my first post w/pics.. DUW

the themometer has a humidity gage too right? guess i need to check back at the previous pages.

for quick refrence what do the temps need to be?

humidity=
heat=
how much bedding is enough bedding? ive heard they can wriggle the bedding aside and more or less expose their bellys to UTH

Heat: 82-84 cool side, 92-94 warm side 24/7/365 (Mine are kept at 95/84)
Humidity 50-60%, and up to 65-70% when shedding, but I usually don't have to raise it, they shed fine at 55-60%.

That gauge does have a humidity reader on it, and will measure two different temps at once. So you'll want to put the unit on the cool side, and run the probe to the warm side, and underneath the hide.

If using aspen, a 1/2" is fine. Bedding is just used to absorb liquids, and a layer that is too thick will just create a barrier and won't let the heat through. You can use a layer of newspaper underneath if you want to, just until you get your thermostat.

okie dokie.. good informatio :sunny: looks like ill be charging my camera today, maybe get some nice head shots of them both

Ashley, not much to add really, you've received some excellent advice other than you've learned the pet store lesson. Yes they keep multiple snakes in a single glass tub with overhead lights, they also tend to have snakes that aren't eating, have parasitic issues, respiratory issues, stuck sheds and generally it's a mess. There are some really awesome pet stores but they tend to deal exclusively in reptiles and are few and far between. Your average pet store person hasn't a clue no matter how "big" they talk.

We have 18 ball pythons from baby 07's up to big breeding size females. All live in plastic bins and all are thriving. If you want a nice bin that both works well and you can see into very easily call around to your local OfficeMax stores and ask if they stock a brand called "Iris". They are amazing. Glass clear, all the benefits of plastic and the interior is smooth which means no ridges to trap nasty feces and urine (makes your life easier for clean up). They are maybe a dollar or two more than Rubbermaid or Sterlite but in my opinion far superior as far as tubs go. They do require, like all tubs, binder clips or something to keep that lid tight (anything over 1/8" give and you've got a loose snake).

For now until you can get a proper tstat you can hit Home Depot or any department store and get a plug in lamp dimmer. It's not a perfect option but at least it will exert some control over heating elements and make them safer for your snakes. They usually run about $10 and are in the electrical/light fixture area.

Aspen as a bedding is quite safe for your babies and can be found at WalMart in a compressed bag for about $4.00. Once it's fluffed up, it will last you quite awhile with the two baby tubs. Don't buy it from pet stores, it's the same stuff but the pet stores charge twice the price. WalMart usually stocks a nice fine shred aspen in their pet department.

For hides, hit the dollar store. Anything small, dark and easy to clean is a perfect snake hide. Mine love plastic cereal bowls. No need to get fancy with baby hides especially, they outgrow them and really the snake could care less.

Do grab a cheap soldering wand if you don't have one (about $6.00). For melting holes in tubs and in hides....invaluable thing to have around!

Im so looking forward to doing this today, i cant begin to tell you how much its helped learning this lesson. Im usually so much better about the research and doing things "right" i have no idea what got into us, almost like we went on an impulse, shame on us. I hope to find lagit place local or i will be doing all my purchases online through some of you for those more "Rare" finds. i just hope this guy can make right and at least buy back the tank and lid.. even if thats all i get out of him. ill eat the cost of the bulbs and lamps if i have to but hope he can take those as well, after all now they will just be dust collectors. from the sounds of it i have plenty of bedding. PHEW lots of work to do today

our target carries those iris bins :D

Ashley don't be at all surprised if the pet store refuses to buy back that tank and lid. The fact is they sold it to you as a tank and lid and it is in fact a perfectly fine tank and lid so really, they aren't responsible for the fact that's it's not terribly useful to you. Hopefully they will be nice and do the refund, I just don't want you to be overly shocked if they don't.

You may end up having to list it on craigslist or whatever and sell it as basically a brand new tank since it's seen next to no use. You'll still lose some money but at least it won't be a total wash. You're not the first nor will you be the last that got the sales rush at the pet store and bought a snake and equipment for more than they should of or without enough research. It happens. Now the important thing is that you are striving to do right by the two baby BP's. We'll help you get them set up properly without breaking your wallet. :)

i dont be surprised but i have to at least try. i have used craigslist alot and never even thought about that to buy a tank lol.. ill be sure to let those of you curious what happens, i cant wait to get these guys alone :D

I've never bought a new tank LOL. I tend to grab them up at yard sales, craigslist or people that know I need tanks give them to me. We breed and raise rats for feeders so I use a lot of tanks for that. As well our milksnake and the two boas all live in their own tanks.

AWESOME!

i just noticed you live in toledo, my family is from there. my mom lived there until she was 13 and lots of our relatives (aunts.cousins.uncles.exc) are all from there!!!!