How's this setup?

I am looking to purchase a juvenile Ball Python from my local pet store (probably Petsmart), and I was hoping to get some feedback on the setup I am looking at before I proceed:

From Petsmart also:

1. 20-Gallon Long Aquarium
2. Secure lid :cool:
   

From BigAppleHerp.com:

1. Zoo Med ASPEN Bedding
2. Quat Plus Cleaner, Deodorizer & Stain Remover
3. Big Apple's Imported Premium Grade Sphagnum Moss
4. Exo-Terra Water Dish - Ex-Large (10.5" x 9" x 3" High)
5. Zoo Med Repti-Therm Undertank Heater (8" x 6") 10-20 Gal
6. Zoo Med Repti Shelter 3 in 1 Cave MEDIUM (8" x 7" x 4" High)
   

From Rodentpro.com:

1. 25 Rat pups - Weekly feeding
   

Am I off track anywhere?

Unless you're keeping it in a room that stays around 80 degrees, you'll need a light(something) to raise the temp of the ambient air in the tank.

A ten gallon would probably be better for a baby, although the 20 can work. You'll need a few hides.

Also, it might not want to eat frozen thawed, so you might wanna be ready to feed live.

Very good start! Some suggestions:

I agree with BG about the 20 gallon and the f/t vs. live.

You'll probably want more than 1 hide in an aquarium. If you don't want to buy or make additional hides, crumpled up newspaper seems to work well as hiding places.

What is your "secure lid" for your aquarium made of? If it is screen, you will need something to cover most of the screening material so humidity stays at the right level. Maybe a piece of plexiglass?

You may want to get your aspen from your local pet store as it is usually expensive to ship.

I don't see a T-stat on your list; in my opinion a must have.

Finally, I would consider buying your new BP from a local breeder or at a reptile show instead of a pet store. While some have not had any problems buying from pet stores, many have bought BPs there that do not thrive. In addition the cost of a normal juvi BP from a breeder or at a show is usually less than half of what a pet store charges. Depending on where you live, there might be some on this forum that can help you out.

There is a lot of info on setting up a BP in the sticky on this site.

Good luck and post pics of your BP once you get it home.

unless you are setting up a fancy naturalistic display tank I would look into just using plastic tubs. these are not very active snakes and will spend pretty much all of it's time out of sight.

those are way cheaper than a glass tank and much easier to clean.

also personally I don't think you need to buy fancy cleaning spray. Hot soapy water will clean most anything just fine. I clean my tubs with just whatever dishwashing soap I have around. personally I think the notion that they must have everything completely sterilized is overrated. as long as you keep up on keeping its water bowl clean and don't allow waste to just sit in the enclosure you'll be good.

use a tub!

save some cash

Don't buy from petsmart......there are SOOO many healthy, beautiful ball pythons that are a much better value from breeders!

I agree! Try to find a local breeder! Save money and get a better quality snake!

Expanding and modifying my shopping list based on the advice given:

From Petsmart:

1. The BP unless someone knows a local breeder from San Antonio, TX? I found a couple of breeders online but once you add shipping / minimum order charges, it would be every bit as expensive as Petsmart.
2. 20-Gallon Long Aquarium
3. Secure lid, half screen and half plexi-glass
4. Zoo Med ASPEN Bedding
   

From BigAppleHerp.com:

1. Quat Plus Cleaner, Deodorizer & Stain Remover
2. Big Apple's Imported Premium Grade Sphagnum Moss
3. Exo-Terra Water Dish - Ex-Large (10.5" x 9" x 3" High)
4. Zoo Med Repti-Therm Undertank Heater (8" x 6") 10-20 Gal
5. Zoo Med Repti Shelter 3 in 1 Cave MEDIUM (8" x 7" x 4" High)
6. Zoo Med Thermometer & Humidity Gauge
7. Zoo Med Deluxe DIMMABLE Clamp Lamp - 8.5 Inches
8. Zoo Med Repticare Ceramic Emitter 60 Watts
9. Exo-Terra Reptile Cave - Medium (9" x 6" x 2.5" High)
   

From Rodentpro.com (I asked, the snakes at Petsmart are already fed F/T so this won't cause a problem):

1. 25 Rat pups - Weekly feeding
   

Am I still missing anything / off base anywhere?

