Newbie here with a few questions and concerns (First Python/Snake in general)

[Kozmik]

Earlier today I purchased my first Ball Python along with all of the other necessary supplies to take care of it, and I just have a few concerns.

1) Since I purchased all the gear along with the python, I was unable to clean/scrub out the enclosure, and also couldn't, "preheat" it as well before releasing my python into it(The tank eventually reached 80 F and also had ~50% humidity right before i sent her to "bed"). But anyways, how bad for the bp is this?

2) I (stupidly) bought a very large tank for it (30 freakin' gallons) and am beginning to think its a big mistake. At first she (my ball python) was, "exploring" (I think that means they're stressed) but eventually settled down over the heat pad near the area that's supposed to be the warmest. Does anyone else have experience keeping a fairly young (not sure about the exact age, but looks approx 1-2 feet maybe) in a relatively large enclosure? Tips or advice would be appreciated, also I do know that pythons feel secure in small spaces

3) I am currently using a reptile carpet, but it looks pretty damn tacky, would the ball python be fine if I replaced the carpet with substrate? Also I plan on using coconut husk substrate since I heard it maintains humidity better, can someone confirm?

4) For heat I use one of those heat lamps, I'm sure the specifics aren't too important, but anyways, I'm wondering if anyone else uses heat lamps, and what are the alternatives to a heat lamp? I heard they suck the humidity out of the enclosure, but I placed a thin damp kitchen towel over the mesh lid and the humidity was ~50%ish right before I sent him to, "bed"

4.5) Is it safe to put my heat lamp up close against the thin mesh on the top of the tank? I have it suspended in the air with magnets about an inch away from the tank; is this okay?

5) What time should I send my python to, "bed," (by bed I mean turn off the lights)? I turned off her lights at 10 PM, does this sound about right? Maybe earlier, but I do know to turn on the lights at 10 AM, since I guess days are 12 hours in the areas they're found. Also it gets light at 7:45 and dark at about ~4ish, so if I, "wake," the python up at 10, there will already be daylight shining through her enclosure partially; is this fine?


Don't get me wrong, I didn't just dive into this without doing any sort of research, but I am super worried I'll make a mistake and make her go on hunger strike or some jack like that. Any answers appreciated. Also I'm new. Did I mention I was new?

[LittleTreeGuy]

Earlier today I purchased my first Ball Python along with all of the other necessary supplies to take care of it, and I just have a few concerns.

1) Since I purchased all the gear along with the python, I was unable to clean/scrub out the enclosure, and also couldn't, "preheat" it as well before releasing my python into it(The tank eventually reached 80 F and also had ~50% humidity right before i sent her to "bed"). But anyways, how bad for the bp is this? You should have cleaned everything before putting them together with your snake... but since you haven't, it is what it is... The snake needs a hot spot on side of the tank of about 90-92 degrees. The other side, the cool side, should be around 80 degrees on the surface. Ambient air temps in the cage will vary, but should not drop below high 70's. If you have a screen on the top of your tank, you're going to want to find some foam board or plexiglass, or cardboard covered with foil to cover as much of it as possible. This will help you keep heat and humidity in check. You're humidity should be between 50%-60%. when the snake goes into shed, bump it up to 70%.

2) I (stupidly) bought a very large tank for it (30 freakin' gallons) and am beginning to think its a big mistake. At first she (my ball python) was, "exploring" (I think that means they're stressed) but eventually settled down over the heat pad near the area that's supposed to be the warmest. Does anyone else have experience keeping a fairly young (not sure about the exact age, but looks approx 1-2 feet maybe) in a relatively large enclosure? Tips or advice would be appreciated, also I do know that pythons feel secure in small spaces. That's big for a young snake, but you can make it work. Make sure you have two identical hides (don't use the half logs). Get something your snake can get into, but still fits snug in them. think butter bowl size. then put some pre-washed, fake plants, cardboard paper-towel tubes, etc... just stuff to "clutter" up the tank and make the open space feel smaller to your snake. Their natural envirionment is in small holes and burrows, so they do well in small, tight spaces.

3) I am currently using a reptile carpet, but it looks pretty damn tacky, would the ball python be fine if I replaced the carpet with substrate? Also I plan on using coconut husk substrate since I heard it maintains humidity better, can someone confirm? There are some substrates that hold moisture and humidity better than others. paper towels aren't the prettiest, but they are cheap, easy to maintain, and easy to see when your snake makes a mess. That's what I recommend.

4) For heat I use one of those heat lamps, I'm sure the specifics aren't too important, but anyways, I'm wondering if anyone else uses heat lamps, and what are the alternatives to a heat lamp? I heard they suck the humidity out of the enclosure, but I placed a thin damp kitchen towel over the mesh lid and the humidity was ~50%ish right before I sent him to, "bed" There are several differences on opinions here, but the most common from all the research I have done, is belly heat is better than heat lamps. You would be good to get a UTH (Under tank heater) and a good thermostat that can regulate the uth. Without the thermostat, the uth can get too hot and burn the snake. With the mesh top and a tank that size, to get ideal temps, you will likely need a UTH, a Thermostat, and a CHE (ceramic heat emitter) for the top of the cage. The CHE will help heat up the ambient temps in the cage. The UTH won't heat the whole enclosure. Also, with the CHE, and size of the tank, as I said above, you'll need something else to keep humidity in. You can search the forum or google it to see what others have done.

4.5) Is it safe to put my heat lamp up close against the thin mesh on the top of the tank? I have it suspended in the air with magnets about an inch away from the tank; is this okay? Most tank screens can handle this. Just keep an eye on it. make sure your snake can't get against the screen if it's super hot... you don't want the snake to be able to touch anything that can burn it.

5) What time should I send my python to, "bed," (by bed I mean turn off the lights)? I turned off her lights at 10 PM, does this sound about right? Maybe earlier, but I do know to turn on the lights at 10 AM, since I guess days are 12 hours in the areas they're found. Also it gets light at 7:45 and dark at about ~4ish, so if I, "wake," the python up at 10, there will already be daylight shining through her enclosure partially; is this fine? Ball Pythons are nocturnal, so they are mostly awake at night. They don't need any lights on or off in their cage. If they are able to tell from natural lighting in your house when it's daytime and when it's nighttime, they'll be just fine. If you want a light on around or near your tank so you can see your snake better, that's fine too, but just be sure the snake gets some true "night time" darkness for 8-10 hours a night and it should be good.


Don't get me wrong, I didn't just dive into this without doing any sort of research, but I am super worried I'll make a mistake and make her go on hunger strike or some jack like that. Any answers appreciated. Also I'm new. Did I mention I was new?

I, like you, jumped in without having the proper setup ahead of time. Now, I regret that, but it is what it is... I believe I have caught myself up and invested in the right equipment to keep my snake healthy and happy, so you can too. With some minor adjustments, you should be good. Hang in there, and ask a lot of questions. There are great people here who have helped me tremendously, I'm sure they will do the same for you.