Rookie Needs Some Help

[FightinTexasAggie]

Hi everyone. I am new to raising snakes and got 2 ball pythons last week. I have really enjoyed them so far. I have run into a couple problems though. Here is a little info that may help. I have them in a 20 x 20 x 12 tank with a screen top temporarily until my friend gets a chance to build a bigger one. I am using Aspen substrate, have a hide and water bowl inside. Both of the snakes are close to 2' in length.

First, what is a good way to keep the temperature constant? I have 2 heat lamps (one daytime and one blue nighttime light), but I cannot seem to keep a constant temperature high enough. Usually it will stay between 75 and 85 degrees, but I cant keep it constant over 80.

Next, I cant get the humidity to stay high enough. To keep it right I have to mist the tank at least once every 2 hours, and still I cant get it over 65%. One of the snakes is about to shed and I know I need to get the humidity a little higher.

I do have one of the reptile heating pads for under the tank, but the shelf I have the tank on right now is wood, and the directions said dont stick the pad on when it will be in contact with wood.

Also, what is a good website that I can order supplies from?

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

[Sarin]

First off, welcome. I am no expert but have learned a lot and hopefully will help you out a bit here.

First thing you need to do is separate those two, BP's do not like to be housed together. You will end up with dominance issues which will most likely end with one of your snakes being stressed and refusing to eat.

Second, your UTH will be fine against wood as long as you use the little rubber risers that come with most UTH's. It just needs room to breath and so the heat can escape. Most people use their heat source on wood without a problem. (ex. racks)

Now for your ambient heat problem, I would get that UTH going on a thermostat set to 92-95 F and shut the heat lamp off (try to avoid using these as much as possible.) If your ambient still isn't high enough, I would then look into insulation. Cover 3 sides of your tank with some form of insulation, (cork board, foam, etc.) and cover 1/2-3/4 of your mesh top. (plexi glass, a towel, etc.) That should just about do it. You will also notice your humidity will rise.

If this still doesn't put your ambient high enough then I would resort to using a heat lamp with a dimmer. Tweak with it until you get your desired temperature.

As for good websites, here's a couple:

http://www.reptilebasics.com
http://www.reptilesupply.com

Hope this helps.

[FatBoy]

First off you need to seperate them, do not house them together. Second, 65% humidity is fine, you can help maintain it by covering 3/4 of the screen top. reptilebasics.com is about the best place to get supplies. Good luck.