Looking Into Getting a Ball Python

[Ecal]

Hi there! I have been researching how to care for a ball python for a little while now, but I still have a few questions, if anyone can help me out. I have used this forum to learn a lot of new information.
My first question is that I plan on getting an AP T3 cage. I want to use the heater that comes with it. Does anyone know if this will supply sufficient heat, or would I need a heat lamp also. The room will be at about 75 degrees.
My second question is about the thermostat. From what I have understood the proportional ones are best, but they are a little pricey. I was looking into more of the on/off type, but they don't have night drop. If anyone can weigh in on this issue I would greatly appreciate it.
My main concern is the heating/humidity levels in the T3. Has anyone had trouble regulating these? What do you use?
Thanks for all the help!

[Shelby]

Hello.. and welcome! I don't know what the T3 uses for heat.. I would try to avoid using a lamp if possible as it removes most of the humidity.

Proportional t-stats are better, but on-off are an acceptable alternative. Ranco or Johnson are the brands of choice. Unless you are breeding snakes, there is NO need for a night drop. Keep your snake at constant temps of 92-94 warm side and 82-84 cool side. Nothing ever below 80 degrees.

Take a look at our care sheet if you haven't already, it answers a lot of questions.

http://www.ball-pythons.net/modules....warticle&id=52

[tigerlily]

Animal plastics normally provides the heat cable. It's shaped like a rope, and is not my first choice of heating elements. Although, I do believe it does it's job. You can also get some of the AP cages flexwatt ready. (they do not sell the flexwatt themselves) It's hard to say if you'd need additional heating, until you set it up. Most likely not, but I can't be positive.

As for the nightdrop, you don't need that unless you are breeding. If there is a possibilty that you may try it, then I would suggest going for a proportional with the night drop option. Saves you money in the long run. Also, since you are going for such a large enclosure (and I'm assuming you are going to be looking at purchasing a baby), I would suggest using LOTS of hides, or even getting a smaller rubbermaid like container inside that one, until it gets a bit bigger.

I hope this helps some, and

[jglass38]

I've used the heat cable with a T3 for a while. I had problems at the start but once it is stabilized it works pretty well. As April and Christie said, no night drop necessary. If you dont want to purchase a proportional, there are a couple of good on/off types out there. Johnson and Ranco specifically. Get in touch with Matt at MG Reptiles and he will hook you up (www.mgreptiles.com). Welcome!

Jamie

[JLC]

Welcome to the forums! We always enjoy a new face around here...especially when it's someone who understands the need to do research first and is willing to learn. Kudos!!


I have only heard good things about Animal Plastics, but don't have one myself...yet. I have plans to buy a T3 as well, when my snake outgrows her current home.

It's really hard to say how the heat and humidity will be in your cage because every home is different. Some people don't have any trouble maintaining the right levels, and some people have to really work at it, regardless of what kinds of enclosures they may be using.

My suggestion would be (once you're sure this is the snake and the cage you want) is to buy the T3 at least a couple weeks ahead of buying the snake. Get it all set up without any extra heat except what it comes with...set it up just as you plan to for the snake's home with water bowl, hides, thermometers, etc. And then watch the temp gradient and humidity levels and see how they hold for you. Tweak as needed until it's perfect. Then you're ready to choose that perfect snakie!

Seeing as how you're from Florida, I would guess you will have an easier time maintaining a proper environment, especially humidity.

Good luck with it! And please stick around...keep us updated and ask all the questions you need to. :

[jglass38]

Keep in mind that with the T3s, the material used is very dense so it takes much longer to heat (even with the heat rope routered into grooves in the plastic). The benefit is that once it gets to the proper temp, it takes a lot longer to cool down. I never had a problem with a T3 not staying warm enough, especially when I lived in SoFla...

[elevatethis]

I used 2 AP T3's at one time with the heat cable controlled by an on/off tstat. Worked great! They are so well insulated and efficient, it really didn't matter that I was using a crappy tstat. I highly recommend them.

[cassandra]

I'll leave the tech advice to others far more experienced and I'll just say to Bp.net! =D

[Ecal]

Thanks for all the quick replies! I can't believe I missed that part about the night drop and breeding. So I am planning on getting one of the on/off thermostats from Matt. I'm still a little confused about the temperature reading. Do the temp. probes plug directly into thermostat, then it adjusts accordingly, or do you get the reading from the temp gauges then adjust the thermostat manually? Also if the the cool side is too warm, but the hot side is just right, how can that be adjusted? Thanks again. I hope I'm not asking too much.

[Shelby]

The probe is attached to the t-stat. You put the probe onto the heat tape/cable and set the thermostat to a temp that makes the cage temps correct (ie I have my t-stats set to 99 degrees so that the cage is 92-94)

If your warm side temps are good, but the cool side is too cool, you may need to get a second piece of flexwatt (or heat cable) and a second thermostat set to a lower temp. I have a space heater in my snake room to take care of the ambient temperatures instead.