1st Post and I'm setting up a 10 gal. tank

I'm new and just can't get myself to keep my future Baby Ball Python in a tub. I realize that temps and humidity levels are more of a challenge with a tank, but I want to try a tank first, as this snake will be a pet for me and my daughter. She really wants to see the snake( even though I hear they hide a lot)
Here is what we have for a set-up so far:
10 gal. tank with a sliding screen top ( I have a piece of plexiglass that I can cut and drill holes into for ventilation if the humidity and heat start getting out of hand)
Small Fluker's Under Tank Heat Pad.. it measures just over half of the bottom measurements of the 10 gal tank
2 of the Reptile green carpets
2 small hides one for each side, cool and warm
1 water dish about an inch deep
Hydrofarm heat mat thermostat for the UTH
Acurite thermometer and humidity gauge from Walmart
Pet Exotic 2 temp gun

Just was wondering what I should use for lighting since BP's do not need the UV light bulbs? I had another person say that she believed that a UVA will help a BP to shed?

I also have a timer for the lights when we decide what to do about lighting and a regular 8 1/2 inch clamp light from Walmart..

Just looking for recommendations on lights and opinions of anything else we need to make our 1st set-up complete..
Thanks! Bill

You don't need any lights. If you want one just to illuminate the tank then get a basic fluorescent fixture that puts out little to no heat. This is assuming your ambient temps are where you need them. Otherwise you might think about a low wattage heat lamp.

I can see you did your homework :)

Welcome to the forum!

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We're trying for a really awesome happy pet.. I've been reading up and slowly putting our set-up together. I think we are almost ready. I think I'm going to set it all up and monitor it for a few days.. See how the temps and humidity changes etc.. See if we can keep it regulated in a glass tank.
One more question I do have is about the 12/12-day/night cycles. Does the tank need to be cooler at night? Or can it been basically the same temp as daylight and just dark? Hope that makes sense ?

You do not need to drop temps at night. Keep in mind your heat pad/mat won't do anything for ambient temps. They heat the surface not the air. I use infared heat lamps for my tank. With a piece of plexi over the top. Holds heat and humidy perfect.

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...s%29-Caresheet

And a note that the reptile carpet is going to be a PAIN in the butt to thoroughly clean (having used it myself) so I would switch to aspen or my favorable paper towels for ease of cleaning. Just a suggestion.

Welcome to the forums, and thanks for doing your homework ahead of time!

As far as the lighting is concerned, I'd try to find a hood that fits your tank. I use an Exo Terra that happens to sit nicely on the sides of my tank. I have a 1/4in thick piece of tempered glass that covers about half of the tank top, and my hood sits on top of that. Underneath the glass, I have a folded paper towel that I keep moist. My temps and humidity stay very stable with this setup.

BP's don't require a night drop in temps, just make sure you have the proper temp gradient inside the tank. If you bring home a baby rather than an older animal, keep in mind that they sometimes prefer slightly lower temps. One thing I would suggest is that you hold off for a month or so before putting the repti carpet in. For now, I'd recommend just using plain white paper towels as a substrate. That way you'll be more likely to spot if your snake has a mite problem. It's also a lot easier to clean if you have a messy eater.

Welcome to BP.net!

I understand where you are in your development as a BP owner. We all started with tanks, and 95% of us moved on to tubs, then racks. We made that move for a reason. It's a natural progression. Enjoy the journey, and please feel free to keep asking questions as you go. No one's going to say, "I told you so", when you decide to switch over to a tub.

If you truly want an awesome happy pet, you'll eventually move toward housing that takes care of the animal's needs vice your wants. Again, enjoy the journey, and before you know it, you own three more ;)

If you need a light, go with the red heating light, it won't bother them to keep it on 24/7.

I also agree about the reptile carpet. It will be fine for a little while but eventually you will want to throw it out completely. Snake poo is serious business.

If you get a clear tub, your daughter will still be able to watch your bp move around.

If you put a piece of plexiglass over the top of a tank I don't see that it is any different from a tub..