Help Setting Up Cage for incoming Ball Python

[baazi1]

Hello!

I am so very excited to get my new Ball Python. But first, I have to get his/her living quarters up to par. See attached my setup. I have a few questions.

First off, how does it look? I used the How to Setup a Glass Tank (20 long) With Pictures! guide over in the BP Husbandry forums. I didn't follow it exactly, but nearly 100%.

Next, the thermometer. According to the guide, the probe should have been placed under the substrate and on top of the heating pad (whch is secured underneath the tank. So, my understanding is, this will read the temperature of the "hot side" of the tank? What do I use to read the temperature of the "cool side"? Do I need another thermometer for that? I know the the one thermometer sitting in the corner reads the humidity as well but does it read the "cool side"?

Any other comments or recommendations would be appreciated! I'm so excited!

[LouDigglies]

Get another thermometer for the other side or a temp gun. I'd move the water dish to the cool.side instead of the middle. The half log hide is no good however. Ball pythons need to feel secure, meaning they need a complete hide with only one opening. Preferably the same type/size so they don't have to choose warmth over security or vice versa.

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[LouDigglies]

Also do you have your heating pad regulated with a thermostat?

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[PitOnTheProwl]

Where is your hide on the hot side?

[baazi1]

Also do you have your heating pad regulated with a thermostat?

Yes, the heating pad is regulated with a thermostat. It is set to 90 degrees (the stickied post recommended between 88 - 92 degrees).

- - - Updated - - -

Where is your hide on the hot side?

The Skull is the hide... seems the log isn't good enough for the cool side, will the skull fall into the same category?

[AKA Dave]

Generally BPs will feel secure with a one way in, one way out kind of hide. There are several on the market from Exo Terra and from Reptile Basics.

http://www.exo-terra.com/en/products/reptile_cave.php
http://www.reptilebasics.com/hide-boxes

You can also make them from small dish tubs from Walmart or cookie tins. I've seen both.

Dave