What kit is the best for a ball python

I am looking for a good kit for the lowest price ( not the cheapest if it doesn't meet minimum standards ) Here is one I found on reptmart. It will be used for my ball python. Is this one okay to use, is there anything else I need, and if it is not sufficient what kit is. If there is no kit provide links to all the seperate items you recommend for my ball python habitat

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Originally Posted by iknowthetruth

I am looking for a good kit for the lowest price ( not the cheapest if it doesn't meet minimum standards ) Here is one I found on reptmart. It will be used for my ball python. Is this one okay to use, is there anything else I need, and if it is not sufficient what kit is. If there is no kit provide links to all the seperate items you recommend for my ball python habitat

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:confusd:

My guess is hes talking about the zoomed snake keepers kit for beginners. Its a 20 gallon long with two light fixtures, a uth, no thermostat, stick on thermometer, one hide, and a rock water bowl? Or something similar.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

Did anybody even click the link? it comes with quote

• 20 gallon (long) terrarium 30"x 12"x 12" (76x30x30cm) with sliding screen top.
• ReptiTherm® Under Tank Heater
• Mini Deep Dome Lamp Fixture
• Daylight Blue Reptile Heat Bulb
• Aspen Snake bedding (8 qt.)
• Analog Reptile Thermometer
• Repti Rock Water dish (med)
• Plastic Bush Plant (med)
• Habba Hut (med)
• Guide to Reptile Care Booklet
• ReptiSafe® Water Conditioner (2 oz)

Get everything you need separately. It's cheaper then spending 100+ on crap you don't need.

"Did anybody even click the link? it comes with quote"

I don't see a link in your original post. :confusd:

And for some reason, it wouldn't let me quote you using the "reply with quote" button...

forum flaking out?

lets try this again, here
http://www.reptmart.com/c-48-special...l-pythons.aspx
i don't know why it didn't show up the first time
what in it do i not need, and what is everything I do need and where can I get it for less

Check Craigslist. People are selling complete setups all the time......some even come with a snake!! You'll save yourself money, and be able to afford additional items you'll need such as a thermostat, temperature gun, digital thermo/hygrometer, etc.

Here's a useful sticky in the BP Husbandry forum that will help you a lot when it comes to setting up a glass tank set-up: http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...p-w-pics-*DUW* . The pictures no longer work, but the husbandry and equipment advice is still solid.

does it come with a full list on the forum,or do I have to search through it

He gave the list of everything in there but here is a link:

http://www.reptmart.com/p-2748-repti...-for-sale.aspx


Personally not a fan of kits as they give you a bunch of stuff you don't need, not the proper stuff, or not enough items in there that you actually do need.


If you make your "own" tank kit I suggest a list similar to this:

20L tank
UTH
Thermostat
Substrate(at your discretion, paper towels, aspen, cypress, etc)
water bowl(I use dog/cat water bowls cause they are bigger and cheaper)
2 hides
Thermometer/hygrometer (the accurite from walmart comes highly recommended)
tank clutter for security in the form of added plants or what you deem worthy(some use crumpled newspaper). As the bp grows, you can remove clutter.


Can another user recommend a "tub kit" as another option? And if I left anything out, feel free to add.


Man, I'm slow typist there have been like 5 other posts in the time it took me type this up. :shakes head:

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Originally Posted by rocknhorse76

Check Craigslist. People are selling complete setups all the time......some even come with a snake!! You'll save yourself money, and be able to afford additional items you'll need such as a thermostat, temperature gun, digital thermo/hygrometer, etc.

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And a lot of times they'll even come with extras like mites, so make sure you get a can of PAM!!! :banana:

the list you gave pyrate seems to be similar to the one in the kit :confusd::confusd::confusd:

Tank (20gal min.) and tank lid - Screen top is ok if you cover most of it with foil, plastic sheet, plexiglass, etc to keep heat and moisture in. An even better and more economical option is to use a clear plastic storage tub. You can increase the tub size as the snake grows. An adult BP can live its entire life in a 41qt tub. Drill holes in the sides of the tub near the top for ventilation. Tubs hold moisture great. The only drawback is that the room must be kept at about 78 degrees or so year round. A dome fixture and heat bulb can be used with a screen top if the room is too cool, but keep in mind that it will kill the humidity in the cage.

