Son getting ball python. Cage setup help please

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Originally Posted by jetsguy

the thermostat will measure the temp on the uth and turn it on or off to stay at the temp you choose. i just got one from pet provisions, then just use your dimmer for the heat light. turn the uth down to 93 and then adjust your dimmer light till you get the ambient temp you want thats what im doing now just starting like you

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Ah thank you my good sir. The dimmer i want i posted if it would work is like $10

Got a good thermostat?

Something cheap. And by cheap i mean im not willing to spend $150 on one like some of the others i seen. Sorry if it seems im not willing to dish out alot of cash atm

K, I'm sorry for coming off like that. This thread is just 5 pages deep and thats a lot for this type of thing but w.e lets get you the help you need.

A rheostat WILL control 2 heat sources but its only effective when its controlling two of the same. A thermostat will do the same. See when your using two different heat sources like wattages, they heat up at different rates, so thats the problem your running into. When you use a thermostat it uses a probe that measures the heat and shuts it off once its there. You would use this for the UTH. The infrared should be fine for ambient temps, but you might need two like me. I used a smaller wattage light for the cooler side like I said before. If one light is doing the trick but is still getting too hot then you could use the dimmer for the light, and a thermostat for the UTH. Petco/Petsmart now carries thermostats that work good for your application for 50 bucks and can handle up to 1000watts. Thermo's really are they way to go and are going to save you a lot of headaches, and burns for your snake.

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Originally Posted by Animals As Leaders

K, I'm sorry for coming off like that. This thread is just 5 pages deep and thats a lot for this type of thing but w.e lets get you the help you need.

A rheostat WILL control 2 heat sources but its only effective when its controlling two of the same. A thermostat will do the same. See when your using two different heat sources like wattages, they heat up at different rates, so thats the problem your running into. When you use a thermostat it uses a probe that measures the heat and shuts it off once its there. You would use this for the UTH. The infrared should be fine for ambient temps, but you might need two like me. I used a smaller wattage light for the cooler side like I said before. If one light is doing the trick but is still getting too hot then you could use the dimmer for the light, and a thermostat for the UTH. Petco/Petsmart now carries thermostats that work good for your application for 50 bucks and can handle up to 1000watts. Thermo's really are they way to go and are going to save you a lot of headaches, and burns for your snake.

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Yea 50 i can do. I will stop by and pick one up tomorrow.

But the dimmer i will order.. Will that one be a good one i posted?

Kinda dont want to spend $50 but i guess i also cant explain to my son why the UTH got to 110 deg and burned the snake to hell and back either.

FYI petsmart near here does not carry a thermostat lol. I didnt see one in store nor online

This is one i see at petco
http://www.petco.com/product/108340/...t=OnSiteSearch

btw did you go with a 10 gallon tank or did you stick w/ the 29 gal?

I vote 10 gal all the way!!

People don't realize that smaller is better w/ snakes.

And! Did you ever think about using a sterilite tub? You want cheap my man, there a home run!

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Originally Posted by f4n70m

Yea 50 i can do. I will stop by and pick one up tomorrow.

But the dimmer i will order.. Will that one be a good one i posted?

Kinda dont want to spend $50 but i guess i also cant explain to my son why the UTH got to 110 deg and burned the snake to hell and back either.

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AWESOME!!!

Glad to hear your opting for the tstat, good investment trust me. I actually made a dimmer, but I don't want to get into how-to's because I suck at them as it is lol. You should really be fine with just the tstat and a 75 watt infrared light w/ your humidity fixes. Again, 10 gal is really the way to go and is a lot easier to maintain in terms of conditions.

Well heres my question

http://www.petco.com/Shop/Product.as...yviewedproduct

That as a tstat would that be good? If so ill goto petco in the morning and pick one up (once i find one lol)

Edit* This is not digital sure would like a digital one :S

Two that dimmer would be just fine right?
http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/...ctId=100478442

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Originally Posted by f4n70m

Well heres my question

http://www.petco.com/Shop/Product.as...yviewedproduct

That as a tstat would that be good? If so ill goto petco in the morning and pick one up (once i find one lol)

Two that dimmer would be just fine right?
http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/...ctId=100478442

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Yep your good. I own that tstat too had it for a year so far problem free.

