Covering up the back and sides?

[Elise.m]

Hey Everyone!

We just bought our first tank (So flipping excited) and we're gonna work on the set up for a week or so before buying a snake. I've read about covering up the sides, and I'm going to, but I have a question about the back.

Our tank is right against a white wall, so there won't be any movement behind it what-so-ever. Should I still cover up the back, or should the plain jane white wall be ok?

Thanks in advance!

[Qetu]

not to hijack your thread, but i was wondering the same about a tub. i dont have the sides covered at all..idk if i should or not. but to try and help, from what ive heard i dont think the back side would matter...but wait on one of the pros haha.
goodluck!

[xdeus]

The wall should be okay, but it wouldn't hurt to cover up the back as well. Balls like dark spaces, so the white might reflect a little too much light. Also, if you're going to cover the sides up it might help to use an insulated material which may help keep the heat in a little better.

[Elise.m]

I'm not too worried about heat. We're putting it in our office, and I have my computer on all day which gives off some heat. A window that isn't insulated very well (Bah, renting -_-). And since we live in the California valley, it gets pretty hot. That on top of the UTH. I guess covering up the back wouldn't help. It's not like it's going to save a whole tree if I don't use the extra paper.

And for the tub, I wouldn't think you'd need to cover it up. I've seen many not covered.

[Kaorte]

If you want any more help with your setup please feel free to ask! Or post a picture, pictures are much easier than describing it all.

[Qetu]

I'm not too worried about heat. We're putting it in our office, and I have my computer on all day which gives off some heat. A window that isn't insulated very well (Bah, renting -_-). And since we live in the California valley, it gets pretty hot. That on top of the UTH. I guess covering up the back wouldn't help. It's not like it's going to save a whole tree if I don't use the extra paper.

And for the tub, I wouldn't think you'd need to cover it up. I've seen many not covered.

yeah thats what i was thinking. i might do something though anyways...i was just wwondering if it was neccesary.

[Elise.m]

I'm pretty confident that I'll get the set up right. Then again, I'm very stubborn But if I do have problems, I will definitely post.

[Elise.m]

Well, while I'm at it... I was reading the ReptiTherm booklet that came with it, and it stresses how important it is for water to not hit the bottom of the tank. Should I put newspaper under the substrate, just to play it safe?

[Kaorte]

Is the reptitherm the UTH you are using? I don't think it would matter if water hit the bottom. It will happen eventually. Spilled water, urine. You can't avoid it with just newspaper.

[Elise.m]

yeah that's what the package says. Repti Therm UTH.

Cool, it wouldn't be that much of a big deal if it did I guess. I'm home all day anyways so if it does spill I'll be able to clean it... Thanks!