Meet up for Daytona Expo

I know this thread is still developing, but just wanted everyone to be aware.

Sick Snakes in Florida-bp.net

We should be practicing QT procedures anyway, as well as washing self and clothes that have been at the show. No reason to panic, just stay informed.

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Originally Posted by ReptileJenna

I'm so excited for Daytona. Its almost here! I'm taking total of empty cages, and trying to get as much room possible for new arrivals. Its to bad my new freedom breeder rack hasn't come yet... I could only imagine the possibilities.

Anyways, do you guys know if they have well-priced supplies at the show, specifically tanks, substrate, and general enclosures? I'm planning on buying some more tanks at Walmart (they sell pretty cheap ten gallons), but if they have better priced tanks at the show, then I'd much prefer to wait until then!

Thanks!

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I could be wrong here, but I believe the only tanks usually at shows are the vision style and maybe some other higher quality cages. Don't think you normally see cheaper tanks (10g) etc at shows. Freedom Breeders is on the vendor list, so maybe they'll have some racks for sale?
Speaking of Freedom Breeders...If they're listed does that mean NERD will have some snakes there for sale? *crosses fingers*
I wish RDR was going to be there :( unless he's under a different name on the vendor list...

There's usually a guy in one of the corners with tanks, but they are not the cheapo 10g tanks like walmart carries. But I've seen the sliding lid tanks and even small 5 gallon or 2 gallon simple tanks. Not everyone is buying for a ball python, so you can't say that most folks don't use tanks.

Cresties, frogs, turtles, cornsnakes, etc... all often exhibited and kept in tanks.

As far as needing a tank for a BP, I'd advise you do something different in the set up, but if you're dead set on a 'glass' tank, get one with the sliding locking lid PLEASE. We don't ever want to see "escaped snake! omg!" threads if we can prevent it. The lids that just set on top are infamous in escapes. Yes, the 10g tank at Walmart is much cheaper, but it'll cost you way more if the snake escapes and you end up replacing it or having it need a vet visit.

Of course, I'm ASSuming you were talking about a BP(erring on the side of caution, you know, just in case), so disregard if you were talking about a tank for something more appropriate for a tank.

Getting very excited about the Daytona show. My friend was saying she would NOT make it, but now she's waffling and talking about going on Sunday. Same person who had never been to any reptile show ever before she met me and attended a Daytona show, now never misses it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ReptileJenna

I'm so excited for Daytona. Its almost here! I'm taking total of empty cages, and trying to get as much room possible for new arrivals. Its to bad my new freedom breeder rack hasn't come yet... I could only imagine the possibilities.

Anyways, do you guys know if they have well-priced supplies at the show, specifically tanks, substrate, and general enclosures? I'm planning on buying some more tanks at Walmart (they sell pretty cheap ten gallons), but if they have better priced tanks at the show, then I'd much prefer to wait until then!

Thanks!

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Jenna, if you don't mind putting in a little elbow grease to clean them. local reptile shops will usually have used tanks for cheap. Just gotta ask. I've bought a couple of tanks this way. I'll clean them out with something like diluted chlorhexidine and let them air out for a couple of days before putting anything in them, but I've saved a good bit of money this way and am still using some of those tanks today.

Pinellas county reptiles carries sliding top glass tanks. I mean the tanks are around 30 and up but they are great. I do not know where they will be stationed at the shows but they are a big supply vendor.

I have had 4 tanks from pinellas county reptiles and they are great!


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I'll be going to the show to pick up a Hidden Gene Woma male from Sloan Reptiles. Boy I almost have him paid off. The Sloan brothers are really great people and I recommend them to anyone. I've found really great deals on supplies and tanks in the past. Might also pick up a Chameleon or Beardie morph and maybe another female BP. That depends on if I sell these last baby's by next weekend. I'll be arriving on Friday to chill out by the pool and BBQ.

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Originally Posted by RoseyReps

I could be wrong here, but I believe the only tanks usually at shows are the vision style and maybe some other higher quality cages. Don't think you normally see cheaper tanks (10g) etc at shows.

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Yeah, I thought they wouldn't be selling it, but I saw at one of the (I think it was Orlando?) shows a few tanks for sale at decent prices. However, I was to busy drooling over 20,000 dollars ball pythons to pay attention to any supplies :)

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Originally Posted by wolfy-hound

As far as needing a tank for a BP, I'd advise you do something different in the set up, but if you're dead set on a 'glass' tank, get one with the sliding locking lid PLEASE. We don't ever want to see "escaped snake! omg!" threads if we can prevent it. The lids that just set on top are infamous in escapes. Yes, the 10g tank at Walmart is much cheaper, but it'll cost you way more if the snake escapes and you end up replacing it or having it need a vet visit.

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Thanks for the warning. No worries though, I use the regular tanks for weaker, more calm, species of herps. For snakes, I tend to only use Zilla or other locking tanks if I'm not using some sort of rack system.

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Originally Posted by freelancer

Jenna, if you don't mind putting in a little elbow grease to clean them. local reptile shops will usually have used tanks for cheap

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I appreciate the recommendation. :)

Sadly, I live far away from most reptile and animal shops that are not one of the big chains. I'm still kind of new to the area too. However, I'd be willing to make the drive. PCR sounds like a good place to check out. Also, I think Petco is having a sale on zilla cages, and I remember some other tanks for sale that will work.
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Other questions if people feel like answering:
1. How early people actually start lining up? Like a good estimated time. I'd be willing to get there at 6:00 A.M if it means I'm first in line, ha ha.
2. What is the, "Symposium at the Hilton Exo Terra" or the "Reception" like or about?
3. Is the auction at the Hilton any good?
4. Should I even attempt negotiating prices?

I believe the auctions / receptions are for the breeders that are at the show. I could be dead wrong on that, but that was my assumption. I'm going to *try* and get there between 10-10:30, I'm not really sure how early people start showing up though. I would like to know about negotiation as well, I've never purchased a herp from an expo before so I don't know the process as far as haggling.

I know I'll be super excited, but I'm going to try my best to take my time walking through and looking through each of the tables. Rather than running around like a maniac...but who knows. I get so freaking antsy on the way in I start power walking without even realizing it. Until hubby shouts from 20 ft back "You gonna wait for me?" lol

This will be my first expo looking at BPs, in the past years I've tried to *not* look at snakes too much knowing it would just make me want them more. But now that my hub has said I can have one...IT'S ON! They're gonna have to kick me out at the end of the day :D

As far as negotiating on price, you can always try. Some sellers are very firm. Some sellers almost expect haggling. If you do want to ask about a lower price make sure you do it in a polite and positive manner, because nothing shuts a seller down faster than the arrogant "I saw better pastels somewhere else for half that price!" style commentary. Since a lot of the sellers are the breeders, insulting the snakes by insinuating that they are not the BEST... or implying they are overpriced... etc.. not good.

Not saying you would... but it's somewhat accepted to point out flaws in most items when you're haggling... but when it's live creatures, it often doesn't go over well.

Examine ALL animals carefully for health/flaws and sex before you buy. And don't buy the first you see... make a round of the room first, because if you're like me, you'll find the best deal EVER and jump on it and then see a way better deal on a way better animal a few rows later on. Too late!