Hello, everybody! I'm somewhat new to this board, and I have some questions for you all. First of all, I want to give a little back story. I've never had a snake before, and i've been thinking about getting a ball python for a while. I've been researching snakes (corns and balls) for a little over a year now. I'm pretty sure that i've got everything down that I need in order to get a snake. I just wanted to verify and get extra tips if they're available.
Now, i've already got the snake "picked out", so to speak. I found a listing on Craigslist for a yearling female ball python,(he said that he has to move soon, so he's got to get rid of all of his reptiles.) and while I don't have the money RIGHT now, the guy told me he would hold on to it until I get my money from my income taxes. (it should be the beginning of next month.)
From what i've read and learned, a ball should be kept at 85 - 90 on the warm side, and around 75 on the cool side, correct?
I know that they need 2 hides (one on the warm, and one on the cool side) as well as a water dish placed in the middle. (large enough for the snake to soak in if it wants to.) I haven't really seen anything in cement about the humidity requirements, but i'm guessing from 50 - 60% and when in shed bump it up to 70 ish? is that correct, or does it need to stay at 60%?
I'm planning on getting a thermometer/hygrometer (digital), as well as a UTH/thermostat.
I have a 29 gallon tank right now that's not being used,(but was used for fish in the past. And it was a saltwater tank - does that matter if I clean it or not?) and I was planning on using a bleach/water (1 part bleach to 5 parts water) solution to clean it. Would that work? And would that be appropriate for a yearling, or should I start out with a 10 gallon, and work my way up so she doesn't get overly stressed?
Other than that, I wanted to use aspen or paper towels as substrate. I'm pretty sure that would be sufficent enough. But what i'm curious about it is it extremely necessary to have reptile carpet, or is it better used as a precaution. I don't mind getting it, but if I don't need it it's money saved.
I'm also planning on using a screen for the aquarium. I know that i'll need cage clips - is there anything else I should think about getting before I actually get the snake other than the things that i've mentioned? I feel like i'll have enough to get by for the time being.
Also, i've planned on this for when I get her - when she comes home, i'm going to leave her alone for 3 - 5 days and then feed her. After I feed her I will not handle her (as hard as it may be!) for about 2 or 3 weeks after that (with regular feeding, changing of the water, and maintainence between that.) and then begin handling 2 - 4 times a week. (without handling for 48 hours after feeding.)
So, I think that's all my knowledge right now. Is there anything else I should know/be prepared for? Anything that I got wrong? Thank you all for your help!