Heating...

Ok,

So I am MOST likely getting a rescue Normal Ball python from Emily and Cookreptiles. Now, She told me about a thermostat that will keep the temperature at a certain temp. Heres my question, why would i spend $70 on a product that is made for 6-8 animals when i will only have one that needs that certain temp(Hope yall understood that).

So what are my alternatives? Is there like a certain heat map that will stay between 80-85? Or what else is out there that will keep the temperature at a onstant, that isnt $70. I mean, I highly doubt my mom will let me get another snake, so it would be wasteless unless i got another animal that uses the same temp. Anyways...Alternatives...please!

I know some people use the lamp dimmers (rheostats), but I would really like to suggest you go with Emily's suggestion. Even when I had only one tank I used a $70 thermostat. Heck I set up a second tank which was not identical to the first, so I got a second thermostat to control that setup. There is a bigger peace of mind that comes with those units, and are completely worth it to me. The other 'cheaper' units have a higher rate of shorting out or not holding temps well. Not to mention are more prone to temperature swings as the room temperature changes or power outages.

Most heat mats will heat up to over 110 degrees, so it's is absolutely essential that you be able to control those temps. The vet bill alone will way exceed $70 for a burn, so it's better to prevent it in the first place.

Again, if money is an issue then you may want to hold off getting a snake until you have a bit of savings in case any issues pop up. :)

Yah, Moneys an issue, and I am waiting until about late january, to mid february before I get him, He did have parasites, So im goign to save a little bit of money from XMAS for vet trips, even though Mum pays for most of em. (Whenever she takes the dogs in, I take the Herps in :) ).

The thermostat was nice, And maybe Ill look into it a little bit more.

You could buy an Ultratherm UTH which isnt supposed to exceed 95 degrees and supposedly can be used without a thermostat.A small one is only about $14.00. Or you could buy a Reptitherm thermostat by Zoo Med for about $20.00 - $30.00. Those are 2 less expensive alternatives. A good Thermostat would be the best thing to have but if you cant afford one,these things will suffice.

I understand about money, but it's definitely something you want to really consider before you get him. You can always look into finding a used one, as a cheaper alternative also.

Ok, So I foudn this little Bugga. Tell me what yall think?
http://www.petblvd.com/cgi-bin/pb/ZO...?mv_pc=froogle

I am goign to ask a Local Electrician tomorrow if he has any spare ones. So Wish me luck on that :D

That's the one that I meant. I inadvertently called it a Repti therm instead of a repti temp. They do work. It would be ok to use that for now and get a better one when you are able.An electrician wouldnt have one but almost any pet supply ought to.You could get a Zoo Med rheostat for half that price also.

hmm. Ok, Ill definately look into it.

Thanks for the help everyone!

Don't get the rheostat! They are enormously varied in what temps they'll hold even at the lowest setting. My advice, since I too am poor, is to get the Reptitemp 500R for now until you can save or get the $75 or so for a Ranco or Johnson. Even if you only ever have one snake, those better stats are really worth the money.

A rheostat would allow a consistant output from your heating source which means as your room temperature rises and falls so would your cage temperature and therefore would require quite a bit of temperature monitoring. A thermostat would regulate the temperature of your heating source and is therefore vastly superior to a rheostat. Maintaining proper temperature in the snakes environment is crucial to its well being and I probably shouldnt have mentioned the rheostat but I wanted to present all the options.