What is everything I need for a Ball Python setup?

[squale]

Okay just trying to make sure I know everything I need here..

1.) Cage (probably going to go with the Vision #322 cage)
2.) Substrate (I don't know, can somebody recommend some good stuff?)
3.) Lighting (again recommendations please?)
4.) FlexWatt Heat Tape (How much do I need? where to get it from?)
5.) Thermostat (Do I need one? if so, what specific one and where to buy?)
6.) Hiding spot and water bowl (what size?)

is there anything else I am forgetting?
if you guys could give me specific product recommendations that would be very helpful.

Thank you!

[Adam_Wysocki]

1.) Cage (probably going to go with the Vision #322 cage)

Have you checked out animal plastics cages yet? www.animalplastics.com

2.) Substrate (I don't know, can somebody recommend some good stuff?)

Newspaper, doesn't get much better than that!

3.) Lighting (again recommendations please?)

Regular room lighting is enough for your ball python.

4.) FlexWatt Heat Tape (How much do I need? where to get it from?)

How much depends on size of cage, temps in your room, etc .... contact Matt at www.mgreptiles.com .... He's really good when it comes to figuring out your heating needs.

5.) Thermostat (Do I need one? if so, what specific one and where to buy?)

In my opinion, a thermostat is a must have for keeping a reptile that is as temperature sensitive as a ball python. Again, check out Matt at www.mgreptiles.com. I've been using Helix thermostats on all of my ball pythons for almost 10 years now, but Matt has a bunch of different brands to choose from.

6.) Hiding spot and water bowl (what size?)

For hides, you can go to home depot or lowes and get a 4" plastic flower pot bottom, flip it upside down and use a 2" hole saw or razor blade to cut an opening in the top for your snake to get in and out of. They are about $.99 each, so get a bunch and put them all over your snakes cage (especially if you're putting a small snake in a large cage).

For water, a 4" plastic water bowl from a pet store is fine.

is there anything else I am forgetting?

Yes, one or two digital indoor/outdoor thermometers with hygrometer functionality to measure temps and humidity. Home Depot, Target, and Walmart have these priced from $9 and up.

Good luck.

-adam

[squale]

I have one of those Oregon Scientific temp humidity sensors that wireless send the readings to a weather station.. should I use one of those inside the cage or go with another unit?

what is the model number of the Helix thermostat you have? you think Helix is the best? I see they are very popular..

oh yeah and what is the night drop cable thing used for? I don't quite understand this feature and if I would need it.

Thanks

[Adam_Wysocki]

I have one of those Oregon Scientific temp humidity sensors that wireless send the readings to a weather station.. should I use one of those inside the cage or go with another unit?

Those work great.

what is the model number of the Helix thermostat you have? you think Helix is the best? I see they are very popular..

I use all of the Helix models ... The DBS-1000 is an exceptional unit. Thermostats are like cars .. some people are passionate about Chevy, some Ford, some don't care .... I like Helix and wouldn't use anything else ... that certainly doesn't mean that other brands with comparable features can't work just as well.

oh yeah and what is the night drop cable thing used for? I don't quite understand this feature and if I would need it.

It's used for breeding and It's not something that you will need for a single snake.

-adam

[Kara]

Just a note on the heat tape - absolutely use it with a thermostat!!! Heat tape can get HOT & you don't want to deal with overheating issues or a potential fire hazard. Look at a quality thermostat as one of the best small investments you can make into the safety of your herp collection. Same with a decent temp gun.

JMHO.

K~