And dimmer is good. A dimmer's a dimmer lol. And if you don't feel like waiting like I said you could get the rheostat(don't know how much shipping is).

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Originally Posted by f4n70m

Yea 50 i can do. I will stop by and pick one up tomorrow.

But the dimmer i will order.. Will that one be a good one i posted?

Kinda dont want to spend $50 but i guess i also cant explain to my son why the UTH got to 110 deg and burned the snake to hell and back either.

FYI petsmart near here does not carry a thermostat lol. I didnt see one in store nor online

This is one i see at petco
http://www.petco.com/product/108340/...t=OnSiteSearch

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Be careful what thermostat you get. I know they sell ones that are ok, and ones that have more options for cheaper... Well I got the cheaper one. Figured it would be better, it has 2 input things so I can regulate 2 things, but after a few months i guess the one broke so now im stuck with one, which i dont mind but :weirdface I would have been able to use the second one now that im getting a second snake....

Mine was $30.(zoomed reptitemp 500R) Just sayin. Id still go with the one that I got.

edit: ps i just saw the Tstat you posted thats the one I didnt get. I guess its alright since it has the suction cup and you shouldnt have to worry about the problem i type after this. Also if the 110º turn of works thats also good. I guess you dont really need it though since you have the suction cup and dont have to worry about the probe moving.

Also understand that you have to keep the thermostat probe ON the uth. The snake can move it, and thats bad... If it comes out of the substrate and is sticking up the thermostat things "I need to give the UTH more wattage so its at the right temp" When really the UTH is at the right temp, its just the PROBE is at the wrong temp. Easy way to get high temps, and this makes me wonder how a thermostat can be much better then a rheostat when this happens...

FYI petsmart kinda isnt good. lol. I got alot of my stuff off of reptilesupply.com and its probably cheaper than if you got it in a store, even with shipping...

Also big tanks arent that much of a big deal. I wouldnt go with the 10 because you will just have to buy a bigger tank, and then figure out how to un stick the UTH with out breaking it, or buy a new one... I bought a used 38 tall like i said, it was $20 and came with almost everything needed and have had my BP in there since she was a baby.

Yea i may just order one online but then idk when it will get here. We are getting snake on sat.

So would you agree with the one i posted? Or would that not be to good and should order one online?

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Originally Posted by Animals As Leaders

Yep your good. I own that tstat too had it for a year so far problem free.

And dimmer is good. A dimmer's a dimmer lol. And if you don't feel like waiting like I said you could get the rheostat(don't know how much shipping is).

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Ok well imma call petco in the morning and make sure they have it. Now one problem i might see is. You have to make sure nothing bumps the dial or it will mess up ur temps lol

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Originally Posted by I<3Dreamsicles

Be careful what thermostat you get. I know they sell ones that are ok, and ones that have more options for cheaper... Well I got the cheaper one. Figured it would be better, it has 2 input things so I can regulate 2 things, but after a few months i guess the one broke so now im stuck with one, which i dont mind but :weirdface I would have been able to use the second one now that im getting a second snake....

Mine was $30.(zoomed reptitemp 500R) Just sayin. Id still go with the one that I got.

Also understand that you have to keep the thermostat probe ON the uth. The snake can move it, and thats bad... If it comes out of the substrate and is sticking up the thermostat things "I need to give the UTH more wattage so its at the right temp" When really the UTH is at the right temp, its just the PROBE is at the wrong temp. Easy way to get high temps, and this makes me wonder how a thermostat can be much better then a rheostat when this happens...

FYI petsmart kinda isnt good. lol. I got alot of my stuff off of reptilesupply.com and its probably cheaper than if you got it in a store, even with shipping...

