Sterilite Tub Questions + Herpstat Questions + General Husbandry Questions

[technodos]

Hi, I recently bought a Sterilite tub and am setting it up for a ball python. I've aired it out and set a bit of it up.
My question is does anyone know if it's safe to use a medium ZooMed under tank heater with a Herpstat to keep it at 91 degrees on the hot side? Or should it be cooler, or hotter? What should the 'cool' side be at?
And are ball pythons OK with a little log in the center that they can go through to get to their other hide, so that they won't have to see the scary outside? Do you think it would help?
I have coconut fiber substrate, any opinions on it? I also have some sphagnum moss. How is that?
Anyone have any experience with Acurite thermometers? I have two and they take an hour to get proper readings but I think they can be worked with.
Anyone know good snake safe cleaners? I have ZooMed cleaner but am wondering if that is a good choice to go with.
Could anyone perhaps give me a list of sorts on feeding my ball python and what I should feed them at what weight? If anyone knows a good place to get f/t or advice for feeding f/t that'd be amazing!
I personally was told that ball pythons should at least be able to streeeeetch out, anyone know anything about that?
And finally does anyone know how to work with Herpstat? How do you attach a heating device? Does it just plug into the Herpstat, which plugs into the wall? Thanks!
If anyone needs pics, I don't have it set up completely yet but am more than willing to provide as well as tub dimensions.

Thanks guys you're really great and you seem like a wonderful amazing community!!

[redshepherd]

Yes the zoomed UTH is fine! I prefer the ultratherm UTH's on reptilebasics.com, because I've found that the zoomed UTH has the potential to get hotter.

Yeah the log hide in addition to proper hides is great! The more cover and "stuff" they have to hide under and feel hidden within, the better.

I have coco fiber and harlan teklad aspen. I personally prefer the aspen a lot more, because coco fiber sticks to everything and gets everywhere. But it's good at retaining humidity, if you live in a dry place. You can even do a mix of different substrates to get what you want.

Acurite is great! I'd also get a digital temp gun to monitor surface temps or any temps, so they can doublecheck each other.

Most people use diluted F10 for cleaning. http://www.reptilebasics.com/f10-products/

Feeding size really depends on the ball python. I eyeball it (same width/slightly wider prey as width of ball python, for balls up to around 1000g), but some people go by the 15% body weight rule until the ball is maybe 500g or so.

The more room you can give to your ball python WHILE providing enough cover and hides (like stuffing the tub with big leafy vines), the better really. It all depends on how you want to set them up. Ideally, adults should get at least 3 feet long enclosures, in my opinion.

Plug the UTH into the herpstat plug (there is one on it), and plug the herpstat into the wall! It's easier once you see it.

[Kaorte]

My question is does anyone know if it's safe to use a medium ZooMed under tank heater with a Herpstat to keep it at 91 degrees on the hot side? Or should it be cooler, or hotter? What should the 'cool' side be at?

Yep! Perfectly fine. 91 hot side, low 80's cool side/ambient should do the trick.

And are ball pythons OK with a little log in the center that they can go through to get to their other hide, so that they won't have to see the scary outside? Do you think it would help?

Can't hurt! Be aware its just one more thing to clean.

I have coconut fiber substrate, any opinions on it? I also have some sphagnum moss. How is that?

I personally hate it, but lots of people love it. I prefer paper towels, kraft paper, or cypress mulch. Since you are using a tub, humidity won't be so much of an issue so you can get away with a dryer substrate. Sphagnum moss isn't really necessary, but also won't hurt.

Anyone have any experience with Acurite thermometers? I have two and they take an hour to get proper readings but I think they can be worked with.

They are a good entry level thermometer, but like most cheap thermometers, they will take a while to even out. If you want more accurate temps, get a temp gun. Nothing wrong with using the acurite though!

Anyone know good snake safe cleaners? I have ZooMed cleaner but am wondering if that is a good choice to go with.

I use a mild bleach spray to clean, and chlorhexadine to disinfect. just make sure it dries out and doesn't have a chemically smell when you put the snake back in.

Could anyone perhaps give me a list of sorts on feeding my ball python and what I should feed them at what weight? If anyone knows a good place to get f/t or advice for feeding f/t that'd be amazing!

depends if you are talking mice or rats, but generally you want to feed hatchlings and juveniles 10-15% of their body weight every 7 days or so. Getting a kitchen scale will take the guesswork out. Weight the snake, weigh the prey, shoot for about 10-15%.

I personally was told that ball pythons should at least be able to streeeeetch out, anyone know anything about that?

Do you mean to eat? Yeah, they can eat prey that is as large or slightly larger than the thickest part of their body. Most people are pretty surprised to watch a small snake down a huge rat.

And finally does anyone know how to work with Herpstat? How do you attach a heating device? Does it just plug into the Herpstat, which plugs into the wall?

I have a herpstat 4, which operates the same as a normal herpstat, but ya know, with 3 more heating inputs. there will be an outlet on the herpstat, plug your thermostat into that. Then plug the herpstat into the wall, you got it! Then you want to attach the probe (connected to the herpstat) to your heating mat. Put it on the outside of the tank. If you can sandwich it in between the mat and the enclosure, that would be best, but you can also just put it on the outside. It is important that this probe is somewhere that the snake cannot reach under any circumstance. It is also important that it is adhered securely to the heat mat. Duct tape will melt and fall off. I recommend aluminum foil tape.

If anyone needs pics, I don't have it set up completely yet but am more than willing to provide as well as tub dimensions.

pics would be great

[technodos]

You two are great and amazing, thank you very much for your kind advice! I forgot to say I am getting a thermometer gun soon too. Just ordered herpstat, it should be coming soon. Don't worry, I do not have the snake yet.

