New enclosure - Shopping list

ok the repti-temp 500r is getting slammed here & i have one so i have to jump in & add my input.
1) yes the gradient colors on the dial have no numbers & i see how some people can think of that as bad but...i have certain spots on my dial that i know will give the certain temp range i maintain. knowing where these spots are is as easy as marking it with a simple line with a pen.
2) yes, there is alot of continuous adjustments needed with this t-stat, especially when going through major season changes but...i personally monitor my snakes temps religiously because i will not put blind trust in any device, especially a heat source & its "controller". i have the time to check temps like that so it doesnt bother me too much.
3) the thing is, those more expensive digital t-stats - johnson, herpstat, etc...they're designed to control heat devices putting out high hundreds to low thousands of wattage, like what you would see with large racks but they're wholly overkill for something putting out way less then that in a single cage set up. if i'm ever able to get up to 3 bp's like i want, i will invest in one of those more expensive t-stat because by that point i'll be running numerous heat pads adding up to the wattage that would require a more expensive control.

Is anyone familiar with the lids/lock clips?

http://www.petsandponds.com/en/repti...p17160428.html

http://www.petsandponds.com/en/repti...p16346278.html

Seems like a pretty straightforward thing, but I've found some complaints about different zilla lids/locks out there, and it wouldn't be the first time a "universal-fitting" product didn't fit.

My concern would be whether the tank's brace would be an issue fitting the lid (lid says universal fitting for terrariums AND aquariums), and whether the locks are gonna turn out to be cheap and useless.

idk about all the other stuff, but i have a 100w light bulb on my 55g, and if i dont regulate it, it gets my tank at 110+, so 150 seems really unnecessary, and its the same height as yours too so i feel it would do the same

Hey,
If you are just setting up now I'd just start here...

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...arium-Solution

Forget the top screen systems this will help with heating and humidity.

T-stats, I am not a fan of any of the ones PandP sells. If you have the cash I'd go with a herpstat or helix or VE300. If you do not have the money I'd suggest a hydrofarm from amazon.com yup .com not .ca they will ship it. It is not an accurate probe and will need to be compensated for but on glass it will work not the best but it will be ok. It is about the same price as the 500R with is crap. If you really want to go that route don't buy one I'll give you the one I have. I am hesitant not because I think I'd use it but I don't think anyone should use it. Junk.

A

http://images42.fotki.com/v1374/phot...sLounge-vi.jpgHosted on Fotki

The zilla temp/hygrom is quite poor. One probe is temp one humidity just not a good product, the exo terra is better.

there are other options too the cheap ESU thermometers for aquariums and a brass hygrometer from a tobacco shop (downtown) can make a good option.

Personally I like the zoo med pads over the Exo ts but that is personal preference.

I second that idea.

I second both of kitedemons ideas But I would go with the hydrofarmtho because it's cheaper. And the aquarium solution Works like a charm and it only costs about 20$.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JohnNJ

buy a heated rack and a thermostat. Throw in some paper towels and a water bowl. Add snakes. Done. :D

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Doesn't exactly make for a nice pet display, though.

third lol