Under tank heater - Properly sized for your tank or tub

Thermostat - Hydrofarm is fine to start out with. http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-MTPR...ords=hydrofarm

Digital Humidity Gauge/Thermometer - I got my Accurite gauge at Walmart for $8.94

Properly sized hides for both cool and warm sides

Water bowl

Substrate material - I prefer cypress mulch because it looks good and holds humidity well, but there are many other options out there. Avoid Pine, cedar, or fir as they are harmful to a reptile.

Infrared heat gun- You can find these at Petco or Petsmart pretty cheap. Home Depot and Lowes carry them as well.

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Originally Posted by sho220

And a lot of times they'll even come with extras like mites, so make sure you get a can of PAM!!! :banana:

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LOL this is very true!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by iknowthetruth

the list you gave pyrate seems to be similar to the one in the kit :confusd::confusd::confusd:

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They are very similar. The kit leaves out stuff you will actually need like the second hide, digital thermometer, and thermostat. Dome lights are typically optional for increasing ambient temps using a CHE or infrared bulb.

Rockinhorse added some details.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Pyrate81

They are very similar. The kit leaves out stuff you will actually need like the second hide, digital thermometer, and thermostat. Dome lights are typically optional for increasing ambient temps using a CHE or infrared bulb.

Rockinhorse added some details.

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If you go with a tub, you can get everything you need on my list for less than the cost of that kit. You'd still have to buy the thermo/hygro, thermostat, and heat gun after buying the kit.

Oh, and definitely go with a crock pet dish for the water bowl. You can get one for a couple bucks at Target or Walmart.

the kit said it came with a repto reptile thermometer, are these ones I should avoid using?

Analog thermometers typically are not trusted. Digital thermometers are the norm and temp/IR guns are highly recommended.

Case in point analog vs digital:

When I got my first bp and he went on feed strike, I was using an analog thermometer and hygrometer that were reading 85ish degrees F and 60% humidity respectively. After I got my accurite thermometer, I found the temp was actually in the mid-high 70s with the humidity hovering around 40% even with a 125 gallon fish tank less than 10 feet away. I warmed him up with a 40w infrared bulb for the winter and started spraying the tank down; within 1 month he started eating again.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Pyrate81

He gave the list of everything in there but here is a link:

http://www.reptmart.com/p-2748-repti...-for-sale.aspx


Personally not a fan of kits as they give you a bunch of stuff you don't need, not the proper stuff, or not enough items in there that you actually do need.


If you make your "own" tank kit I suggest a list similar to this:

20L tank
UTH
Thermostat
Substrate(at your discretion, paper towels, aspen, cypress, etc)
water bowl(I use dog/cat water bowls cause they are bigger and cheaper)
2 hides
Thermometer/hygrometer (the accurite from walmart comes highly recommended)
tank clutter for security in the form of added plants or what you deem worthy(some use crumpled newspaper). As the bp grows, you can remove clutter.


Can another user recommend a "tub kit" as another option? And if I left anything out, feel free to add.


Man, I'm slow typist there have been like 5 other posts in the time it took me type this up. :shakes head:

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Tubs can have the same setup, but you might not need as much clutter, depending on the snake and the size of the tub. I put a 100g hatchling in a 32 qt tub with two cereal bowl hides, a water bowl, and that was it and he had no problems eating.

Sterlite 15 qt locking lid - $3.??
UTH - found on sale at petsmart $16
Thermostat - $32.10
2 Hides - $5.00 each from petstore (could have used cheaper bowls or something from around the house)
Acurite indoor/outdoor temp with humidity (measures hot side and cool side) $12.84
Newspaper - $0.25
Waterbowl - Crock from Wal-mart $4.00
Soldered holes in the side free (started with fewer than needed and made more to bring down my humidity)

So $80 for this set up. Could have been cheaper if I would have used other things for hides and my wife found crocks at some Dollar store or surplus store for half the price of mine. Unless you keep you house really cold, your temps in the tub will maintain without any lights.