Thanks for the advice on the heater! I would never use it without a thermostat. Hopefully it won't decide to function above and beyond.

Sorry for getting the moss and the coconut fiber. I went to a pet store to get the substrate and saw their very depressing looking dehydrated bp. I was inspired to get something that held humidity from that. I do not plan on purchasing it.

I'll do my best with the Acurites and make sure to check with the thermometer gun. They were completely accurate after about an hour of sitting in my hallway, exactly accurate to what I had the temp set to and the humidity was also exactly accurate. Even with this, I know they can fail, so I will still be sure to purchase a thermometer gun. Thank you!

Later this month (hopefully) I'm going to get the second hide and the log to put in. I forgot to mention I have a tiny string of plastic plants... it probably won't do anything but at least it is there. I couldn't afford more, I do apologize.

About stretching out, I just meant is it okay to have a big tank for a small guy with appropriate hides. I don't want to stress him out, but I also would hate to put him in a really tiny tank. It... feels wrong. But if it is not acceptable, I am willing to put him in a smaller one. I just want him to be as happy and safe as his little snaky heart can be.

ZooMed has really good reviews with their cleaner, it seems, and I have been sure to rinse after using, but if anyone knows anyone with complaints please let me know and I will be sure to switch. For now, I will stick with it and be sure to thoroughly rinse as well. Sorry about that, if it bothers.

Here is what it looks like, still a huge WIP! I need to drill holes in the sides still.



This is the heater, a spray bottle in case the humidity is too low or just for good measure, and the zoomed uth. I will be sure to purchase foil tape!



PS: What should I do in the event the heater or thermostat breaks?
Is LayneLabs OK to get f/t from (if anyone knows)?
Do I have to sex my snake? I never plan on breeding him/her and don't mind if I don't know, but if it is required, I'll be sure to.
And do you know anywhere I could possibly report that darn pet store to? Thanks!

Thank you for answering so kindly!!

[Kaorte]

The moss and coconut fiber are perfectly fine and safe, but since you are using a tub, humidity will likely not be an issue.

What age ball python are you looking to get? I will tell you right now that the hide you have will be terrible for a hatchling. Fear not! You can make a smaller hide out of plastic food containers, dollar store bowls, or any other small plastic container that can be washed.

Thermometers look good. I don't see a temp gun as a necessity, but I sure do like having one. I will admit I use it more to play with my dogs (the laser pointer part).

Ball pythons in general kind of prefer smaller enclosures and being cramped. It makes them feel secure. That being said, you can make a big enclosure work, you just need to clutter it up. If you are on a budget, pick up some fake plants from the dollar store and wash them wish soap and water. You don't need to spend a fortune on pet store fake plants. Lol.
I think the zoomed cleaner is just kind of a gimmicky thing. You can use soap and water or a mild bleach solution to clean as long as you let it air out real good.

If the thermostat or heater fails, unplug them until the new ones come. Your snake will do fine in cooler conditions for a couple days. Just done feed it during that time.

I don't know about layne labs so I won't comment on that.

You don't have to sex it. I didn't sex my first snake until I learned how to do it from another keeper. I think we just switched back and forth from calling it him or her. No reason to sex your snake unless you really really want to.

What happened with the pet store? Maybe I missed something. I'm on mobile.





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[technodos]

Hi. Nothing happened to the petstore unfortunately, I do not know where to report such behavior. The snake there was very skinny, had awful stuck shed on its whole body which have it an even more sickly appearance, was extremely dehydrated, had a red belly (might just be shed but I doubt it) and had a kink in its spine near its tail. Poor thing. Did not know what to do, so I told the people at the store to spritz the tank with water to bring up humidity to at least help the poor thing shed. I was livid. I know it sounds rude but I told them I was never coming back after seeing the condition of their bp.

Got my Herpstat today! As well as foil tape for the temperature probe on the UTH (outside of the tank) and a little food scale that counts in grams to weigh the bab in when I get them.

I will try to get smaller hides for him! I definitely don't want him being scared!

Definitely not sexing my snake then, I would never want to hurt or scare him.

I'll keep the zoomed for now, it only has positive reviews from what I have seen. I think it's just F10 with a different name? I do not know for sure. Please tell me if you know!

Getting another hide and temperature gun soon, and then I'm going to make a stand for the tub.

A question: What is PAM? I have heard people use it when their reptiles get mites.

Thanks for your comment Kaorte, I hope you and your adorable bp are doing well!

[Zincubus]

Looks to have a lot of potential. !
I know nothing about RUBs just viv set ups but Royals/ Balls will enjoy climbing on a few branches just put in diagonally ..

I also swear by orchid / reptile bark for substrate as it looks good , makes the snake stand out visually and it holds as much or as little moisture as you need .

I also use F10 for cleaning / disinfecting .

[technodos]

Hello, thank you for your input Zincubus.

[Zincubus]

Hello, thank you for your input Zincubus.

My pleasure !!

When you get in a good feeding routine and you're more confident .... Maybe look into a viv set up ..

There is NOTHING to compare to seeing a beautiful snake side on , exploring the viv , you notice so much more ... RUBs have their good points ( easier to control humidity ) but it's like comparing a fish tank from the normal fabulous view to looking down into a tank ...

Just an opinion ..

[technodos]

Hi, Zincubus. Here they cost $299 for only 60 gallons. I don't think that's enough for an adult BP. I appreciate it, though! I'm sure it looks interesting! I think I'd want to pick my snake up too much if I could see in super easily.