Also big tanks arent that much of a big deal. I wouldnt go with the 10 because you will just have to buy a bigger tank, and then figure out how to un stick the UTH with out breaking it, or buy a new one... I bought a used 38 tall like i said, it was $20 and came with almost everything needed and have had my BP in there since she was a baby.

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The repti-therm is a piece and what he has pictured there IS a good unit for the time being. I don't agree that these are not good therm's and really do get the job done. I would reccomend buying a better one as time goes on, but in NO way is this unit a piece of junk. DO make sure about that probe!! If it moves and is NOT on the UTH you have BIG problem.

I don't know why you would even say how a dimmer is in anyway as reliable as a thermostat. You have to correct it ALL the time. Whenever the temp around it changes so does your belly heat. How is this AS good as something MAKING sure it doesn't go above X? No logic there sorry.

And a 10 is TOTALLY a better idea. It's tried and proved that bigger spaces can cause issues. Who are you to say otherwise? Its not saying that they will, but why risk it? A 10 gallon tank is 12 dollars at petco? I hate shopping at these stores, but I am not waiting 10-14 days for something I can go get there. I DO NOT buy animals from there ever.

Also, once he outgrows the 10 you can find 20 longs for like 20 bucks as well which are better suited for these snakes.

So you say i should buy the one you have? The Zilla Temperature Controller. And doesnt it only contol one source? Not two like the others? or the zoomed reptitemp 500R

petco should have the Zilla Temperature Controller the repti temp i would prolly have to wait till after i get snake.. or wait another month for the snake

Also im not buying the snake from there never will. Im going to all ohio reptile show to buy one off of the breeder not just some random person at a pet store

I use the reptitemp 500r on my quarantine tubs and it works great :) I have never had any problems with it. There are some more questionable ones on the market that are more expensive but seem to fail more often.

In my opinion, the reptitemp is the best single setup thermostat at a good price ($25). The only downside is it is hard to find in stores so ordering online is the best option.

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Originally Posted by f4n70m

Ok well imma call petco in the morning and make sure they have it. Now one problem i might see is. You have to make sure nothing bumps the dial or it will mess up ur temps lol

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What I do is slide the UTH under the tank without adhering it to the tank. So basically the waxpaper or sticky side is on whatever the tank is sitting on(piece of wood, dresser, etc.). There is usually a little gap there between the surface of the tank and the bottom once this is done and I just put the probe there rather then in the tank. The snake will most deffinitely move it, and tape is a bad idea as well so don't do that. It works for me perfectly. Put the probe on the surface of the tank to make sure the thermostat is where it should. The gap might make a little difference.

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Originally Posted by Kaorte

I use the reptitemp 500r on my quarantine tubs and it works great :) I have never had any problems with it. There are some more questionable ones on the market that are more expensive but seem to fail more often.

In my opinion, the reptitemp is the best single setup thermostat at a good price ($25). The only downside is it is hard to find in stores so ordering online is the best option.

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Yea well we will be picking it up sat so i dont think i would get it before then. Where as i could most likely goto petco and pick up the Zilla Temperature Controller. Hmm what to do what to do :P

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Originally Posted by Animals As Leaders

What I do is slide the UTH under the tank without adhering it to the tank. So basically the waxpaper or sticky side is on whatever the tank is sitting on(piece of wood, dresser, etc.). There is usually a little gap there between the surface of the tank and the bottom once this is done and I just put the probe there rather then in the tank. The snake will most deffinitely move it, and tape is a bad idea as well so don't do that. It works for me perfectly. Put the probe on the surface of the tank to make sure the thermostat is where it should. The gap might make a little difference.

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Why would tape be a bad idea. And also the UTH is already stuck on there came with the tank. Its a small one like rated for 10-20 gallons. stuck on a 29 gallon one lol

But i will be buying a newer one in maybe two weeks something a little bit bigger to cover more of the bottom of the cage which i will get the next size up and will do that.

I think if i ordered the ReptiTemp 500R i could have it the beginning of next week, do you think the setup and temps now would last until monday when it would arrive or just go buy the one at petco

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Originally Posted by Kaorte

I use the reptitemp 500r on my quarantine tubs and it works great :) I have never had any problems with it. There are some more questionable ones on the market that are more expensive but seem to fail more often.