After much research I put 2 of these together for mine and my daughters new BPs. Stress free as my temps and humidity were so easy to get right and maintain. I recommend this to anyone who is just starting out.

The second set up was not as much because I have both UTH's plugged into the one thermostat. Some may argue that since the thermometer probe is only under one UTH the other could malfunction and harm the snake. But as for now both UTHs are keeping the same temp.

*note* click on this... I would order it now since it takes a few days. It's a pain to set it up after the enclosure is all set up.
I'm very new here, have an 86g latching and these guys have been invaluable. I would be bald by now without their advice so hopefully you don't mind me passing it along to you. Also, I see you are in Okla... If it is a very dry part of the state, I would go with the plastic because humidity is very important and hard to maintain when you live in a desert environment.


Decent reliable <albeit hopefully temporary> thermostat.

That is the same thermometer that I have and it works great. Pet stores sell similar thermostats for around $50. Here in Eastern Oklahoma we have all the humidity we can stand. The original poster asking the question is from Ohio. When I mentioned "sterlite" I should have mentioned that it is a plastic storage container for those new to this and may not be familiar with the brand name. There are many forums that will give you correct size to use and many videos on how to set them up.

My apologies, I should have gone back and looked at his. Ohio... Oklahoma. I mixed them up. My bad!!!! Oh and I'm jealous, driven thru there twice on the way to North Carolina, beautiful country. I'd kill for the humidity, living in the desert sucks behind when it comes to a glass tank <temporary housing> and a bp.

My new set up will have a herpstat... But then It will also be a custom acrylic tank so it will be easier all the way around.

I'm not sure what's been covered or not so if I cover something that was already pointed out, my apologies.

20 gallon (long) terrarium 30"x 12"x 12" (76x30x30cm) with sliding screen top.
ReptiTherm® Under Tank Heater<== This must, and I repeat must be put on a thermostat, or some dimmer switch where you can control the output. I've tested these things just plugged in and let me tell you, they will give you a blister very quickly, well not sure about the brand but I know the ones from PetSmart burned my finger. Anything over 75% for me on my dimmer switch is hot to the touch, like more then you'd want for your snake. This can cause burns on your snake, so please please put on some type of a dimmer switch if you can't or won't buy a thermostat.
Mini Deep Dome Lamp Fixture<== The reason stated below, no bulb = no point for a lamp, though you can use a heat emitter but I wouldn't recommend it for a new keeper because if not put on a thermostat you can really mess things up
Daylight Blue Reptile Heat Bulb<== BP's are nocturnal though you can see them out during the day, if you were nocturnal would you want a light shining in your eyes?
Aspen Snake bedding (8 qt.)<== You can get this for like $10-12 bucks when you get stuff separate.
Analog Reptile Thermometer<== These are honestly out dated and I've found them to be fairly inaccurate.
Repti Rock Water dish (med)<== Too light and can be flipped easy, plus very shallow. Get the clay ones that are a circle, I know somebody can name it, I just can't think of the name off hand.
Plastic Bush Plant (med)<=== This just takes up room and gives mites a place to hide if you ever do happen to get mites.
Habba Hut (med)<=== A hide with only one entrance will stay darker and it provides more of a secure feeling, they have a lot better hides, though I can't name any off hand atm.
Guide to Reptile Care Booklet<=== We can give you better advice and most of all it's free.
ReptiSafe® Water Conditioner (2 oz)<=== May just be me, but I've never even heard of this?

I've underlined everything in that kit that you don't need.

First of all, you need to know what size snake you're getting before you get your set up. This will help determine what size cage to get in the beginning. I'm going to bet you're getting a baby, so buy a 10gal for now.

• The tank - it needs to have a locking lid or be secured with cage clips because a ball python can, and will, escape.
  
