New tank setup

http://www.quaterpast.com/ballpython/Untitled-1.jpg

Tank Size: 30gallon
- UTH 30G ZooMed with ZooMed Rheostat until I find a thermostat
- 50w Infrared Bulb with one of those $3 work light shades 8" above tank
- Foil Treatment Lid (Saved my humidity problem!)
- Astrotuf over top the UTH to spread out the heat so it wont burn
- Aspen bedding throughout


- 1 XL custom rock on the hot side of the tank
- 1 L custom rock on the 'cold' side of the tank
- Vines from the pet store with suction hooks to support
- 50cent piece of bark for shedding and a rest area

Current Temps:
- Hot side: 94F
- Cold side: 83F
- Humidity: 60%

I want to get some of those fake dangling leafs to hang off the sides of the cage for a "natural" hiding so he feels like he is in the trees, but I think he loves the new setup he has been moving around all day in it.

I appreciate everyone's help with getting this setup perfect, We never want an unhappy snake.

I would ditch the astroturf. It is going to get really nasty once your snake drops a load.

I would also suggest two identical tight fitting hides. The XL one looks way to big for that snake.

Where is your thermometer probe?

Good work, I like it. Looks like your snake is enjoying it to.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kaorte

I would ditch the astroturf. It is going to get really nasty once your snake drops a load.

I would also suggest two identical tight fitting hides. The XL one looks way to big for that snake.

Where is your thermometer probe?

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he actually prefers the xl sized one instead of the smaller one. I have the probe overtop the astrotuf (which is under 1/4" of aspen bedding)

i think 94 is a little high for the hot side unless the ambient temp in the room is very cold.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by pvdgod

i think 94 is a little high for the hot side unless the ambient temp in the room is very cold.

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the room temp (outside the cage) is 70F

I would ditch the astro turf too. And your probe should be on top of the aspen not underneath it. I'll bet your warm side is not quite as warm as you may think it is. Just to be clear, is your uth on the inside or the outside of the tank?

Jenn you say to put the probe on top of the Aspen?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jenn

I would ditch the astro turf too. And your probe should be on top of the aspen not underneath it. I'll bet your warm side is not quite as warm as you may think it is. Just to be clear, is your uth on the inside or the outside of the tank?

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outside the tank, on the bottom

Okay to clarify. ThermoSTAT probe should go outside the tank on the UTH which should also be on the outside of the tank.

The thermoMETER probe should be n the inside of the tank UNDER the substrate. You want to measure the hottest point the snake can get to. If you measure on top of the substrate, the temp underneath could be high enough to harm your snake. They can move the aspen out of the way if they need to get to more heat.

I also agree that you should ditch the astroturf. It is a breeding ground for bacteria and is impossible to fully clean. Stick to disposable substrate.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kaorte

Okay to clarify. ThermoSTAT probe should go outside the tank on the UTH which should also be on the outside of the tank.

The thermoMETER probe should be n the inside of the tank UNDER the substrate. You want to measure the hottest point the snake can get to. If you measure on top of the substrate, the temp underneath could be high enough to harm your snake. They can move the aspen out of the way if they need to get to more heat.

I also agree that you should ditch the astroturf. It is a breeding ground for bacteria and is impossible to fully clean. Stick to disposable substrate.

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well i have the astroturf down because the glass temperature without it is around 110F with the rheostat on LOW.

coconut husk all the way!!

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Originally Posted by ksaul

well i have the astroturf down because the glass temperature without it is around 110F with the rheostat on LOW.

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Then it is time to get a thermostat. The astroturf will be fine for a little while, but once a mess is made on it, toss it.

Coconut husk substrate isn't really made for ball pythons. It works better with tropical reptiles and amphibians.

Wait so ( http://www.petsmart.com/product/inde...ductId=2752611 ) is garbage? Where do I get a good thermostat? If at all possible in stores rather on-line.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Faber

Wait so ( http://www.petsmart.com/product/inde...ductId=2752611 ) is garbage? Where do I get a good thermostat? If at all possible in stores rather on-line.

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Basically. That isn't a thermostat. It is a rheostat. A thermostat has a probe and measures the temp of the heat source and adjusts accordingly.

Its really hard to find reptile thermostats in stores. You will probably have to buy it online. The reptitemp 500r should suit your needs.

Whats a Thermostat do that a rheo doesnt?

Read my last post.

A rheostat you will constantly have to adjust when the room temperature changes. A thermostat will do that work for you.

a rheostat just works like a dimmer and lowers the amount of juice going to the device.. less power = lower temp.. i've been using something like that for a while now and i've been pulling my hair out cause it fluctuates.. ALOT.. so it really takes the snake on a temperature adventure! so please listen to miss kaorte!! she knows what shes talking about!!!

Ordered the 500r. Hopefully it will be here by monday