In my opinion, the reptitemp is the best single setup thermostat at a good price ($25). The only downside is it is hard to find in stores so ordering online is the best option.

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I guess everyone can have different luck you know. I heard that they kinda suck but you had a good run you never know. Its always good to spend the extra buck, but if you can't I don't think either tstats are bad until you can upgrade. It should be understood with tstat that you GET what you PAY for lol. And I guess theres a little luck involved in terms of long term reliability ;)

You might be able to find the reptitemp 500r at the show you are going to. If you can't find it there, just get a $10 dimmer from home depot to temporarily control the UTH (use the other for the lamp) and then order the thermostat online.

Tape in the enclosure is a bad idea because they can easily get stuck to it. When you get your thermostat, place the probe directly on the UTH OUTSIDE the enclosure. This makes sure that the snake can't mess with it or move it off the UTH. If the probe is moved off the UTH it will spike, cooking the snake.

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Originally Posted by Animals As Leaders

I guess everyone can have different luck you know. I heard that they kinda suck but you had a good run you never know. Its always good to spend the extra buck, but if you can't I don't think either tstats are bad until you can upgrade. It should be understood with tstat that you GET what you PAY for lol. And I guess theres a little luck involved in terms of long term reliability ;)

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I have had mine for over a year and a half and it works perfectly. I got it second hand as well so its even older then that. :)

Obviously there are better options, but I don't think the OP wants to spend $80 on a better thermostat for a single setup. I got my johnson controls thermostat after I got my second snake because I knew it was just a matter of time before I had a 3rd...4th...etc.

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Originally Posted by Kaorte

You might be able to find the reptitemp 500r at the show you are going to. If you can't find it there, just get a $10 dimmer from home depot to temporarily control the UTH (use the other for the lamp) and then order the thermostat online.

Tape in the enclosure is a bad idea because they can easily get stuck to it. When you get your thermostat, place the probe directly on the UTH OUTSIDE the enclosure. This makes sure that the snake can't mess with it or move it off the UTH. If the probe is moved off the UTH it will spike, cooking the snake.

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What she said!

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Originally Posted by Kaorte

You might be able to find the reptitemp 500r at the show you are going to. If you can't find it there, just get a $10 dimmer from home depot to temporarily control the UTH (use the other for the lamp) and then order the thermostat online.

Tape in the enclosure is a bad idea because they can easily get stuck to it. When you get your thermostat, place the probe directly on the UTH OUTSIDE the enclosure. This makes sure that the snake can't mess with it or move it off the UTH. If the probe is moved off the UTH it will spike, cooking the snake.

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Ok that is true. I will look for a tstat at the show. Im sure they got one there.. They got everything else there lol.

Also i got one dimmer switch that is controlling the UTH and lamp. So if i were to get another dimmer switch it would have to be just as long of a wait as the tstat.

So what imma do is look for a tstat at the show pick one up. Hook that up to the UTH. Now the thing is the UTH is already stuck to underside of cage (dont look at me i didnt do it :P)

So how should i place the probe?

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Originally Posted by f4n70m

Yea i may just order one online but then idk when it will get here. We are getting snake on sat.

So would you agree with the one i posted? Or would that not be to good and should order one online?

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Order it online if its cheaper, petco should have it. It shouldnt take over 5 business days to get to you, for regular shipping.

I guess either one really would work its just which ever you prefer.
- reptitemp500r comes with a cover so you dont bump the dial*

You can try and take it off, I do it all the time w/o problems.

Also, I would shut the the uth off and wait till you get the tstat. Use the dimmer and lower the heat lamp so it keeps the ambient temps in the cage at about 82. Thats a lot safer then cookin' him. He'll be fine w.o heat for a little bit.

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Originally Posted by f4n70m

Ok that is true. I will look for a tstat at the show. Im sure they got one there.. They got everything else there lol.

