Friends,
After spending some time on this site, I feel like a real idiot. I should have done more research before getting my baby ball. That said, the pet-store really didn't provide the information I needed either. I am trying to make it right, however, and had a few quick questions. And I should add before I start that my snake seems very happy, is active at night, loves to eat, and I am very glad for that. Here are my problems with a few quick questions:
1. Pet store sold me a tank that had a built in fixture with a red UV bulb INSIDE the tank! Ay! I purchased a fixture that sits just above the tank, and wanted to know if it is OK for this to be above the glass portion of the tank? Half of the top is mesh, the other glass, hot side of the cage is under the glass, of course. I am in sunny southern CA so humidity isn't a problem so far, even with the tank relatively open.
2. As it stands now, the UTH is affixed directly to the bottom of the tank, which is glass. It is VERY hot to the touch, and I know that I need a thermostat, which I am going to order online today. What is the best place to order online equipment from, and should I get the 'helix' that I see people talking about? And which heating pad? Tank is 20 gal. Also, isn't it dangerous for a creature that likes to burrow to be able to get down into contact with the glass that is hot? Should there be something besides substrate in between the glass and the pad? (Of course the pad is on the outside of the tank!!) Right now his hot side hide is just past where the heating pad ends, because I noticed that he loves to burrow and I was worried about direct contact with UTH, especially before I get the thermostat.
Thank you so much in advance, and this site is a great help! I wish pet stores really did know about these snakes, and I am also sorry I went in a bit blind. Sorry for the long post!
Yours,
Sam