My snakes tank! advice?

[ZIGZAGsKEEPER]

ok...i currently have my ball in a little tank, bout 15 gallons, just till thursday...

when i get my 40 gallon tank, do you think that it would be ok if i just had one basking lamp (bulb and hat) on one side of the tank? or do i need to get a long light the same size as my tank so it heats the whole tank? and do any of you use a black light on your ball pythons?? a reptile specialist told me he recomends it, it helps the snake get its vitamin D. and it helps the structure of the snake.


and if anyone can tell me the best way to set up a perfect tank and how like what lights to use and everything. that would be great..

haha im sorry im bran new to having a snake. i just want the best for zigzag(my snake)

thanks guys

[missi182]

Yay! New snake! Good for you to look for advice. First off, what kind of snake is Zigzag? Temperature/husbandry requirements vary.. Welcome to the forum btw

[ZIGZAGsKEEPER]

zigzag is a ball python......its(dont know the sex yet) is about 6 months old....

[missi182]

zigzag is a ball python......its(dont know the sex yet) is about 6 months old....

Awesome! Congrats. We can tell you all the important information and still miss something so your best bet is to read the bp.net care sheets over very well, then begin constructing/developing your tank. A 15 gallon will actually be much more *secure* for your young bp than a 40. Save the 40 gallon for when s/he is all grown up.

http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/f...splay.php?f=62

All of the stickies at the top of that page will help you IMMENSELY, but feel free to ask any questions you come up with here, or in another thread as you go through the information. I know it is alot to read but you will have a much better idea of what needs to be done.

When reading the Baby Ball Python Set-up, remember your snake will require TWO identical hides, one over a controlled Under Tank Heater, the other on the cooler side under a lamp if it is too cool.

[missi182]

I will try and give you a summary of the basic MUSTS for your set-up to get you going tonight, in case you don't read through all the stickies right away.

1) To measure your humidity and temperature accurately - Use DIGITAL gauges (stick on gauges are NOT reliable, and a waste of money unfortunately) The most cost friendly device you can purchase is an accurite digital thermometer/hygrometer from wal-mart for $12. The gauge does not have to be this brand, but something with an outdoor/indoor measurement will work because this means the device uses a probe.

2) You need a belly temperature (right on the glass under the hide on one side of the tank) measured by a probe (which comes with something like an accurite) of 90 - 93 degrees. This is where your bp will spend his time digesting and hanging out A LOT. An UTH (under tank heater) costs about $20 at a pet store but MUST have a control.

The safest and most reliable type of control is a thermostat ($70 - $300) but the minimum requirement for a control is something like a lamp dimmer (a rheostat, which is something that must be manually adjusted). Lowes sells piggyback lamp dimmers for about $10.

3) You need a hide on the opposite side of the tank with a belly temperature or ambient temperature in the low 80's. This can be achieved through a heat lamp with the correct wattage bulb, or simply a nice warm room.

4) HUMIDITY = very important - just as important as temperature. 55-60% humidity is required for proper shedding.

5) A sturdy water dish with fresh water can be put anywhere in the tank, if placed over a UTH (under tank heater) it can help raise the humidity.

6) Substrate can be anything from newspaper or cage liners to aspen. Cedar is TOXIC. Do not use cedar. CYPRESS mulch is good - don't mix it up with cedar.

7) Security - ball pythons are shy. They hide more than 80% of the time so if your snake is hiding a lot, thats a good thing. Cover three sides of your tank with paper/aquarium background - what ever you would like to help your snake feel less exposed.

[waltah!]

Well said, Missi!

[missi182]

Well said, Missi!

Thanks