I have a light on each side of the tank (although maybe after covering I won't need both), if i leave a hole slightly larger than the the hood for each would that be enough or should I poke a few more holes. I will try the other substrate as well. I was really hoping putting the water dish over the heater would do the trick. The humidity will go up to 50-60% after I mist but quickly returns to the 30-40 % range. i've even contemplated putting a wet sponge. On top of one of the hides or something. I put in a terra cotto pot to use as one of the hides, and I put some moss in as part of the substrate there which I wet every day. I'm hoping that I have at least created a humid hide that she can go to. I also saw a programmable mister that you can put in the tank. I assumed it was for more tropical species like chameleons and such but under the circumstances maybe it would be worth a look.

[BHReptiles]

I would just leave a half inch cut around your heat lamp. That will be plenty for air exchange. The rest should be covered. That will hold in heat and humidity. You can keep a humid hide with damp moss, but I would still recommend switching substrate. I think that will help a lot.

[bbaker11]

I'm about to buy a regular ball python. A baby actually. I'll probably be using a tank. Could I cover the top of it as described above & use a repti fogger? Are those ok to use for ball pythons? Also I fell in love with this rainbow boa I held. Thoughts on those? Thanks!

[BHReptiles]

I'm about to buy a regular ball python. A baby actually. I'll probably be using a tank. Could I cover the top of it as described above & use a repti fogger? Are those ok to use for ball pythons? Also I fell in love with this rainbow boa I held. Thoughts on those? Thanks!

Reptifoggers aren't really recommended for ball pythons. The only time you need to keep them humid enough for a fogger is when they are in shed. But, if you are doing other methods as suggested, you shouldn't need the fogger. As for rainbow boas, I don't have any experience with those, sorry. I just keep ball pythons and corn snakes for now.