Comments and Suggestions Wanted

Hey everyone. Just looking for some comments and/or suggestions on my little guys cage. I know I need to get a better thermometer and humidity gauge, thats coming tomorrow. As of right now, with the crappy temp and humidity gauges, they read between 90-95 on hot side, ambient is about 85, cool is around 80, and the humidity ranges between 40-60. I can't wait to get a better gauge so I can get a more accurate reading. I guess I was naive and ignorant to assume the people at the pet store knew what they were talking about. Anyways, here's a picture.


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http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/268/dsc01411x.th.jpg



[img=http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/5079/dsc01412lp.th.jpg]
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Do be very careful of the hot side temp with those useless dial gauges. They can be off by 10 degrees or more.

Honestly, you can pick up a really nice digital Accurite weather station at Wal-Mart for about $12. You will find them with the outdoor thermometers.

Can I ask what the red light is for ? Is that your heat source ? I only ask because heat lamps really kill your humidity, and are going to make your job a lot tougher. Most people generally recommend some kind of under-tank heat source like a heat mat or flexwatt heat tape.

The hides are decent enough, much better than those half-log ones most pet stores push for ball pythons. Do be cautious with the climbing stuff. While it's probably not a big deal, most balls are poor climbers and are kind of clumsy.

All in all, you are off to a good start. Much better than when I got started. :D A few minor tweaks and you should be good to go.

Gale

Your temps are fine assuming the thermometers are reasonably accurate. You are already planning on replacements I would not advise an accurite they are no better than most others on the market and a poor shape for the use. I actually recommend the cheapest probed thermometer (usually aquarium ones) you can get buy 3 or better 5 and check them against each other and use the best two. (http://cgi.ebay.ca/New-Digital-LCD-T...item415167348c)

The others can be back up. Hygrometers are all over the board I'd test the one you have. Look up hygrometer salt test and run that if it is accurate you are set if not I'd buy a better one. They don't need to be probed style just an ambient one will do. The hides will be a bit more humid than the ambient.


http://www.amazon.com/Western-Digita.../dp/B0007VWEQA

My pick, the card is metal (the one you have sometimes the needle sticks on the card) and it has a calibration screw if needed. You can spend more but this works perfectly.

Tanks can have humidity issues and bulbs promote good air flow which if your house is lower humidity it will drop it. Air flow is a good thing under rated I think. The easiest solution is to use a humid hide and you will solve the humidity issues.

Make sure your snake cannot contact the lamp or that the cage top is not super hot. 100º is fine quick contact will not burn but make sure it can't lay against the top.