another noob, is my setup correct?

Hi everyone, for the past few weeks i have been researching and setting up my terrarium. i thought i had it all figured out but as soon as i got my new baby citrus female nothing would stay where it should. or am i just overreacting? here is my setup: 10g long zilla critter cage, 50w night black heat bulb UTH on one side two hides (i think they are to small) a large water dish in the center and a lower layer of eco earth with forest moss on top of that. i also have a piece of grapevine angled toward the lamp for gradient. i have an infrared thermometer from exo terra with an exo terra digital probe hydrometer with the probe low in the center of the tank. about 1/3 of the screen lid is covered by a wet paper towel with a piece of plastic wrap covering that i get about 74% humidity and have to dampen the paper towel twice a day or else it dries up and humidity drops to 50 - 60% as for temps i have 86 at the top of the grapevine, 77 at surface level on the hot side and 67 at surface level on the cold side. but keep in mind these temp are after i just did a spot cleaning, water change and soaked the forest moss.
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach..._171014208.jpg

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach..._181905681.jpg

im thinking that temps are low because even when everything has settled they are around 70's on cold side, low 80's on hot side and mid to upper 80's on top of the grapevine.

my snake never uses her hides (like i said i think they are too small) she tends to curl up behind the grapevine between it and the tank wall, or on top of it close to the light. is she stressed? or is she just comfortable. she does move around at night and sometimes during the day when im not home. also i keep finding these little white balls everywhere, i dont know if thats mold or poo . . . . dont know what BP poo looks like lmao.

anywhoo, any and all help and suggestions is appreciated.

thanks

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Chappy4o

77 at surface level on the hot side and 67 at surface level on the cold side. but keep in mind these temp are after i just did a spot cleaning, water change and soaked the forest moss.

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77 is too low for a hot spot. how are you regulating your UTH and bulbs? you should also be checking the actual bottom of the tank's temperature and not on top of the substrate.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Chappy4o

im thinking that temps are low because even when everything has settled they are around 70's on cold side, low 80's on hot side and mid to upper 80's on top of the grapevine.

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are these ambient temps? ambient should never drop below 75 anywhere in the tank.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Chappy4o

my snake never uses her hides (like i said i think they are too small) she tends to curl up behind the grapevine between it and the tank wall, or on top of it close to the light. is she stressed? or is she just comfortable. she does move around at night and sometimes during the day when im not home.

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not using hides is a definite sign of stress. "a hiding ball is a happy ball." with the temps you've provided it seems like she's not warm enough. try to get your hotspot to stay consistently between 88-90° and ambient well above 75°, closer to 80°.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Chappy4o

also i keep finding these little white balls everywhere, i dont know if thats mold or poo . . . . dont know what BP poo looks like lmao.

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those are called urates and are essentially urine. make sure to check and spot clean daily. :)

X2^^^^^^
also your Probe needs to be on the glass above the UTH so you know what the HOT SPOT Basking temp is (ideal 88-91).
I cant tell from a pic but your snake looks to long for those hides..
all those temps you mentioned are low but im wondering if your measuring them wrong. Those UTH get 140 without being run on a dimmer or JumpStart thermistat. You have to regulate heat sources, snakes die like that.
Keep substrate thin where Hot Spot is.
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...-With-Pictures!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mr Sully

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...-With-Pictures!

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i always forget about the sticky! definitely read through this to learn basic glass enclosure set-up and requirements. it's a terrific post full of info!
also x2 on the hides maybe being too small.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

77 is too low for a hot spot. how are you regulating your UTH and bulbs? you should also be checking the actual bottom of the tank's temperature and not on top of the substrate.

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thats what i thought, no regulation on UTH or bulb, both stay on constantly. and not trying to be a jerk . . . genuinely curious . . . why do i need to check the actual bottom? the snake will never come in contact with that right?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

are these ambient temps? ambient should never drop below 75 anywhere in the tank.

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these are not ambient, these are all surface temps either the surface of the moss or the surface of the grapevine. i am using the infrared thermometer from exo-terra

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

not using hides is a definite sign of stress. "a hiding ball is a happy ball." with the temps you've provided it seems like she's not warm enough. try to get your hotspot to stay consistently between 88-90° and ambient well above 75°, closer to 80°.

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copy that, not sure how to do it though considering neither are ever shut off and i get these temps. also do you think the size of the hides are not big enough for her? and that might be what is causing the lack of . . . interest . . . i guess?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

those are called urates and are essentially urine. make sure to check and spot clean daily. :)

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excellent thanks, ive been good about getting them out of there when i see them

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mr Sully

X2^^^^^^
also your Probe needs to be on the glass above the UTH so you know what the HOT SPOT Basking temp is (ideal 88-91).

