Ball python tank setup

[maryclark18]

Hi. Im thinking about getting a normal ball python(Id like a morph but don't have money for one)...Anyways I know they need a cool and warm side to their tank, but not special UVB bulbs. I also know they need humidity. Ive heard of people using UTHs for heat..my question is can you control the temp of the UTH so its set at 90 degrees? And can you just use that or do you also need a heat bulb? How do you actually set up the tank? Also how does the whole humidity thing work? Ive heard of people misting the tank and ive heard of people that put the water dish on the warm side of the tank and that helps the humidity. I have done my research, but the tank setup confuses me. Thanks for any help!

[The Serpent Merchant]

Welcome to the site!

How to set up a tank step by step with pictures: http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...With-Pictures!

To control a UTH you need a thermostat.

Here are some good thermostats: (stay away from the junk sold in pet stores)

Budget: http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-MTPR.../dp/B000NZZG3S

Mid-Range: http://www.reptilebasics.com/thermos...stat-prewired/

Best: http://spyderrobotics.com/home/products.html

More info on cage heating/thermostats/thermometers:

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

[Crazymonkee]

Welcome!! ^^ yep read those, if you have any questions after, feel free to ask

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[maryclark18]

Thanks! That actually made a lot of sense...compared to what I found elsewhere. One question...instead of using paper, could I use say a tank background that's big enough to cover the three sides?

[Crazymonkee]

Yep you can use the fancy stuff, paper is just the cheaper way

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[maryclark18]

Great. Thanks!

[The Serpent Merchant]

Thanks! That actually made a lot of sense...compared to what I found elsewhere. One question...instead of using paper, could I use say a tank background that's big enough to cover the three sides?

Absolutely, anything that will cover 3 sides of the tank will work. If you live in a colder climate using foam board insulation will help keep heat in the cage.

[NYHC4LIFE8899]

Hi. Im thinking about getting a normal ball python(Id like a morph but don't have money for one)...Anyways I know they need a cool and warm side to their tank, but not special UVB bulbs. I also know they need humidity. Ive heard of people using UTHs for heat..my question is can you control the temp of the UTH so its set at 90 degrees? And can you just use that or do you also need a heat bulb? How do you actually set up the tank? Also how does the whole humidity thing work? Ive heard of people misting the tank and ive heard of people that put the water dish on the warm side of the tank and that helps the humidity. I have done my research, but the tank setup confuses me. Thanks for any help!

A UTH will only heat a spot,will not heat the tank. My set up is UTH mat with thermostat and have it set at 88 with a hide above it and I. So have a thermometer set inside the tank mid of UTH under the hide to make sure the thermostat is accurate. The hide I have is a very thick resin.i also provide a heat lamp above,well a heat bulb. That keeps my hot side temp at 86-88 and cool side about 80. I keep a wett /damp rag covering 80% top of the tank. Also keep a tup o ware bowl stuffed with wett sphagnum moss about center of tank and a large water dish a little off center of the tank. I keep a gauge to monitor humidity ( hygrometer)about 4 inches up from bottom of the tank in the middle of the tank,length wise that is . I have a thermometer strip on the hot side about 4 inches from end of tank and about 4 inches from the bottom up. Got some vines and fake plants as well.3 sides covered wit black construction paper with only the face of the tank exposed

my overall set up is 88 hot spot,86 air temp hot side and 80 cool side and my humidity stays at 40-50. With my set up,my guy eats like a pig,shed great and is quiet happy and healthy. THIS works for me and my snake. There are many ways to set up a tank.so don't take just one way,alotof people do diff things. Mix and Mach ad find what works for you and ya snake. My guy is happy and always in his hide,comes put when hungry or thirsty basically. As long as he is hiding,he is happy..if he is always put and about,something is up.

Get yourself a thermo infra red gun to measure temps,it's accurate and great. Best of luck.