Edit:

Forgot to mention... ambiant temperature in my room is usually between 70-75 F. Sometimes, not often, it will get as low as 65 F.

i would try to get the money for a bp from a breeder. would you want to spend a little bit more money, or have to take a bp to the vet, which is very expensive,
one thing you missed was a rheostat or thermostat.:)

go to libertyreptiles.com this guy has some decent morphs for sale and free shipping! give him a call or an email because his list isnt up to date. his names dale!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by user445

Expanding and modifying my shopping list based on the advice given:

From Petsmart:

1. The BP unless someone knows a local breeder from San Antonio, TX? I found a couple of breeders online but once you add shipping / minimum order charges, it would be every bit as expensive as Petsmart.
2. 20-Gallon Long Aquarium
3. Secure lid, half screen and half plexi-glass
4. Zoo Med ASPEN Bedding
   

From BigAppleHerp.com:

1. Quat Plus Cleaner, Deodorizer & Stain Remover
2. Big Apple's Imported Premium Grade Sphagnum Moss
3. Exo-Terra Water Dish - Ex-Large (10.5" x 9" x 3" High)
4. Zoo Med Repti-Therm Undertank Heater (8" x 6") 10-20 Gal
5. Zoo Med Repti Shelter 3 in 1 Cave MEDIUM (8" x 7" x 4" High)
6. Zoo Med Thermometer & Humidity Gauge
7. Zoo Med Deluxe DIMMABLE Clamp Lamp - 8.5 Inches
8. Zoo Med Repticare Ceramic Emitter 60 Watts
9. Exo-Terra Reptile Cave - Medium (9" x 6" x 2.5" High)
   

From Rodentpro.com (I asked, the snakes at Petsmart are already fed F/T so this won't cause a problem):

1. 25 Rat pups - Weekly feeding
   

Am I still missing anything / off base anywhere?

Edit:

Forgot to mention... ambiant temperature in my room is usually between 70-75 F. Sometimes, not often, it will get as low as 65 F.

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Ok, you should forget about any kind of lamp/Ceramic Heat Emitter because they suck humidity, you don't need the moss if u have good humidity, and instead of plexi glass on the lid why not use aluminum foil? Check out this thread: http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?t=56846
Also when you use a UTH you got to get a Thermostat or the UTH will get to hot. You can use a rheostat but the cheapest ok one ive seen was:
http://www.bigappleherp.com/BAH-1000-Thermostat
Also if it costs the same amount to buy a bp from a breeder, or even if it costs say 20$ more: ITS WORTH IT you will get a much healthier bp if you get 1 from a good breeder

Also Tubs can also be better then tanks

Like everyone else is saying, i would suggest using a tub, and look at a snake from a breeder. Odds are you will save money, and you will most definitely get a much healthier snake. And finally the thermostat is a must.

I agree that you definitely need a thermostat.

I also agree that the deodorizer/stain remover isn't at all necessary. A little bit of dishwashing liquid or antibacterial hand soap works well (as long as it is thoroughly rinsed).

You might find some cheaper hide boxes (though not as decorative) at this link:
http://www.reptilebasics.com/small-hide-box.html

And I still have 3 juvenile ball pythons available for sale (click the link in my siggy). Feeding on f/t rat hoppers (slightly larger than pups). All 3 in excellent health and guaranteed to be feeding. I am certified through FedEx to ship reptiles.

Good luck!

The most important items you need for your animal are missing from your list.

-Digital thermometers and a hygrometer
-Reptile thermostat.

For a single setup, I would recommend the reptitemp 500r thermostat and the Accurite indoor/outdoor weather station (from home depot).

The hide you have picked out will not work for a ball python. They are thick bodied snakes and could easily get stuck in the opening.

Try these hides instead: http://www.bigappleherp.com/Exo-Terra-Reptile-Caves
Make sure you get TWO identical hides. They should fit your snake snugly.

This thread is a perfect example of what Big Gunns says about them....they kinda suck. Everyone go back and read the whole thread. Who does the newbie listen to? The newbie has no idea who has the most experience. It's really a common problem with forums. Although they're there to help the newbie, they can obviously often leave them more confused than before.

There are a lot of ways that you can set up your snake that work. Some of these ways are very simple and will work perfectly fine. If money is no object, it's very easy to set up your Ball Python. A lot of money is not required to set one up though....although it does help.