Also i got one dimmer switch that is controlling the UTH and lamp. So if i were to get another dimmer switch it would have to be just as long of a wait as the tstat.

So what imma do is look for a tstat at the show pick one up. Hook that up to the UTH. Now the thing is the UTH is already stuck to underside of cage (dont look at me i didnt do it :P)

So how should i place the probe?

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Why would you have to wait to get another dimmer? You can pick them up at the home depot.

Doesn't matter that the UTH is already stuck. Most people don't use the sticky that comes with the UTH so they can re-use them on different tanks.

Thermostat probe goes OUTSIDE the enclosure right on the UTH. Just tape it directly to the UTH.

Your accurite probe goes right on the glass over the UTH (under the substrate).

Im going to check the show. Cuz they sell like everything. Bags of frozen mice, tanks, everything lol

Im sure someone somewhere will have one.

Also if i got my acu rite probe on the UTH atm should i just take it off when i got a tstat? or leave it on? Cuz i got the probe on the uth and the box sitting inside the cage to the back right. and the wires hidden under the substrate

Also any advise on how to take it off? Cuz i hear once u take it off its ruined :P Dont want to ruin it just yet :P

Also Kaorte what do i do with the extra wire lol? Can it just be left under the substrate?

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Originally Posted by Animals As Leaders

The repti-therm is a piece and what he has pictured there IS a good unit for the time being. I don't agree that these are not good therm's and really do get the job done. I would reccomend buying a better one as time goes on, but in NO way is this unit a piece of junk. DO make sure about that probe!! If it moves and is NOT on the UTH you have BIG problem.

I don't know why you would even say how a dimmer is in anyway as reliable as a thermostat. You have to correct it ALL the time. Whenever the temp around it changes so does your belly heat. How is this AS good as something MAKING sure it doesn't go above X? No logic there sorry.

And a 10 is TOTALLY a better idea. It's tried and proved that bigger spaces can cause issues. Who are you to say otherwise? Its not saying that they will, but why risk it? A 10 gallon tank is 12 dollars at petco? I hate shopping at these stores, but I am not waiting 10-14 days for something I can go get there. I DO NOT buy animals from there ever.

Also, once he outgrows the 10 you can find 20 longs for like 20 bucks as well which are better suited for these snakes.

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Calm down :P

I only got the reptitemp because multiple people on here recommended it.

I said that the one he has pictured is nice because of the suction cup, and the auto turn of but theres really no need for the auto turn off because it has a suction cup!!! lol. Over heating from sunlight, everyone knows not to have it in direct sunlight.

My point about the dimmer is that if your probe for the tstat isnt secured you have to adjust it all the time also, thus making it just as much as a hassle. (that is the logic, its there)


Well, I am I<3Dreamsicles, and I say otherwise :rolleye2:

You dont need to prove anything, everyone knows that some snakes have problems with excess space. Also, every snake is different. What risk is there? You see that your snake is stressed, so you put it in a smaller enclosure, end of problem. Or if your like me, you never have a problem. If the tank is cluttered and there is adequate hiding space throughout there wont be any problems.


Yeah 10g tank is like 15-20 at the stores, and then you also would need a screen top, clips for the top, a 10g size UTH, ETC. Then when you want a bigger tank you have to re-buy all of that stuff. :gj:
Also, he already has his tank, and its set up so why not...

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Originally Posted by f4n70m

Im going to check the show. Cuz they sell like everything. Bags of frozen mice, tanks, everything lol

Im sure someone somewhere will have one.

Also if i got my acu rite probe on the UTH atm should i just take it off when i got a tstat? or leave it on? Cuz i got the probe on the uth and the box sitting inside the cage to the back right. and the wires hidden under the substrate

Also any advise on how to take it off? Cuz i hear once u take it off its ruined :P Dont want to ruin it just yet :P

Also Kaorte what do i do with the extra wire lol? Can it just be left under the substrate?

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Leave the probe where it is. You need it there to monitor the temps of the heat pad. The reptitemp doesn't display temperatures so you need the accurite there so you know you have dialed it to the right temperature.