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my probe is a hydrometer not a thermometer hence the central location

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mr Sully

I cant tell from a pic but your snake looks to long for those hides..

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thats what i was thinking

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mr Sully

all those temps you mentioned are low but im wondering if your measuring them wrong. Those UTH get 140 without being run on a dimmer or JumpStart thermistat. You have to regulate heat sources, snakes die like that.

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dont really see any other way to measure it, point my temp gun at surface i want to measure and press the button . . . .

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mr Sully

Keep substrate thin where Hot Spot is.

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hmmm. . . . im betting that is my problem, there is quite a bit of eco earth and moss in there

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Chappy4o

thats what i thought, no regulation on UTH or bulb, both stay on constantly. and not trying to be a jerk . . . genuinely curious . . . why do i need to check the actual bottom? the snake will never come in contact with that right?

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snakes can and WILL burrow to the bottom of the substrate; you should always measure every part your snake can reach, especially the hottest part. PLEASE unplug the UTH IMMEDIATELY! ALL sources of heat MUST be regulated! non-negotiable. this is why she won't settle in, she can't regulate properly and is uncomfortable!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Chappy4o

these are not ambient, these are all surface temps either the surface of the moss or the surface of the grapevine. i am using the infrared thermometer from exo-terra

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again, you should be measuring the bottom of the tank for the hot spot. also the temperature should not drop below 75° anywhere, ambient or otherwise. the infrared temp gun is an awesome tool, though i don't use the exo-terra one. i would also recommend one of these digital thermometer/hygrometers for measuring ambient temps, this is an amazon link but i found mine at walmart.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Chappy4o

copy that, not sure how to do it though considering neither are ever shut off and i get these temps. also do you think the size of the hides are not big enough for her? and that might be what is causing the lack of . . . interest . . . i guess?

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bulbs help raise ambient temps but i don't use them so i can't help here. and i'm sure the bottom of the enclosure over the hot side is well above 100°. you need to measure the absolute bottom. and yes i do believe the hides look to be too small.

also PLEASE read through the stickied post MrSully provided to ensure your set-up is providing everything your snake needs.

[QUOTE=Chappy4o;2504591]thats what i thought, no regulation on UTH or bulb, both stay on constantly. and not trying to be a jerk . . . genuinely curious . . . why do i need to check the actual bottom? the snake will never come in contact with that right?




Unplug your UTH immediately!! Your snake will find its way down to the bottom of the tank and will get burned; Google "burned ball python" and see what can happen. Thermostats can be bought for as cheap as $25 on Amazon; this is a MUST have, there's no way around it.

okay, i read the sticky mr sully posted. im gonna run to the pet store and get a few things.

next question, because i have already stuck my UTH to the tank i wont be able to remove it. could i put the t-stat probe on the inside over the UTH and bury the wire? otherwise i think ill have to get a new UTH.

Some ideas to help get your temps regulated: Definitely get yourself a thermostat, especially for the UTH. Also, it appears your screen lid is almost wide open, with the exception of the paper towel? You're probably losing a lot of heat through that screen lid. You might want to try a piece of plexi-glass or something cut to the size of the screen with a little room around the light to allow some airflow. You could even try a piece of cardboard, but wrapped in aluminum foil. The foil will reflect the heat back into the enclosure as well as prevent the cardboard from soaking up moisture and dropping the humidity. Wrapping the back and sides of the tank in anything from cardboard to construction paper may also help the temps, as glass is a horrible insulator (I currently use glass tanks but am switching to PVC as soon as I can afford to switch). Covering the sides will also make the snake feel more safe and relaxed, reducing the stress of the animal and improving general health.

You, and the others may be right about the hides being too small, tough to tell through pictures. Ideally, the hides should be small enough that the animal can feel secure, often times they will stay pressed up against the sides for security, but obviously, the snake needs to be able to fit inside the hide.

Keep asking questions, you'll get it figured out if you keep asking and follow the advice of the people on this site. You're in good hands here.

Good luck! The frustration will pass as you learn. It does get easier once you've got the husbandry down.

I use a Light Dimmer from Lowes on a UTH and a Thermistat for the Ambient heat source (CHE/HEAT LAMP/RHP ECT..) Thats a total of $15 dimmer & $30 Tstat shipped. $45-$50.

https://m.lowes.com/pd/Lutron-Creden...Dimmer/4462387


https://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-MTP.../dp/B000NZZG3S

and here is how to set it all up bro : https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...-With-Pictures!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Chappy4o

okay, i read the sticky mr sully posted. im gonna run to the pet store and get a few things.

next question, because i have already stuck my UTH to the tank i wont be able to remove it. could i put the t-stat probe on the inside over the UTH and bury the wire? otherwise i think ill have to get a new UTH.

