Question

[Tripppysmurf]

Well first off hello to all you people here as I am new to your little group. I have been reading the forums and can truly say I am excited to be around so many people that know stuff. I got an intresting question for you right now though. I recently bought ym first ball python baby. I do not have anything to measure humif=dity right now and am wonderign if that si a problem? I have about 75 bucks for extra gear needed. I would appreciate any advice on what to get. Here is my current setup:
20 gallon tank
one setting heat pad(under the tank)
snake cave
branch
aspen bedding
water bowl
1 thermo(on bottom of cage)

[Sunny1]

Hello and welcome!!!

From what you listed for your setup, I would get a second cave to match the first so that you would have identical ones on both the warm and cold sides of the tank. I think that just about everyone here would also recommend that you get an Accurite from Walmart, they are like $12 and will measure temps on both warm and cold sides as well as the humidity (found in the hardware section). Since you are using a tank, my guess is that you also have a screened top, if so I would also recommend covering it to help hold in the heat and humidity. I use aluminum foil taped on with some duct tape, but people have also suggested saran wrap or plexiglass, but I am sure that foil or saran wrap is something you could find around the house. And is that a thermostat that you listed on your list? You will definately need one of those combined with a digital thermometer to regulate the under tank heater (UTH) and the temps in the tank. I would also take a look at the caresheets for BP's and maybe search through the older threads for any more helpful tips that you may need. There is a lot of great info on this site, I am relatively new to being a BP mommy, and when I found this site i found everything to be extremely helpful. Lots of knowledgeable people on here to help!!

[tigerlily]

In addition, you need something to control the heat output of the under the tank heater. Either a rheostat/dimmer or a thermostat. (not a thermometer but a thermoSTAT). I really like the Herpstats, but I also like the Rancos as well. There are a wide variety out there.

[Royalherper]

Welcome!
.
A digital thermometer/hygrometer makes everything sooo much easier. I've found them at Lowes and Walmart. Its well worth the $12-$13 bucks. If you have a screen lid and haven't already done so, take tinfoil and cover all but a 1" strip on both ends. This allows air flow through the tank and helps maintain humidity and heat. Try to get your hot side about 90 degrees and your cool side about 80 degrees. A couple degrees off in either direction is fine. Alot of people will tell you to mask off 3 side of your tank for security. When I use to keep my bps in tanks I never did this. They still ate and didn't stay in their hides all the time. If your bp refuses food and stays in his hide all the time you might want to consider this. As far as humidity goes, around 40%-50% is what I keep mine at and its been fine for over 13 yrs. They eat ,shed and breed just fine.

Good luck and never stop researching.

[Kagez28]

i second the acurite thermometer and hydrometer.

also a thermostat is NEED when using a under tank heater. those things can heat up to 110˚ unregulated. temperatures like that could severely injure your snake.

do a search in the forum for thermostats, there are tons of threads that describe exactly what they are, how they work, which ones are best.

if you can't get a thermostat, a Rheostat is your last option. it will control temperatures, but only if you keep your snake in a room where the temperature doesn't change much. rheostats can be a pain, you'll have to adjust them multiple times a day.

well welcome to the forums, don't be afraid to ask anything else, it's what we are here for. and pictures.... we LOVE pictures here.

[Tripppysmurf]

Well so far she is doing fine. I think it is a she has the head is very much larger then any other snakes I saw in the shop. I put my hand in the tank to pull the water out and got struck at this morning so at least she has some spunk left in her enough to do that. I gave some money to my friend as his wife works at a petco so I can get a discount that way. Thank you on the tip for the top of the tank. I have been hvaing trouble getting temp to stay where I like so I am having to turn the heat lamp on for a few minutes once in awhile at night and I really hate doing that. as far as the pad underneath should I just spend the extra cash and get a multi set heat pad for her? I am so nervous about all of her care it aint even funny. She is a beautiful; snake and deserves the best as far as I am concerned. Any feedback would be appreciated and thank you for the help guys and gals.

[Tripppysmurf]

Hey I just thought of a ? I want to ask one fo you guys or gals. I know your supposed to keep each side of tank diff temp. How do you manage that easily? I onyl have one heat lamp and it seems to pretty much cover the whole cage when I put it on the little plastic clip on top of the cage

[Kagez28]

well once you get a thermostat (reptilebasics.com---> thermostats) you just set a temp and it stays at that temp. as for the heat lamp, you might want to ditch it, as it kills humidity. ball pythons are terrestrial snakes (stay on the ground) so under tank heating (UTH) is best. when i had a tank i had 2 UTH one on cool side and one on warm side, with 2 thermostats. that worked for me, but now all my snakes are in tubs.

[Tripppysmurf]

Would you guys say tubs are better then tanks for babies? I knwo this will sound stupid but is a tub just a simple plastic tub encloousure?EDIT-Also if I buy a thermstat what would you guys suggest for equipment to hook it up to for heating systems? My biggest mind boggle is hwo to keep heat different from ends of tank on a 20 gallon considerign it is not that big. But the heat lamp may be throwing me off.

[wolfy-hound]

Usually if the under tank heat is on one end, it's easier to regulate cool/hot sides. Thermostats are the way to regulate it so it doesn't get too hot or too cold. The good Ranco style I BELIEVE come with the hookups needed.