You do NOT need to remove the UTH to use a thermostat. many people recommend putting the thermostat probe in between the UTH and the glass, but it isn't necessary.

I usually just tie up the extra cord and put it behind the accurite unit. You could run the extra wire outside the tank though, so there isn't a bunch of wire all over the tank. That would not be fun to clean if it got crapped on.

is a thermo rheo and a dimmer all the same thing??

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Originally Posted by f4n70m

Im going to check the show. Cuz they sell like everything. Bags of frozen mice, tanks, everything lol

Im sure someone somewhere will have one.

Also if i got my acu rite probe on the UTH atm should i just take it off when i got a tstat? or leave it on? Cuz i got the probe on the uth and the box sitting inside the cage to the back right. and the wires hidden under the substrate

Also any advise on how to take it off? Cuz i hear once u take it off its ruined :P Dont want to ruin it just yet :P

Also Kaorte what do i do with the extra wire lol? Can it just be left under the substrate?

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Ah yes, I assume rodent pro will be there. Get there earily to buy your mice! They sell out quick lol. Theyre really cheap in bulk too. Trust me you dont want to be going to petsmart to get mice. Its like $12 for 6. Or at rodent pro you can get like 100 for $16-30 depending on the size.

Leave the acurite probe on the UTH, you still want to be able to read the temps incase for some reason it gets to high or low.

There are guides on here on how to get off a UTH, you just have to make sure you dont bend it. I dont see any reason to take it off though.

As for extra wire, I assume you mean for the accurite probe? I just leave mine in the substrate/on it. Its still twisty tied up though.

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Originally Posted by dembonez

is a thermo rheo and a dimmer all the same thing??

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Dimmer and Rheo are the same thing, Thermostat is a Thermostat :D

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Originally Posted by dembonez

is a thermo rheo and a dimmer all the same thing??

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A thermostat is a device that measures the temperature of a heating device and adjusts according to the temperature that you set it to automatically. It comes with a probe that measures the temp. If the temp gets too low, it kicks on, if it gets too hot, it kicks off.

A thermometer is a device that only reads temperature, it does not adjust it in any way

A Rheostat is basically the same thing as a dimmer. It reduces the amount of power going to the UTH making it hotter or cooler. The problem with using a rheostat is it doesn't know when it gets too hot or too cold, you have to check it a few times a day and adjust it accordingly. The thermostat takes out the constant adjusting.

Well for the tstat u guys say dont put it inside the cage but put it between the glass and the uth.. How can i do that if its stuck to the bottom?

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Originally Posted by Kaorte

A thermostat is a device that measures the temperature of a heating device and adjusts according to the temperature that you set it to automatically. It comes with a probe that measures the temp. If the temp gets too low, it kicks on, if it gets too hot, it kicks off.

A thermometer is a device that only reads temperature, it does not adjust it in any way

A Rheostat is basically the same thing as a dimmer. It reduces the amount of power going to the UTH making it hotter or cooler. The problem with using a rheostat is it doesn't know when it gets too hot or too cold, you have to check it a few times a day and adjust it accordingly. The thermostat takes out the constant adjusting.

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so a thermostat is hands down the best cool


thanks for breaking it down for me! :P

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Originally Posted by f4n70m

Well for the tstat u guys say dont put it inside the cage but put it between the glass and the uth.. How can i do that if its stuck to the bottom?

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It is not REQUIRED to put it between the UTH and the glass. I never have and all my enclosures are just fine. Just make sure the probe is securely taped to the bottom of the UTH. Aluminum tape works the best for this.

idk how to delete a post :(

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Originally Posted by Kaorte

It is not REQUIRED to put it between the UTH and the glass. I never have and all my enclosures are just fine. Just make sure the probe is securely taped to the bottom of the UTH. Aluminum tape works the best for this.

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So your saying tape it to UTH outside of the glass.. like on the very bottom. Where the top is stuck to the glass?

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Originally Posted by f4n70m

So your saying tape it to UTH outside of the glass.. like on the very bottom. Where the top is stuck to the glass?

