My BP's living arrangements...

[stl_fan]

Hello, I’m new to the site and I have some quick questions that I am looking for answers to. I’ve been reading other threads on here gathering information and applying that to what I own. Here are the questions I have come up with:



Preliminary information - The setup I have now is as follows: 20 gallon tank with mesh slide and lock top, half log in warm end, water dish in cool end, two heat lamps – one with typical 75W that runs on and off in 12hr cycles (via timer) lamp in it and the other with 60W black light lamp that stays on 24/7, dirt-like flooring in cage, grapevine twig, and round tape backed thermometer and humidity meter. I have an 8-12 (not sure) month old ball python living in the cage, and I have had it for a couple of months now.



My first question, is in general, how is my set up for the snake? Is there anything I need to change immediately or in the future?



Secondly, where should the humidity be, and is there a better system available (around $50-60) for reading the temperature and humidity levels in the cage?



My final question is about having two hiding spots. Is that completely necessary? I do have a half log (which has been frowned upon by previous threads) in the warm end, but do I need another one in the cool end, and if so, what type should I buy? If I put another half log in there it seems like I will be running short on room in the cage and I will be moving the water dish awfully close to the light/heat source.



Any and all suggestions and comments will be appreciated.



Thanks,

Atreyu’s dad

[jenaero]

I'm still relatively new myself, but it is my understanding that a snake will chose to feel safe over getting warm. I actually proved that to myself with my snake. She had a hide on the cool end but nothing on the warm end and wouldn't budge. As soon as I gave her 2 hides she was on the warm end and now she pretty much stays there.

I'm not quite sure why you'd need 2 lamps. I use a red light bulb 24/7 and that's it.

Sorry I can't answer about the rest. I don't want to give info that may be inaccurate, as I'm still learning these things myself.

[stl_fan]

Thank you so much, any information is helpful. The reason I have two lights is to simulate the day time/night time with the white light bulb, and keep it cool at night with the black light bulb. 'Trey does spend a lot of time under his long in the warm end. I just started to question myself after reading the different threads, and i want to see if I'm ok (or if Atreyu is ok!!!).

A side note, I probably take him out at least once a day if not more, is it wrong to handle him this much (I've pretty much done so since I've owned him)

[jenaero]

I take mine out every day except for the day before/day of/day after feeding or during shed.

[stl_fan]

The reason I have two lights is to simulate the day time/night time with the white light bulb, and keep it cool at night with the black light bulb.

I meant I use the black light bulb to keep it warm at night, not cool, sorry...

[AustimusMaximus]

Ok so let me start off by saying that im not an expert and if any of my information is incorrect feel free to point it out.

From how you described your setup, it sounds like you're going to have a tough time maintaining a proper humidity. The overhead lights really burn off the water vapor in the tank and dry 'er out. The lights you are using to heat with really arent the preferred method of heating, try getting ahold of some undertank heat sources like flexwatt. BP's prefer belly heat and dont require a strict light cycle to be healthy.
Two hides are a must, so the snake can choose between being warm or cool, not warm/cool or secure. The grapevine twig isnt neccessary, and if you find yourself short on space take it out to make room for another hide.
You can pick up a cheap thermometer/humidity thing at walmart for $8, and it will do a much more accurate job of checking the levels. Also the "dirt-like flooring" is probably not your best bet for substrate, try getting some aspen or just plain old newspaper.

[stl_fan]

Thanks for the input. Is there a thermometer/hygrometer that anyone knows of that has two leads to give both the temperature of the cool side and the temperature of the warm side?? How do you get both temps accurately?? In addition, how can I regulate the temps/humidity with the tank and lid I have now? Do I need to modify the top so that I don’t loose all the humidity?

[daaangconcepts]

Thanks for the input. Is there a thermometer/hygrometer that anyone knows of that has two leads to give both the temperature of the cool side and the temperature of the warm side?? How do you get both temps accurately?? In addition, how can I regulate the temps/humidity with the tank and lid I have now? Do I need to modify the top so that I don’t loose all the humidity?

I would suggest using flex-watt or a under the tank heater connected to a thermostat. You set the thermostat to the temp you want your "hot spot" to be at. Then you use the humidity/temp gauge to watch the "cool side"

PS. If using a thermostat I would make sure its accurate before placing the snake inside. Set the guages directly on the "hot spot" for a full day, and perodically check the temps..

[mmchoppers]

Thanks for the input. Is there a thermometer/hygrometer that anyone knows of that has two leads to give both the temperature of the cool side and the temperature of the warm side?? How do you get both temps accurately?? In addition, how can I regulate the temps/humidity with the tank and lid I have now? Do I need to modify the top so that I don’t loose all the humidity?

Deep breath, drum roll.............. Acu-Rite. Ding,Ding,Ding, what do we have for him Johnny?

[stl_fan]

Is this the one every is speaking of?