My first BP Set Up (Advice/critique?)

I recently got my first ball python and I'm currently trying to perfect his terarrium. I'm using a 20 gallon long glass tank with a latching screen top and so far there have been no escape issue (I've had him almost a month now) so I think the tank is pretty secure.

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d1...gs/rumtank.jpg
Ok, so far things I realize may not be ideal: the hides are not identical. Would adding more substrate or moss in the larger hide to make it snugger help even this out?

I'm currently using a red night bulb for heat (I've been able to maintain between between 80-85 on the low side- and 90-95 on the warm side), but I'd like to switch to UTH, any tips I should know on that? Should I use a heat bulb along with the uth to help maintain temp (Mind you low 70s is on the higher side of my house's ambient temp, it stays cool in fall and winter because it's an old brick house with radiators in northwest indiana)?

I also know that I'm not using ideal thermometers/hygrometers. What would be best for a tank setup like this?

I usually have about half or slightly more than half of the tank lid covered with something solid (glass or more recently a piece of wood) to help keep humidity and heat in and to avoid drafts (humidity has been steady around 60%).

Any advice on how to start upgrading my tank would be greatly appreciated. So far my snake has been doing well (he eats frozen thawed fuzzies like a champ, super gorgeous, easy to handle, etc.), but if I can improve his set up, I'd like to.

Here's a pic of Rumplestiltskin (aka Mr. Gold), he's a pastel from BHB reptiles.
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d1...gs/mrgold2.png

Yeah I'd grab a UTH instead of the heat bulb. You need to buy a rheostat or a thermostat though for the UTH so it doesn't get too hot. Glass tanks are pretty terrible for heat and humidity so you should consider switching him to a tub. One thing right off the bat that you could do though is put black construction paper around three sides of the tank. This will give him much more security and make him much more likely to be a good feeder for you.

Thanks, I'm online looking for a UTH and thermostat right now. I can do the black construction paper tonight though!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Robomantic

I recently got my first ball python and I'm currently trying to perfect his terarrium. I'm using a 20 gallon long glass tank with a latching screen top and so far there have been no escape issue (I've had him almost a month now) so I think the tank is pretty secure.

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d1...gs/rumtank.jpg
Ok, so far things I realize may not be ideal: the hides are not identical. Would adding more substrate or moss in the larger hide to make it snugger help even this out?

I'm currently using a red night bulb for heat (I've been able to maintain between between 80-85 on the low side- and 90-95 on the warm side), but I'd like to switch to UTH, any tips I should know on that? Should I use a heat bulb along with the uth to help maintain temp (Mind you low 70s is on the higher side of my house's ambient temp, it stays cool in fall and winter because it's an old brick house with radiators in northwest indiana)?

I also know that I'm not using ideal thermometers/hygrometers. What would be best for a tank setup like this?

I usually have about half or slightly more than half of the tank lid covered with something solid (glass or more recently a piece of wood) to help keep humidity and heat in and to avoid drafts (humidity has been steady around 60%).

Any advice on how to start upgrading my tank would be greatly appreciated. So far my snake has been doing well (he eats frozen thawed fuzzies like a champ, super gorgeous, easy to handle, etc.), but if I can improve his set up, I'd like to.

Here's a pic of Rumplestiltskin (aka Mr. Gold), he's a pastel from BHB reptiles.
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d1...gs/mrgold2.png

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For the hides, the one on the left was fine, but I'd ditch the half log hide. Bps like small, tight and secure hiding spots with one entrance. You can always buy flower pots and solder an entrance way if you're low on cash.

When using a UTH, you will need a thermostat. It will regulate temperature and keep the UTH at a lower safe temperature.

High end thermostat:
http://www.spyderrobotics.com

Cheaper:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000NZZG3S

a thermostat is one of the most important things to having a healthy snake. I absolutely love my Herpstat.

You're going to want a digital thermometer with a probe. You can find these at Walmart in the household thermometer areas. Accurites are what you should be looking for. It monitors humidity, indoor temp, and outdoor temp with a probe that you can place over your UTH (when the time comes).


If you can't keep the cool side at 78-80, then you may still need the heat lamp. It WILL kill your humidity though. If you're usin analog thermometers, I doubt you're humidity is 60%. Is there condensation on the glass?