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I don't really understand what you are confused about. You just tape it right on the UTH outside the enclosure. The UTH has a top and a bottom. The top is stuck on the glass, and the bottom is open to the air.

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Originally Posted by Kaorte

I don't really understand what you are confused about. You just tape it right on the UTH outside the enclosure. The UTH has a top and a bottom. The top is stuck on the glass, and the bottom is open to the air.

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lol sorry :(

Ok well it seems I got all the info I need. Here is what im planning on doing.
Getting a tstat at the show. Hooking the uth up to that. Set it at 92-93 deg. Then keeping the lamp on a dimmer. This should allow the UTH to stay at a good temp and allow me to adjust the lamp to raise the ambiant air temp.
Sorry this has turned out to be so long didn’t mean for it to. But I cant mess up and let a snake die. My son don’t want just one snake.. he wants MANY. But we will just start out with one for now. Maybe next year we can move up and get another lol. I thank all you guys for all your help. Once I learn more about all this stuff I will make sure I repay my debt and help others as you guys have helped me.

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Originally Posted by f4n70m

lol sorry :(

Ok well it seems I got all the info I need. Here is what im planning on doing.
Getting a tstat at the show. Hooking the uth up to that. Set it at 92-93 deg. Then keeping the lamp on a dimmer. This should allow the UTH to stay at a good temp and allow me to adjust the lamp to raise the ambiant air temp.
Sorry this has turned out to be so long didn’t mean for it to. But I cant mess up and let a snake die. My son don’t want just one snake.. he wants MANY. But we will just start out with one for now. Maybe next year we can move up and get another lol. I thank all you guys for all your help. Once I learn more about all this stuff I will make sure I repay my debt and help others as you guys have helped me.

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thank you for making this thread i learned alot aswell! :oops:

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Originally Posted by f4n70m

lol sorry :(

Ok well it seems I got all the info I need. Here is what im planning on doing.
Getting a tstat at the show. Hooking the uth up to that. Set it at 92-93 deg. Then keeping the lamp on a dimmer. This should allow the UTH to stay at a good temp and allow me to adjust the lamp to raise the ambiant air temp.
Sorry this has turned out to be so long didn’t mean for it to. But I cant mess up and let a snake die. My son don’t want just one snake.. he wants MANY. But we will just start out with one for now. Maybe next year we can move up and get another lol. I thank all you guys for all your help. Once I learn more about all this stuff I will make sure I repay my debt and help others as you guys have helped me.

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Sounds like a plan!

Don't be sorry, this is a forum for learning and you (and others) have done just that :) If you have any other questions, feel free to ask away. There is always someone here to answer your questions.

Believe me, most of us are just glad that you are sorting this out before you get the animal. Most people (including myself) get their first ball python as an impulse buy and end up getting a lot of useless equipment that they then need to replace. Doing the research before hand saves you time and money!

Everyone is happy! Hooray!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kaorte

Sounds like a plan!

Don't be sorry, this is a forum for learning and you (and others) have done just that :) If you have any other questions, feel free to ask away. There is always someone here to answer your questions.

Believe me, most of us are just glad that you are sorting this out before you get the animal. Most people (including myself) get their first ball python as an impulse buy and end up getting a lot of useless equipment that they then need to replace. Doing the research before hand saves you time and money!

Everyone is happy! Hooray!

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lol yea i want to buy a better UTH the one that on there now is very small.

I think its this one

http://www.petco.com/product/6353/Zo...k-Heaters.aspx

Small
For 10-20 gallon Terrariums
8 Watts

its on a 29 gallon tank :confused::confused:

So i will pick on a better one

Medium
For 30-40 gallon Terrariums
16 Watts

Or maybe they will have one cheap at the show i could maybe get. A bigger one is better correct since the one is kinda small for the tank atm

Also any tips on buying the snake? :)

Like what to look for/ask?

There are a lot of breeders there to choose from so i have alot of options.

Yeah, you want a UTH that covers about 1/3 of the floor space.

