Ball Python Coming Soon..

I am getting my first snake in about a week (a ball python)! I have read read plenty and done my research and I feel like I know enough to get started. However whenever I go to any pet store I become so overwhelmed due to all of the different types of lights, therms/Hygros, UTH... I guess I am just a bit confused on what I really need.. Also I know that UTH can help keep the tank nice and toasty for my python but I have heard tons of stories of them melting through the bottom of the tank... Are they safe to use? How do you prevent this from happening?? How do you control how hot the heating sources are and the humidity??

Sorry for all the questions. I just want to make sure I completely prepared.

First off check out THIS BP CARESHEET. Next, you don't need special lighting for a BP they do fine with regular lighting coming through the window. They are nocturnal anyway and usually stay hidden during the day. The UTH is controlled by a thermostat and is a must whenever you use a UTH. THIS is a great thermostat if your on a budget and THIS one is well worth the extra money with one of THESE Ultratherm Heatpads. Check out the search engine on here and there are plenty of discussions on the best ones to use. I would suggest having your enclosure setup and working before your BP gets to you so that all you will need to do is place the BP in the enclosure and leave it alone for a week or so.

You are in the right place. The care sheet referenced in the above post is a great place to start. Congratulations on your first ball pythons. We'll be waiting to hear about your second, and third, and fourth, and fifth, and.....

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Originally Posted by Niki Dunbar

Also I know that UTH can help keep the tank nice and toasty for my python but I have heard tons of stories of them melting through the bottom of the tank... Are they safe to use? How do you prevent this from happening?? How do you control how hot the heating sources are and the humidity??

Sorry for all the questions. I just want to make sure I completely prepared.

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Thermostat is a must.
http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-MTPR...ords=hydrofarm
http://reptilebasics.com/
http://spyderrobotics.com/

Oh yea, if you checkout THIS sticky thread you can't go wrong with your setup.

Also, welcome to the addiction.

Thank you for asking how to regulate the heat pad instead of posting pictures of Blackened Python.

You should definitely get the whole thing set up and monitor it for at least a few days to make sure it's consistent before you get the snake.

What kind of enclosure will you use? There's a great stickied guide on 'converting' aquariums to be snake friendly if that's the route you choose. They aren't ideal for heat, humidity, and security without a few mods. GL!

Welcome to the addiction, I can't wait to see pictures of the new family member when he/she is brought home.

I suggest getting a tub, if it's a 5-10 month old I would suggest a 36 quart tub, and just use aspen, a UTH, two hides (one on the hot side & one on the cool side). A thermostat is a must with a UTH, or flexwatt! Keep temps between 86F & 91F & cool side should be about 82F or 83F. Humidity should be 50%-^0% & up to 70% during a shed cycle. Best of luck to ya!

I was planning on converting an aquarium however a lot people are telling me I should just go with tubs instead. Thanks for all the help guys! Soon as I get his home all set up and bring him home I will post pictures!

Are there any types of tubs that are better then others?

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Originally Posted by Niki Dunbar

I was planning on converting an aquarium however a lot people are telling me I should just go with tubs instead. Thanks for all the help guys! Soon as I get his home all set up and bring him home I will post pictures!

Are there any types of tubs that are better then others?

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Again, check out THIS THREAD and you can't go wrong.

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Originally Posted by MrLang

You should definitely get the whole thing set up and monitor it for at least a few days to make sure it's consistent before you get the snake.

GL!

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^^^ this. I've had my tank set up for about a week and (especially with an aquarium/glass enclosure) it's really helpful to be able to monitor day and night temps, humidity and fluctuations. I've had to make several adaptations to make it work.... Much easier pre-BP.


And another word of advice- don't always trust the pet store people. I've been laughed out of Petsmart twice when they found out I "wasted" money on a thermostat.