What is....

[Jay_Bunny]

Flexwatt and all these other things? I'll be getting a ball python soon and I need to start gathering the supplies.

What would you recommend heating-wise, and how would you set it up?

[AzureN1ght]

I'm not experienced, either. But from reading things on this site, inquiring and doing some research, I've made my heating decision. www.reptilebasics.com has everything that I'm getting. I'm getting 12" of 3" flexwatt (assembled) and a Helix thermostat. Flexwatt is heat tape that goes underneath your tank or tub and with the thermostat, you attach the temp probe securely to the heat source (in my case the flexwatt) and set the temp on the thermostat. The thermostat regulates the temperature accurately, so there is no chance of burning your snake.

Helix therms are kinda pricey ($129-$139)...but for a long-term investment like a Ball Python, I figured it's worth it. BP's live 20-40 years...so over the course of 20 years or so, what's $130 to keep my pet safe? The flexwatt is actually very inexpensive. What I'm getting, completely assembled is something like $8.

I'm not claming to be an expert--far from it. I haven't even ordered/recieved my flexwatt/Helix yet (I'll be ordering next week ).

If I've mis-stated anything about Flexwatt or the Helix, someone can feel free to correct me. I'm just new to it, too...but in a month I've found out a -lot- if info.

--Kim

[Nate]

Might be a couple hour drive, but it may be worth it.

Rich from HerpEnclosures.com is in Lexington, VA. He builds racks and cages, pre-wired and ready to plug in straight from his shop. He's a super nice guy to deal with. I'm probably about to order another rack from him.

if you're only going to buy one ball python, then you'll just need a cage:

http://www.herpenclosures.com/cages.html

[Jay_Bunny]

Oh wow, I really like the 41qt rack with the 4 tubs. So these come with the heat tape and stuff already on the bottom of the tubs?

I also really like the cage, but would probably go with the tubs.

I'm only getting one snake for now, so a rack just isn't what I need right now. I need to know how to set up a 41qt tub with all the heating and such. How to use the heat tape and heating control devices, like the thermostat.

[Nate]

yes they come pre-wired with 3" flexwatt heat tape on the bottom. the way i have my rack set up is like so:

I have a thermostat with a temp probe and an electrical output.

You tape the temp probe straight onto the flexwatt heat tape, outside the tub. you don't want your snake moving the probe.

Then you plug the rack into the thermostat. As the temp probe senses temp changes, it will turn the heat tape on and off to adjust to the temps.

now, you have to keep an eye on the inside of your tubs, so most people get a digital thermometer (acurite works well) and put that probe on the inside of your tub, straight on the plastic where your snakes belly will be.

Set the Thermostat at 93 to begin with. If the thermometer (inside the tub) reads 89, then bump the thermostat up to 94. Small increments will eventually get the inside of your tub to around 93 for the warm side.

this is just a brief rundown of how I did my rack. there are lots of other ways to do it, but i think the way I've done mine is the way I read a lot of others do theirs.

[Jay_Bunny]

Sounds good to me. Thanks for explaining how all that works. Now what kind of tape is ok to use for securing the probe to the heating tape? I don't want to use something that is likely to melt.

[Nate]

Nothing will melt if you do it correct. If things are melting, then your snake is going to get burned and you're not doing something correctly

I use plain ol' electrical tape to tape it down to the flexwatt. You can use what ever you want. check it frequently to ensure it's still secure.

[monk90222]

Now what kind of tape is ok to use for securing the probe to the heating tape? I don't want to use something that is likely to melt.

People use that aluminum tape, but its metal so it conducts electricity...so if by chance you have a bad connection on your flexwatt you'll get zapped if you touch the metal tape. I use plain old duct tape. I have never had a problem with melting or getting shocked.....

[Jay_Bunny]

Duct Tape holds the world together. Ok, well as soon as X-mas presents are all bought and I save up a little money for moving into a townhome, I'm going to start getting the tub and heating elements.

If the tub has the heating tape, does it require any kind of heating lamp or day-time UVB lamp? I'm just wondering how much I'm going to have to cut up that tub.

[Wallbanger]

The only thing you will need to do to the tub is make sure you have a good amount of air holes in it. Not so many that your loose all of your humidity, but enough for a good amount of air to flow in and out. I'm in Richmond too, nice to see someone local to the area on here. Good luck with your new friend, and p.s., once you have one, more will follow, so reconsider getting that rack! I just picked up another ball today!