Odd setup for a python?

Hi,

The matstats are simply a low wattage on/ off stat that they can sell for a reasonable price. :)

As long as it is on a stat I don't forsee any problems with putting a sheet of glass over it (leave a small gap between it though not a tight sandwitch job ).

I would recommend drilling out a few holes for air circulation when you drill the hole for the wire and then using spacers to keep the glass from sealing them.

A bead of silicon round the edges should prevent any snake pee or spilled waterbowls from causing any problems and still be fairly easy to remove if needed. :gj:


dr del

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Originally Posted by dr del

Hi,

The matstats are simply a low wattage on/ off stat that they can sell for a reasonable price. :)

As long as it is on a stat I don't forsee any problems with putting a sheet of glass over it (leave a small gap between it though not a tight sandwitch job ).

I would recommend drilling out a few holes for air circulation when you drill the hole for the wire and then using spacers to keep the glass from sealing them.

A bead of silicon round the edges should prevent any snake pee or spilled waterbowls from causing any problems and still be fairly easy to remove if needed. :gj:


dr del

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Duly noted. Will drill some holes and use some substrate to create a gap under the glass. Thanks again.

Hi,

I'm not sure substrate would be the thing - I was more thinking of small rubber feet from B&Q or something. :)

The idea is to have it sealed so nothing can get from where the animal is to the heatmat - just in case the pee affects it or gets under it and stinks. :D


dr del

My concern with the glass would be if there are any rough or sharp edges that the snake could hurt himself on. Also, in the event that the glass should crack, that would be a big problem. When the glass of a tank cracks, it usually stays in place because the frame of the tank holds it together, so it just cracks rather then breaking. A loose sheet of glass is more likely to break totally in 2 pieces, leaving the sharp edges exposed.

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Originally Posted by kc261

I'm not quite sure where to place the heat mat in those wooden cabinet type enclosures. I believe if you put it under the enclosure, not enough heat will travel through the wood. I think some of them are designed with the heat built in, and others are intended to be used with only heat lamps and/or radiant heat panels. I have also heard of people putting the heat mat on the underside of a piece of flooring tile, and putting the entire tile in the enclosure. I have no idea how well that works, because I've never seen it personally.

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I'm not too sure on the wood floors either. I know glass tanks and tubs. One thing I can think of is post the question in the Boa section or, if need be, search through the forums over at

http://www.redtailboa.net/forums/

There are alot of people on there who build their own enclosures out of wood and will know exactly how to do it. If I remember correctly, there is a way to do it using floor tiles, but there is a particular way to do it so that it is sealed so urine and water won't come into contact with the heater. I do remember one thread where someone didn't do the tile right and a piece of it came loose and got flipped over and their snake got stuck to it and they had to get a vet to remove it, so definitely do the research before trying that. Have you considered maybe setting up a tub at least as a temporary enclosure until you get the wooden one sorted out?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dr del

Hi,

I'm not sure substrate would be the thing - I was more thinking of small rubber feet from B&Q or something. :)

The idea is to have it sealed so nothing can get from where the animal is to the heatmat - just in case the pee affects it or gets under it and stinks. :D


dr del

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Hi there

Apologies - I had obviously misunderstood you there!

At the moment, it's set up as...
1) Wooden floor
2) Heatmat on wooden floor
3) Pane of glass on top of heatmat
4) Substrate on top of glass

So you're saying there needs to be a gap between the heatmat and the glass? (hence the rubber feet)? Is this to avoid possible overheating or something?

You also mentioned sealing it to avoid any moisture coming into contact with the heatmat. The water bowl is down the other end, but I hadn't even considered the pee! Just assumed the substrate would soak it up!

Please excuse my ignorance - so much to learn!!!! :confused:

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Originally Posted by kc261

My concern with the glass would be if there are any rough or sharp edges that the snake could hurt himself on. Also, in the event that the glass should crack, that would be a big problem. When the glass of a tank cracks, it usually stays in place because the frame of the tank holds it together, so it just cracks rather then breaking. A loose sheet of glass is more likely to break totally in 2 pieces, leaving the sharp edges exposed.

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Thanks for your response, Casey

When I say sheet of glass, it's actually just an old cabinet door so it does have smoothed edges - no nasty sharp bit to hurt himself on.

I hear what you're saying about the risk of cracking though, and that is obviously a concern. The heatmat is now on a stat though, so surely the glass shouldn't get hot enouth to break?

Perhaps the floor tile is a better idea..... :confused:

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Originally Posted by Vypyrz

I'm not too sure on the wood floors either. I know glass tanks and tubs. One thing I can think of is post the question in the Boa section or, if need be, search through the forums over at

http://www.redtailboa.net/forums/

There are alot of people on there who build their own enclosures out of wood and will know exactly how to do it. If I remember correctly, there is a way to do it using floor tiles, but there is a particular way to do it so that it is sealed so urine and water won't come into contact with the heater. I do remember one thread where someone didn't do the tile right and a piece of it came loose and got flipped over and their snake got stuck to it and they had to get a vet to remove it, so definitely do the research before trying that. Have you considered maybe setting up a tub at least as a temporary enclosure until you get the wooden one sorted out?

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Thanks, Vypyrz

I was just going to place the tile over the top of the mat (rather then glue it). I hadn't considered moisture coming into contact with it (until several people here pointed it out!)

When I got him, the mat was just sitting on the viv floor with an inch or so of substrate both underneath and above it (floor, substrate, mat, more substrate). I have now learned (from here!) that this is bad as (a) He will burrow thru the substrate and sit directly on the mat, and (b) the water/urine issue.

He's been in this tank for 2 years now with no issues, but it would appear that if I don't sort this, then there is evey chance issues will occur sooner rather than later!

I may follow your suggestion and temporarily put him in a tub while I do this as this is now taking longer than I realised to sort out an is becoming increasingly frustrating! :mad: I just want everything to be right for him and am concerned that he is not happy in his current setup.

What do you think about the glass over the heatmat (please see other responses in this thread) ??

Thanks

I think so many ppl have covered so much HOWEVER....my HUGE concern is the wood floor. It is a bacteria haven unless it is polyeutothened (I totally spelled that wrong)...ok basically sealed really really well.

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Originally Posted by BPelizabeth

I think so many ppl have covered so much HOWEVER....my HUGE concern is the wood floor. It is a bacteria haven unless it is polyeutothened (I totally spelled that wrong)...ok basically sealed really really well.

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Double-checked - definately sealed. :gj:

Thanx