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Did I make a good setup? Is everything good for my Ball Python?
Okay, here's my specs on my terrarium.
40 Gallon Terrarium. There are two towels, one on each side of the outside of the tank. Helps to reduce stress by making the sides opaque.
More than an inch of Aspen Bedding throughout.
"Tinfoil Tank Top Treatment" performed on majority of tank, except where it was cut for light and humidity.
1 Rainforest Terrarium Cling (had to duct tape it).
1 150 Watt Infrared Heat Lamp on hot side hooked up to Zoo Med Hygrotherm.
1 Extra large soaking/water bowl on cold side.
1 Petsmart box cut for a hide in the middle of tank, between hot and cold sides.
1 Shale rock den on hot side.
1 large Araceae plant on hot side.
1 Amapello plant on hot side.
1 piece of climb wood propped over shale rock den on hot side.
1 Abutillon plant over extra large soaking/water bowl on cold side.
1 small Reptile Bonsai hide on cold side, in front of cut Petsmart box.
1 Zoo Med Hygrotherm, sensor cable wrapped around Petsmart box with sensor closer to hot side.
1 Zoo Med Reptifogger hooked up to Zoo Med Hygrotherm. Zoo Med Reptifogger emits fog towards hot side, but it gets the whole tank. Entry point is middle of tank.
Temperature is set at 93F constantly on hot side. Zoo Med Hygrotherm siphons power on and off when too hot or cold.
Humidity is set at 70%, fluctuates between 62% to 73%, but only gets to the low numbers during the "resting" period when Zoo Med Reptifogger switches off. Is usually around 70%-72%. Condensation builds up on walls of middle and cold side.
Pictures:
https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...84042023_n.jpg
https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...71566539_n.jpg
https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...76738627_n.jpg
https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...46112632_n.jpg
https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...74137850_n.jpg
https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...25450162_n.jpg
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I hope it's okay for her.
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I think you may have too much condensation in there, I'm still new but I would be concerned with developing mold or scale rot. Hopefully more knowledgeable keepers will chime in.
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I used to use aspen shavings and they molded pretty quickly, especially when I had moss in the tank so I changed it up. I know shavings LOOK better, but honestly, I think 1 layer of paper towels is more practical. And cheaper lol.
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Re: Did I make a good setup? Is everything good for my Ball Python?
Quote:
Originally Posted by ewaldrep
I think you may have too much condensation in there, I'm still new but I would be concerned with developing mold or scale rot. Hopefully more knowledgeable keepers will chime in.
I've never had a problem with mold, I change the bedding about once a month. I'll watch it though.
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The tape is on the outside of the tank correct? Tape should never be used inside the cage.
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I also think your humidity is too high. You only need 50% normally, with a 70% boost once or twice a day during shed cycles.
If you are worried about humidity, make a humid hide. No need to increase the humidity of the whole enclosure when the snake is almost always in the hide anyway.
Other then that, it looks good.
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Re: Did I make a good setup? Is everything good for my Ball Python?
Quote:
Originally Posted by The Serpent Merchant
The tape is on the outside of the tank correct? Tape should never be used inside the cage.
I know, but unfortunately no. It's on the back wall and floor (a little) of the tank. It's holding the terrarium cling, that stupid static nonsense didn't work at all. I've been trying to figure out what I can use to secure it safer, but it's held up so far.
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Re: Did I make a good setup? Is everything good for my Ball Python?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kaorte
I also think your humidity is too high. You only need 50% normally, with a 70% boost once or twice a day during shed cycles.
If you are worried about humidity, make a humid hide. No need to increase the humidity of the whole enclosure when the snake is almost always in the hide anyway.
Other then that, it looks good.
Everyone like tells me different info on humidity. Drsfosterandsmith, RalphDavis, RoyalConstrictor, everyone has different (widely varying) humidity recommendations. I can never figure out one to follow. :/ What I've been reading is the general rule of thumb is never drop below 50% around 70%-80% during shed, and higher when gravid. Is this right? Cause I mean, it DOES fluctuate through the 60%'s.
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Is this the product you are using?
http://www.exo-terra.com/en/products...rainforest.php
If so do you have a thermostat regulating it? Why is it inside the cage? Those should be mounted to the outside of the cage, and honestly you don't even need it.
Or are you talking about the plastic films with an image on it. Once again why not just attach it to the outside of the cage?
Tape especially strong tape is very dangerous to snakes and is a disaster waiting to happen inside the cage
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Re: Did I make a good setup? Is everything good for my Ball Python?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tes95
Everyone like tells me different info on humidity. Drsfosterandsmith, RalphDavis, RoyalConstrictor, everyone has different (widely varying) humidity recommendations. I can never figure out one to follow. :/ What I've been reading is the general rule of thumb is never drop below 50% around 70%-80% during shed, and higher when gravid. Is this right? Cause I mean, it DOES fluctuate through the 60%'s.
Humidity needs to stay between 45% - 60% normally, and 60% - 80% during shed. anything within those ranges will work. Personally I shoot for 60% normally and 80% during shed. a few % either way isn't going to make a big difference.
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Re: Did I make a good setup? Is everything good for my Ball Python?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tes95
Everyone like tells me different info on humidity. Drsfosterandsmith, RalphDavis, RoyalConstrictor, everyone has different (widely varying) humidity recommendations. I can never figure out one to follow. :/ What I've been reading is the general rule of thumb is never drop below 50% around 70%-80% during shed, and higher when gravid. Is this right? Cause I mean, it DOES fluctuate through the 60%'s.