  • For babies up to 500-600g, you need a 10gal tank
  • For 600-1000g, you need a 20L tank
  • For 1000g+, you need a 30gal or 40gal tank
  
  
• Under tank heater - Any version is fine (whether it's an actual pad or heat tape). You just want it to cover no more than 1/3 of the floor of the tank
• Thermostat for the UTH - THIS IS A MUST AND IS NEVER INCLUDED IN THE KITS
  
  • Budget: http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-MTPR...arm+thermostat
  • Midgrade: http://www.reptilebasics.com/johnson-a-419
  • The best on the market (What I prefer to use): http://www.spyderrobotics.com/store/
  
  
• Thermometers - You need two digital thermometers to measure the temps on both the hot and cold side. These thermometers should have probes. I like to use these that you can buy from walmart for about $12: http://www.acurite.com/weather/therm...red-probe.html
• Hides - You need 2 identical hides. They can be as elaborate as petstore hides or as simple as Reptile Basic black hides. You just need at least two of them, one on the hot side, one on the cold side
• Clutter for the floor of the tank - this can be plants or other decoration. This just covered the floor space so your ball python feels secure.
• Substrate - you can use a variety of things (paper towel, newspaper, aspen, coco husk, cypress, reptibark, repticarpet, etc) just do not use pine or cedar bedding.

Now, how all of this differs from the kits is because the kits sell you junk that doesn't work properly. Not only that, but they do not include identical hides or thermostats. Even though you think you are saving money by buying a kit, you will have to replace all that junk eventually which will cost you later. I would highly recommend you spend a little bit more on a proper set up so you won't have issues later. I'm talking about issues like: burns, scale rot, difficulty feeding, shedding issues, defensiveness, etc. ALL of these things can be prevented if you spend the time and money to purchase the proper equipment before you get your snake.

The reptitherm, they get far too hot! There is NO need for a heater to go beyond 100ºF I would suggest ultratherm in stead.

You still need a thermostat even a heater that stays below 100ºF needs to be regulated. High 90ºs although unlikely to burn will disrupt digestion.

I would suggest save your money in the long run and buy a herpstat. (99$) they are the safest on the market, thermostats are the principal safety appliance buying a good one that is very versatile will save time and money in the long run and holds a high re-sale value.

Hydrofarms are horribly in accurate (+/-4ºF plus 3º hysteresis) I would never suggest one and only used as a back up or with indirect heating to remove the monumental swing they have. I would suggest they only be used in conjunction with a known accurate thermometer which instantly negates the savings. (herpstats are a cheap accurate thermometer in the land of sub one degree accuracy the fact it will also work as a thermostat is bonus)

analogue reptile gauges are usually junk. I am not a proponent of digital as often they too are junk. (accurite are rated to 4ºF over and under the correct temp IMO far to much) I would suggest a few cheap digitals ones (esu aquarium thermometers waterproof no batteries in the enclosure http://www.ebay.ca/itm/New-Digital-L...20034ef&_uhb=1 or if centigrade is confusing http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Aquarium-LCD-...fa2e4d5&_uhb=1) The law of averages works well the cheap aquarium thermometers can be had for a couple of bucks so you can buy five or ten and check them all against each other (or against a herpstat) and only use the ones in the average the ones hugely different can be set aside.

I prefer analogue hygrometers they need to have METAL face cards and a calibration screw they are easy to check (salt test) and easy to change spending 11$ of a cheap digital then 8-10$ to verify it is silly (salt tests are bad for digital units a proper test kit need to be purchased) as Accurite is rated to +/- 10%RH one should expect the need to confirm it.
http://www.amazon.com/Analog-Hygrome.../dp/B0007VWEQA

Two hides are needed.

forget the water conditioner useless.

I think the idea of kit is great until you really look at what your being sold. Fortunately Neal outlined that already so I won't have to. Seems like a good way to jump start a pet product graveyard.

As I'm still kind of a noob myself, the best advice I can give you is to slow down and take these guys seriously. There is an incredible amount of wisdom on these pages that can help you for the next 30 years that you own your snake.