Preparing for move to 36x18x18 Exo Terra. Tips?

[Bdnorton48]

Hello, I'm making the final move for my female adult ball to a 36"x18"x18" exo terra breeder. I was just wondering if anyone has a similar tank and had some tips on the general set up. I'm going with the eco earth coconut fiber substrate. I was more wondering how many lights/wattage would be needed along with how many UTH would be needed to create a favorable 94-80 gradient. I would also appreciate any suggestions on how many hides and water sources would be ideal, as well as general decoration ideas. Just want to get a basic idea of a general set-up before I make the move. Thanks so much!

[ROACH]

Here is your best place to start for proper info! And Welcome to the Forum!

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

[PitOnTheProwl]

All depends on the environment you are putting the enclosure in, it can vary from house to house.

[Tragic Image]

I use that same tank for both of my BP's.

I have per tank:

1 - 100w CHE
1 - 100w Red Bulb
1 - Flukers Large UTH
1 - Helix Controller for the temps (each tank)


Then I have the under side of the tank insulated with:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/R-Tech-1-...99?N=5yc1vZ910

and I also used that to cover the majority of the vent screens in the top of the tank. It provides insulation as well as keeps in humidity. I think the dimesion is 16.5" x 7.5" but I went 16.375" x 7.375" for clearance while still achieving a snug fit. Obviously you'll need clearance for your overhead lamps if that is the route you're going.




Speaking of, you'll have a hell of a time keeping the humidity up in there. Which is why I have a large cool mist humidifier hooked up to my set up on a sensor to mist whenever the humidity drops below 53%
http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...e-Fogger-Redux

I use orchard bark as a substrate, and decorate however I want. The Snakes have stuff to hide in, and climb on. Moist Hides make shed-time easier on everyone.


This set up works for me, it may not work for you. You'll have to experiment to find out what works for you because every room/house/climate is different. But the most crucial thing you're going to discover is that Humidity and Temperature are going to be a hard balance to achieve. Covering the top of your tank is going to be imperative, or you're going to be venting hot, moist air right out the top and you'll never get ahead of it. Might even be worth it to obscure 1/2 - 3/4 of the vents on the front of your tank. You won't suffocate them, I promise.

[winglesshornet]

7My set up is similar with the same tank minus the insolation. Instead i use plexi glass on top and weather stripping at the door jams, and covered 90% of the front vents below the doors. I just moved to a different house and my previous set was an epic fail in my current home. As mentioned above keeping humidity stable is a nightmare in the tank. When you think you got it stable... condisation builds up which is a no no. Only reason I opted for this tank was because the price was right if I was to pay retail I would have gone with an abs enclosure. It was an unexpected purchase due to a table lamp falling over and shattering the side of the old enclosure.

Sent from my MB886 using Tapatalk

[Mr. Misha]

OP, did you already buy the Exo Terra cage? If you didnt, i'd suggest going Animal Plastic T8 or T12 and calling it a day. In a PVC enclosure it's easier to maintain both temps and humidity.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk

[Tragic Image]

if I had to do it over, I'd also go with a T8, T12, a Vision Cage, or something similar, but I got incredible deals on the big Exo Terra tanks.

[Bdnorton48]

I use that same tank for both of my BP's.

I have per tank:

1 - 100w CHE
1 - 100w Red Bulb
1 - Flukers Large UTH
1 - Helix Controller for the temps (each tank)


Then I have the under side of the tank insulated with:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/R-Tech-1-...99?N=5yc1vZ910

and I also used that to cover the majority of the vent screens in the top of the tank. It provides insulation as well as keeps in humidity. I think the dimesion is 16.5" x 7.5" but I went 16.375" x 7.375" for clearance while still achieving a snug fit. Obviously you'll need clearance for your overhead lamps if that is the route you're going.




Speaking of, you'll have a hell of a time keeping the humidity up in there. Which is why I have a large cool mist humidifier hooked up to my set up on a sensor to mist whenever the humidity drops below 53%
http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...e-Fogger-Redux

I use orchard bark as a substrate, and decorate however I want. The Snakes have stuff to hide in, and climb on. Moist Hides make shed-time easier on everyone.


This set up works for me, it may not work for you. You'll have to experiment to find out what works for you because every room/house/climate is different. But the most crucial thing you're going to discover is that Humidity and Temperature are going to be a hard balance to achieve. Covering the top of your tank is going to be imperative, or you're going to be venting hot, moist air right out the top and you'll never get ahead of it. Might even be worth it to obscure 1/2 - 3/4 of the vents on the front of your tank. You won't suffocate them, I promise.

Absolutely awesome info! Thank you so much for everything. I will be going with eco earth substrate to try and combat the humidity issue. I was just wondering if you had any trouble with the plastic between the screens? I figured the heat from the CHE would melt it but it doesn't seem like you've had an issue with it.

[Bdnorton48]

OP, did you already buy the Exo Terra cage? If you didnt, i'd suggest going Animal Plastic T8 or T12 and calling it a day. In a PVC enclosure it's easier to maintain both temps and humidity.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk

I have already bought it. It was very impulsive but I guy was going to a rack system and offered $90 for the tank, UTH, as well as two lighting fixtures. I haven't began prepping it for the transfer quite yet so I might look into selling it and looking into the T8/12. Thanks for the suggestion

[Tragic Image]

Give yourself at least a 1/2 inch of clearance to the plastic for the frame and regulate all heat sources.