If you get a new one, just stick it on the other side of the tank and make that your hot-side, that way you don't have to bother ripping off the other one.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kaorte

Yeah, you want a UTH that covers about 1/3 of the floor space.

If you get a new one, just stick it on the other side of the tank and make that your hot-side, that way you don't have to bother ripping off the other one.

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Hmm so would i still use the other one? Cuz the tstat only controls one (or 2 depending on what 1?)

But i wouldnt want to have both at like 92 deg would i?

So would i use one and just leave the other sitting there or use both and keep em at same temp

Also everyone got thanked for their such helpful post's

Went through all 10 pages and thanked every helpful post :)

You guys are the reason my sons new bp will enjoy his/her new home :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by f4n70m

Also everyone got thanked for their such helpful post's

Went through all 10 pages and thanked every helpful post :)

You guys are the reason my sons new bp will enjoy his/her new home :)

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:banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:

:O WOW! 10 pages of posts in two days on a tank set-up. But it's all good.

Here's a few things for consideration that I didn't notice mentioned yet.
In addition to a bigger UTH, you can get this stuff from Target or Wal-Mart called Foam Core Board or something like that. It's usually in the school supplies section near the poster board, and it looks something like a cross between styrofoam and cardboard and comes in different colors, or, you can use regular cardboard or styrofoam if you choose. Cut it and tape it to the ends and back side of the tank. This will help insulate the tank some and help keep some of the heat in.
Depending on what type of room the tank is in, you can opt to use a space heater to keep the ambient temp of the room itself at around 80F.

Regarding rheostats and dimmers: I got my first snake and set-up in the winter, and initially was running the UTH on a rheostat and the heat lamp on a timer to cycle it on and off and this was working ok. However, once the weather started warming up, I found it harder and harder to keep the UTH temp where I needed it, and it finally got to the point where just turning the rheostat on at the lowest setting was letting the UTH run at about 96F, and it was only Spring. That was when I finally invested in a Ranco and never looked back. So keep in mind that as you run your house AC/Heat, and weather is also going to affect your temps.

As you have found, doing a new set-up takes alot of tweaking to finally get everything dialed in right, but it feels good once you get it.

Have fun picking out your new pet... :gj:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by f4n70m

Also any tips on buying the snake? :)

Like what to look for/ask?

There are a lot of breeders there to choose from so i have alot of options.

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http://lmgtfy.com/?q=healthy+ball+python

First result.

Ask what size mouse they are feeding (so you can buy that size), if its live or frozen thawed.

Like I said I recommend BA Reptiles.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Vypyrz

:O WOW! 10 pages of posts in two days on a tank set-up. But it's all good.

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Lol sorry I just want everything to be perfect so I don’t mess up and loose the snake
And if I have anymore heat problems I will keep the foam coreboard idea in mind.

And my room temp is like 75 deg itself.
Yea I know the AC/Heat will affect the temps. Imma get a tstat for my UTH. Later I may get a better tstat something to control the UTH temp and another heating source if need be.
Yea I see it takes a lot to get it just right. I want it just right BEFORE I even get the snake so theres no worries.
And I<3Dreamsicles funny thing I was looking at that same link last night.
Also im getting one that’s on f/t wife wont allot live ones :/
And yea I will be asking the size they feed it.
Also I will be trying to get it from BA Reptiles seeing as you and 2 others have reccomended it so far.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by f4n70m

Lol sorry I just want everything to be perfect so I don’t mess up and loose the snake
.

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I think it's great that you are putting the time and effort into the set-up beforehand. I almost guarantee that within the next 2 weeks somebody is going to come in with alot of questions or problems with their set-up, and you will be the one answering some the questions because you will have just went through it...:gj:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Vypyrz

I think it's great that you are putting the time and effort into the set-up beforehand. I almost guarantee that within the next 2 weeks somebody is going to come in with alot of questions or problems with their set-up, and you will be the one answering some the questions because you will have just went through it...:gj:

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Hey read my other thread im testing a new set up. Sorta