Another thing to think about. Although the more experienced herper knows that a tub will work best for their BP. It's usually not what someone wants to use for a pet. Who wants an ugly tub on their desk? Telling a newbie to use a tub doesn't really help them...it confuses them(don't do it again or BG will lay the smackdown on yah):D. A fish tank can work just fine if set up properly.:gj: They can have issues sometimes where a tub may be needed for problem feeders.


It looks to Big Gunns like your second list it good....although a ceramic emitter and a light is kinda overkill. Reptidude it right though....a light can suck humidity, but you said you are using moss so you can combat that problem. You will also need a way to check the humidity and temps. Good luck with your new snake.


ps. When in doubt....always listen to Big Gunns. This goes for everything in life.:D

You need to run the heat source, wether it be a heat mat/pad or a bulb, through some form of thermostat. If you don't then there will be no way to regulate the heat and you could potentially cook your BP. You will need a thermometer in addition.

My take on your list::

From Petsmart:
- The BP unless someone knows a local breeder from San Antonio, TX? I found a couple of breeders online but once you add shipping / minimum order charges, it would be every bit as expensive as Petsmart.
( I don't mind petsmart's bps as long as they look healthy and aren't in too bad of a condition. I got my little buddy from there and he's doing damned good.)

- 20-Gallon Long Aquarium
- Secure lid, half screen and half plexi-glass
- Zoo Med ASPEN Bedding
( Be careful during feeding with the aspen. )

From BigAppleHerp.com:
- Quat Plus Cleaner, Deodorizer & Stain Remover
- Big Apple's Imported Premium Grade Sphagnum Moss
( Don't need it but look into sanitation with the moss. gotta watch
for mites)
- Exo-Terra Water Dish - Ex-Large (10.5" x 9" x 3" High)
( Too big for baby )

- Zoo Med Repti-Therm Undertank Heater (8" x 6") 10-20 Gal
- Zoo Med Thermometer & Humidity Gauge
- Zoo Med Deluxe DIMMABLE Clamp Lamp - 8.5 Inches
- Zoo Med Repticare Ceramic Emitter 60 Watts
( Where's the lighting? Daylight 60w and Nocturnal 60w if you want to do day and night, emitter you don't need in my opinion. expensive)

- Exo-Terra Reptile Cave - (2) Small (9" x 6" x 2.5" High)

Thanks for all the feedback ya'll, it's been very helpful. :cool:

First of all you should have known this would cause alot of debate LOL!

Everyone has different ideas on what is best. As long as you can maintain the proper temp & humidity, the snake is calm and secure, the snake is eating, shedding, drinking, pooping regularly,,, then you are doing everything right! No matter what anyone else says!

Yes you will need some other type of heat for a glass tank other than just a UTH. Some say no. I say yes. I had a BP in a reptile tank. Sliding lid. Very shallow and wide. Should have held heat better right? NO!

Had proper UTH and heat lamp. Top was covered. House is always 75 degrees. Snake still got sick.

If you provide a humid hide with fresh damp moss and a dry hide you will be able to maitain the humidity even if you use a ceramic heat emitter.

IMO the ceramic emitters take less moisture out of the air than lights do. BPs also prefer tham since they are not bright.

If you are using a glass tank just do everything you have listed. Check your temps often. Give 2 or 3 tight hides if the tank is 20 gal. Please consider buying from a private reputable breeder. You are more likely to get a healthy snake. You will get feeding info & history. Parental background etc..

Petstores charge more for reptiles and do not take very good care of them on the whole.

Keep us updated and post pics.

Big gunns... Lol....... TOOL

and speaking in the 3rd person is annoying haha.

When in doubt always listen to big gunns? You've said everything everyone else did.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by romankea

Big gunns... Lol....... TOOL

and speaking in the 3rd person is annoying haha.

When in doubt always listen to big gunns? You've said everything everyone else did.

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Yeah....but Big Gunns says it much more eloquently.:D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Big Gunns

Yeah....but Big Gunns says it much more eloquently.:D

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Hey man. No hard feelings just thought it was pretty funny

I just saw your thread and noticed you were from San Antonio also. Unfortuantly my breeder I got my guy from is MIA but I could help you with both info and some advice on things to buy.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by romankea

Hey man. No hard feelings just thought it was pretty funny

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You can't hurt Big Gunns "feelings". He knows he's superior to you, so why should he care what you say?:rofl: