Newb heating question

Hi all,
I have been lurking for w while trying to learn as much as I can. I got but by the BP bug and built myself a wooden viv. I have a 10x 11 heat mat and reptile bark for the substrate. The viv is 16 deep 27 wide and 41 tall. I know that they aren't climbers too much so I have a second level so the height dosent do to waist. I haven't set it up yet but I was wanting to pick your brains abouty ideas on setting it up to avoid any prob. I am going to sandwich the uth between either 2 sheets of plexiglass or one sheet of plexiglass and a ceramic tile on top and put it in the viv. Is that ok? Next question do you think I will need to add a ceramic heat light at the top to help with the ambient heat and to heat the second level or should I just use 2 heat mats one for each level. I will be going to a expo this weekend and hope to come home with a new friend and just want to make sure that I have the best place for them to come home too. Also would you pick up a baby or a yearling or am adult. I am a first time snake owner and I want it to be a chill as possible and be able to have my kids handle it without it biting. Ain't and all suggestions are appreciated

Sorry about all of the typos fat fingers little phone lol

Any one ?????
I just want to make sure that I am doing it right before I get one this weekend. I would rather learn from others than make mistakes on my own.

Honestly I woul just sell that cage and buy a 36x18x12 glass tank from a pet shop if you need something now or pick up a PVC cage from the expo. The cage you have sounds more like a GTP style cage and since your BP isn't a climber really, trying to heat that whole cage to the floor is going to a lot of work plus trying to get the humidity. As for sandwiching a UTH between that stuff, I say bad idea. There wont be any airflow and I'd be willing to bet it would overheat, not to mention, you put that in the snake cage and the snake pisses on it and it seeps in, you are done. Also UTH don't heat the air so its pointless as you would have a cold cage with a couple warm spots. But like I said, a BP can live its life out in 36x18x12 cage fine and it will be much easier to heat and control humidity.

Thank you for the reply. I will look into cages at the expo. If I cant grab a cage at the expo how would you try and go about heating the viv I have? How high wattage ceramic heater would you use? on a thermostat of course.

I think the cage sounds cool... I'd recommend using a RHP though, on the top, and a UTH on the bottom.... But that is only half A$$ information because we can't see it. Can you post a pic so we can give better advice?

I am trying to but I cant attach the photos

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Originally Posted by I BALL OUT

I am trying to but I cant attach the photos

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http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...-Post-Pictures

http://i1147.photobucket.com/albums/...scwmwcnrw.jpeghttp://i1147.photobucket.com/albums/...s4atomdp0.jpeg

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http://i1147.photobucket.com/albums/...psysilevua.jpgThe shelf

Cool enclosure.

Make sure that all gets VERY well sealed, including the shelf.

As far as heating, this is going to be a bit of a nightmare, lol. I'd add a ceramic bulb with a cage near the top, start with 150 watt and see how it goes. Also, you'll need a UTH on the bottom. What type of door are you going to have, glass, plastic or mesh?

That sehlf is neat, but not what I pictured. BP's are pretty clumsy. If it falls off of that shelf (which is will do) it may get hurt.

Personally, I'd advise (Unless you already have the snake) that you choose a different snake that would better suite this habitat. Something like a GTP.