new to snakes - questions

[kazileigh]

I'm looking into getting my first ever snake in the next couple of months. I've been researching for a while, but I seem to be over analytical to some degree. I have my heart set on a ball python, but their heating requirements really throw me off.

I have a 32qt tub that can be used initially. I have planned to get some flexwatt tape and set it up long before I actually get a snake. But what worries me is the ambient temp.

Our house is usually around 69-73 degrees, and getting a heater for our baby-to-be is out of the question due to the set up of the house. So I was wondering if I could raise the ambient temp in a tub with a radiant heat panel? If so, would you still need to use flexwatt? (I'm not very familiar with RHP's, I just know they supposedly can raise ambient temps, but I wasn't sure if that's true with tubs.)

When you use flexwatt can you run two separate strips on the tub, one for warm and the other for cool as long as they both have thermostats?

I feel really silly for all these questions. I just don't want to get my snake and find out I've done some horrible mistake that could have been easily averted. If you have pictures of your heating setups in tubs, I'd love to see them. Or any advice you can give a poor girl who is trying to learn would make me incredibly grateful!

[Thor26]

its better to ask questions than make mistakes =]
i dont think a radiant heat panel would bee needed i would just use a ceramic heat emitter they last forever. i would help you with the flexwatt but i dont have much experience with it. hop i helped a little

[kazileigh]

I've thought about that, but I'm not sure how I'd go about it with a tub. If you have any ideas throw them at me!

Thanks for your help, I appreciate it!

[Texas Dan]

I think you should be ok with your ambient temps. From what I know (i'm not an expert), Ball Pythons get their heat from their belly. So as long as you have to correct belly temps, it should be ok.

[SatanicIntention]

www.reptilebasics.com

Get a Johnson Controls or a Ranco thermostat(or a Herpstat/Helix if you want), and 1-2ft of 11" flexwatt, and have Rich wire them for you(you have to buy the connectors and wire separately, less than $5).
-JC Controls or Ranco- $75
-1 or 2 ft of 11" flexwatt - $4-7
-Wire and soldered connections - $5

Then you'll want to go to WalMart and get a digital thermometer w/hygrometer(AcuRite brand, $12), as well as a hobby soldering iron which will be used to make holes in the sides of the tub you'll be using.

Then go to the car department and find the bungee cords. Depending on which 32qt tub you'll be using, you will want one bungee cord to wrap around the center of the tub so the snake can't push it up and get out. $2

Then hides can be found in the garden center of Home Depot or WalMart. Find the plastic pot saucers(sit underneath the planter to catch water, looks like a bowl). You'll want 2 of those, either 6-8" diameter depending on the size of the snake. They cost maybe $0.50 apiece. Just cut a hole in the side of each.

Water bowl is your choice, just make sure it isn't easily tipped and doesn't have much surface area. Maybe 4-5" max in diameter and 2-3" tall. I use the plastic VanNess crocks at WalMart, they run $3 or so.

and bedding is your choice also, I just will suggest not using a "snake" specific bedding, such as Reptibark or Zoo-Med anything junk. It's overpriced and similar items can be found elsewhere. Aspen can be found in the small pet section in ginormous bags for a relatively low price. Newspaper is free Zoomed ReptiBark(mite infested usually) can be found as Orchid Bark at Home Depot. It is cheaper, not dyed red, and isn't dusty(IE much better for your snake).

The only minor problem with tubs is that they sometimes hold too much humidity, LOL. Darnit! Just make about 6-8 holes on each long side of the tub, and 4-6 holes on each short side of the tub, set everything up as if the snake was living in it and see where the humidity sits. As long as you don't go below 45% and above 70%, you're good. It can go higher as long as condensation isn't building up and the substrate isn't wet.

Hope that helps!

[Texas Dan]

Did you really have to 1up me?

[SatanicIntention]

I didn't say nuffin'!

[starmom]

The OP was just asking about her ambient temps.
I'm not sure how a RHP can be set up in a tub, but they do help with ambient temps and without destroying the humidity like a CHE.
The snakes I have that are in my tubs and cages and are in my son's room are fine; his room is the warmest in the house!
However, when my boas go into their larger cages, I'll need help with the ambients since they are housed in the living room of my home. I will be using a RHP in each larger cage to take care of this.
Have you looked into reptile cages? I ask because you state that the snake will start off in a tub...
I got all my ball python cages from Rich at Reptile Basics. Here's the cages I have and will last a ball python forever: http://www.reptilebasics.com/2x3-Cag...h-p-16286.html.
He'll put the flex watt into it and also a RHP if you choose. Maybe you want to just get this from the start???

[SatanicIntention]

Mckinsey, that's why I suggested 1 or 2 pieces of flexwatt. If one didn't get the temps to where they are needed, then add the second piece under the cool side. I've used this method on alot of my tubs and it works very well.

Also, covering the tub with a blanket will help insulate it too.

[kazileigh]

Thank you guys for all your help. I've sent off an email to basicreptiles to see if they can give me a quote on all that I need. Hopefully I'll hear back from them soon! Once I get all this set up I can finally choose a python to buy. I don't mind dropping a pretty penny if it's quality stuff that will last longer than cheap stuff. Though I'll probably end up with a cheap snake after this is all said and done with!