You can absolutely drop below 50%! My normal humidity is around 40%, bumped up to 60-70 during shed. Nothing bad will happen if your humidity dips too low. Maybe some dented eye caps, but that is an easy fix. I think having humidity above 60% constantly is just going to make a great breeding ground for bacteria.
My suggestion to you is to create a humidity cycle, as would occur in nature. It rains, it gets humid, the water dries up, and so does the air. I do this for all my arboreal animals. I spray once in the morning (enough to fog the glass) and once in the evening if the humidity drops below 30%. The tank needs time to dry out or you will get all sorts of gross bacteria and mold growing.
OR you can create a humid hide and then you don't need the fogger at all.
You are correct, there is no exact science to keeping ball pythons. Everyone does things a little differently. In my opinion, high humidity like that is just more likely to cause problems than it is likely to solve problems. Boost your humidity to 70% during shed and thats it!
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With the heat and humidity the tape will give out but still be a danger to your snake should it get stuck on the tape. Just take the item out that needs the tape, its not worth the risk.
What they have already told you for humidity is good advise. Mine stays around 40% and I use two humid hides. My ball sheds just fine.
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Re: Did I make a good setup? Is everything good for my Ball Python?
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Re: Did I make a good setup? Is everything good for my Ball Python?
Quote:
Originally Posted by The Serpent Merchant
Humidity needs to stay between 45% - 60% normally, and 60% - 80% during shed. anything within those ranges will work. Personally I shoot for 60% normally and 80% during shed. a few % either way isn't going to make a big difference.
So would my humidity be a good "safeguard" of sorts because it's midway?
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Re: Did I make a good setup? Is everything good for my Ball Python?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kaorte
You can absolutely drop below 50%! My normal humidity is around 40%, bumped up to 60-70 during shed. Nothing bad will happen if your humidity dips too low. Maybe some dented eye caps, but that is an easy fix. I think having humidity above 60% constantly is just going to make a great breeding ground for bacteria.
My suggestion to you is to create a humidity cycle, as would occur in nature. It rains, it gets humid, the water dries up, and so does the air. I do this for all my arboreal animals. I spray once in the morning (enough to fog the glass) and once in the evening if the humidity drops below 30%. The tank needs time to dry out or you will get all sorts of gross bacteria and mold growing.
OR you can create a humid hide and then you don't need the fogger at all.
You are correct, there is no exact science to keeping ball pythons. Everyone does things a little differently. In my opinion, high humidity like that is just more likely to cause problems than it is likely to solve problems. Boost your humidity to 70% during shed and thats it!
My concern is that that would be too dry.. cause she's never shed in one piece..
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What are you using to measure humidity?
I'm telling you, humid hides are your friend!
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Re: Did I make a good setup? Is everything good for my Ball Python?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tes95
OK, so why is it inside the cage? Attach it to the outside back of the tank. That plastic sheet isn't worth the risk to the snake. If you can't attach it to the outside just remove it.
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http://i1151.photobucket.com/albums/...psa5797386.jpg
My ball is in a 40 gallon too. I do have a mister on the tank but it is more for the live plants, it does not keep the humidity up. With two humid hides keeping the moss damp during a shed I have perfect sheds. I will still mist during a shed but nothing like I used to. Just once every day or two during a shed. I also have most my screen covered with foil tape and use cypress mulch.
During a non shed time I dampen my moss in the hides and let it dry out and then dampen it again. During a shed I keep it nice and moist. I Just place moss in my hides.
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Re: Did I make a good setup? Is everything good for my Ball Python?
Quote:
Originally Posted by The Serpent Merchant
OK, so why is it inside the cage? Attach it to the outside back of the tank. That plastic sheet isn't worth the risk to the snake. If you can't attach it to the outside just remove it.
It sounded more and more stupid to me the more I thought about it. It's on the outside now.
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Re: Did I make a good setup? Is everything good for my Ball Python?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kaorte
What are you using to measure humidity?
I'm telling you, humid hides are your friend!
I have 3 hides, one on cold, one in middle, and one on hot side. There's also a big plant with shade that gets a little more humid than the rest, is that what you mean? I lowered the humidity to 65% by the way.
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Re: Did I make a good setup? Is everything good for my Ball Python?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kaorte
What are you using to measure humidity?
I'm telling you, humid hides are your friend!
I'm using the sensor probe attached to my Zoo Med Hygrotherm.
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If it was me I would set the humidity around 45-50 for non shed and 65-70 during shed. When you notice the pink belly and blue eyes bump the humidity up and you will be good.
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Re: Did I make a good setup? Is everything good for my Ball Python?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tes95
I'm using the sensor probe attached to my Zoo Med Hygrotherm.
I Suggest you get another humidity gauge. I had a similar setup for my brb and my hygrometer never agreed with the hydrotherm.
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Re: Did I make a good setup? Is everything good for my Ball Python?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tes95
I have 3 hides, one on cold, one in middle, and one on hot side. There's also a big plant with shade that gets a little more humid than the rest, is that what you mean? I lowered the humidity to 65% by the way.
A humid hide is just like a normal hide, but you put some damp moss or a damp sponge in the hide to create a microclimate. The humidity in the hide will be much higher then the rest of the tank. This is nice because the snake can choose to go in there if it feels like it needs more humidity, and you don't have to mist the whole enclosure so much.
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