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the probe between the glass and UTH is to keep the temperature as consistent as possible with no variables to change it. placing the probe inside the tank has too many variables which can change the temperature reading: poop/urine, water, snake pushing substrate around, etc. if you're veeeeeeeeerrrrryyyyyyyy careful, you can pull the UTH off and maybe reapply it; i used to have a UTH like that but the instructions say not to pull it off and reuse it because you can damage the internals and it can mess up. however if getting another UTH isn't possible you can try and pull it off, maybe use aluminum tape to hold it into place if its lost its sticky-ness.

you could also try to just lift up a section of it and slip the probe in, and use aluminum tape to keep everything in place. again, be very careful when pulling on the UTH.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Chappy4o

okay, i read the sticky mr sully posted. im gonna run to the pet store and get a few things.

next question, because i have already stuck my UTH to the tank i wont be able to remove it. could i put the t-stat probe on the inside over the UTH and bury the wire? otherwise i think ill have to get a new UTH.

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You may be able to lift up a corner of the UTH and shove the t-stat probe in between the UTH and the glass on the BOTTOM of the tank. Do not put the t-stat probe in the tank on the glass; water, pee/poop can make it read inaccurate and cause your temps to spike; the probe should be sandwiched between the UTH and the bottom of the tank.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

i always forget about the sticky! definitely read through this to learn basic glass enclosure set-up and requirements. it's a terrific post full of info!
also x2 on the hides maybe being too small.

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This is how I set up my quarantine tank Taylor.. I love it!!

I think if you're careful you'll be able to get enough of the UTH peeled back to get the probe where it needs to be. Just take your time and be careful.

here is my screen lid.
http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n..._115411634.jpg

i think ill give that foil a try.

looks like some work ahead

Quote:

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

I think if you're careful you'll be able to get enough of the UTH peeled back to get the probe where it needs to be. Just take your time and be careful.

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what should i do with her in the meantime? other than a tupperware bowl i dont have much place to put her while i have her entire enclosure torn apart

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Chappy4o

what should i do with her in the meantime? other than a tupperware bowl i dont have much place to put her while i have her entire enclosure torn apart

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you could try the tupperware bowl and flip it upside down over her. just keep her close by so you can watch and make sure she doesn't go on any adventures. ;)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mr Sully

This is how I set up my quarantine tank Taylor.. I love it!!

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same, except for the bulbs; i heat the room they're in. :D

Yup like everyone said above I now put Aluminum Heat tape on my UTH's so I can move them from enclosure to enclosure but you may be able to unstick like suggested. Ive done that twice, once it worked and once it created a HOT spot that was 90 and the rest of UTH was dead.. There are tiny little wires all zigzagged and if you bend them they will break like nothing. So peal and pull strait, dont crease it at all. Also I don't know what kind of heat pad you have but you can pay $20 for the good ones from Reptile Basics ect...the Chain Store ones like zoo-med cost a fortune $40-$50. Reptile basics ships out within a day and I get everything here in NY from NC within 3 days.. Hides, Heat mats, ect ect....
http://www.reptilebasics.com/ultratherm-heat-pads

sounds good, thank you all for the info, time to run to the pet store and the hardware store lmao

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mr Sully

http://www.reptilebasics.com/ultratherm-heat-pads

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these are the UTHs i use and i love them! you aluminum tape them wherever you need and can move them around if you need to.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Chappy4o

sounds good, thank you all for the info, time to run to the pet store and the hardware store lmao

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be sure to update us after your venture! :D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mr Sully

Yup like everyone said above I now put Aluminum Heat tape on my UTH's so I can move them from enclosure to enclosure but you may be able to unstick like suggested. Ive done that twice, once it worked and once it created a HOT spot that was 90 and the rest of UTH was dead.. There are tiny little wires all zigzagged and if you bend them they will break like nothing. So peal and pull strait, dont crease it at all. Also I don't know what kind of heat pad you have but you can pay $20 for the good ones from Reptile Basics ect...the Chain Store ones like zoo-med cost a fortune $40-$50. Reptile basics ships out within a day and I get everything here in NY from NC within 3 days.. Hides, Heat mats, ect ect....
http://www.reptilebasics.com/ultratherm-heat-pads

