Getting my first (2) snakes

That is a good tub.. I used those for my baby blood pythons.

Yes, UTH on one side. If your house is cool, you may need a second UTH and a second T-stat to keep temps correct. Just as long as those temps are right, all is good.

Binder clips.. they're at any old office store.. here's what they look like. They'll be by staples and paper clips I think. http://images.google.com/images?clie...-8&sa=N&tab=wi

Ok, I'm going to try and get these 2 tubs setup for my new pythons within the next week. I'll post pictures when I'm done to make sure they look ok.

Last question for now, what's the best substrate? Do I need anything more than newspaper? As you can tell, I'm not going for looks here. :)

I use newspaper for all of my snakes.. except for my burrowing species, but for a ball python, newsprint is fine!

Ok, so maybe that wasn't my last question:

What exactly does the Thermostat do? I ask this because you mention that I also need a digital thermometer (Acu-Rite). I realize the thermometer will give me the temps of both sides of the tubs, but what does the Thermostat do? Does it allow me to regulate the power of the Flexwatt so I can get to my target temperature? And won't the thermostat act as a temperature gauge as well? Is the digital thermometer only useful for humidity levels?

Also, how many feet of Flexwatt do you think is required for these 2 tubs?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by LARM

Does it allow me to regulate the power of the Flexwatt so I can get to my target temperature?

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Bingo.

You set the t-stat at a desired temperature and place the probe onto the flexwatt. The t-stat regulates the flexwatt so that the temperature you set is what it's at at the probe. You have to set the t-stat to a higher temp (mine are around 99 degrees usually) to achieve the desired temp inside the cage. That's why you need the thermometer to make sure the temps in the cage are correct.

I like the 11" flexwatt.. I'd get two feet of it.

You're my hero today, Shelby.

I think I'm going to go with the Herpstat. It looks like a very decent product.

Thanks so much again. I will let you know how everything works out.

Here is my grocery list for the next week:

2 Sterilite "1986" plastic tubs ($20)
Herpstat Thermostat ($110)
Acu-Rite thermometer at Walmart - ($11)
11" Flexwatt heat tape x 2 feet ($8)
4 hides (2 per tub) - (free...will make them)
2 heavy small dishes for water ($10)
Binder clips ($2)
Newspaper substrate (free)
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$161

Glad to be of help. The herpstat is a good choice. I have one that I use on my incubator.

How does 1 thermostat/2 tubs work? If I buy the Herpstat should I get the extra "replacement probe"? I will need one probe for each tub, correct? Can I run two probes from one thermostat? I really would like to not spend the money buying two thermostats if I don't have to.

You just have to get a multiple outlet thingy and plug that into the thermostat, and the thermostat into the wall. Then you plug both strips of flexwatt into the line outlet and ste the temp on your thermostat. Then stick the thermostat probe on one of the flexwatt strips, and as long as you have an accu-rite in both cages, you can make sure the temps are fine in both cages. Hope that wasnt too confusing.