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thanks for the link, unfortunately they dont make one small enough for my tank so im gonna try to snake (pun intended) a t-stat into the one i have

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Chappy4o

what should i do with her in the meantime? other than a tupperware bowl i dont have much place to put her while i have her entire enclosure torn apart

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I have a couple $6 totes from lowes i use when cleaning their enclosure ect.. If you have to run out and buy things I would just turn up your Temp in the house to 75 and keep the aquarium by the heat while you're gone. Your doing good.. Take your time and look at the pics in that link and you will get it all right. Next time your out grab one of these for $5/$6. They lock too. Drill 2 holes in each side for air..
https://m.lowes.com/pd/Hefty-15-Quar...ng-Lid/3341158

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Chappy4o

thanks for the link, unfortunately they dont make one small enough for my tank so im gonna try to snake (pun intended) a t-stat into the one i have

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Dont you attest have a 10 gal? The 6x11 would fit for a Hot Spot. (Unless I forgot what enclosure you have)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mr Sully

Dont you attest have a 10 gal? The 6x11 would fit for a Hot Spot. (Unless I forgot what enclosure you have)

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Yes it's the zilla 10gal. The UTH I have now is 8x8

Well keep Reptile Basics in mind when you need another Heat Mat. The one you need is $16 and you'll pay twice that for another ZooMed if you ever need to relace it.
When you do order just wait until you order everything you need at once so you pay shipping once. Last month i ordred 3 differnt times and payed as much in shipping ($8 each time =$24) than the Hides I bought hahhahahha
Also if you ever get the F10 cleaner (kills everything and ok for snake, no rinsing needed) get the F10sc. Its a concentrate and the 6.8oz (200ml) will last you years. You mix 15ML to 1 gal water and spray your hert out. Thats makes 13 Gallons hahahah

okay, so after a day of running all around town i got two new thermo's for ambient readings, cut down on the two inches of substrate i had, new hide and changed up the light setup to the center with a red bulb, and ordered a t-stat. i HAD a nice tub for her while working on the tank but when i was done and i was positioning the thermo, like an idiot, set the lamp in the tub and melted my new tub, so im not in the best of moods right now especially since im having a heck of a time getting one of the thermos probe suction cups to hold so i have run out of patience for the day. already opened up a knuckle in my frustration. here is a pic.

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach..._174320312.jpg

waiting for everything to stabilize to get temp readings, right now ambients are low 70's hot and cold side but i just shut it so hot side should go up. i can only fit one of the hides in my tank, i couldnt find a smaller version of this but larger then their next smallest size so idk, guess i have to get a bigger tank?

update:

here is current temps after about 5 or 6 hours

cold side ambient and humidity

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach..._221637372.jpg

hot side ambient

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach..._221643850.jpg

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Chappy4o

okay, so after a day of running all around town i got two new thermo's for ambient readings, cut down on the two inches of substrate i had, new hide and changed up the light setup to the center with a red bulb, and ordered a t-stat. i HAD a nice tub for her while working on the tank but when i was done and i was positioning the thermo, like an idiot, set the lamp in the tub and melted my new tub, so im not in the best of moods right now especially since im having a heck of a time getting one of the thermos probe suction cups to hold so i have run out of patience for the day. already opened up a knuckle in my frustration. here is a pic.

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach..._174320312.jpg

waiting for everything to stabilize to get temp readings, right now ambients are low 70's hot and cold side but i just shut it so hot side should go up. i can only fit one of the hides in my tank, i couldnt find a smaller version of this but larger then their next smallest size so idk, guess i have to get a bigger tank?

update:

here is current temps after about 5 or 6 hours

cold side ambient and humidity

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach..._221637372.jpg

hot side ambient

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach..._221643850.jpg

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sorry about your meltdown (put intended 😋)!
you have lamp dimmers/thermoSTAT yes? you're on your way! your frustration comes from the setbacks of knowing you're doing all you can to provide for your pet. that's okay! it'll come together soon: temps take 8-12 hrs to settle, so just watch and be diligent.
in regards to the one hide: try your best to provide security, be it covering 3/4 sides with dark fabric/paper or just fake plants/clutter (on mobile so i can't check if this has been said atm). there's a sticky under the BP husbandry forum about caring for hatchlings that advises a 6qt tub; it's a tried and tested method of caring for the young ones, esp if they're having trouble thriving. aaalllll that being said, if possible, upgrading to a 20gal is ideal for the future. you're going to have to upgrade soon as the snake grows, so maybe start keeping your eye out for craigslist/classified ads or sales at nearby pet stores, OR maybe save up for an APCages or other recommended enclosure (AP is what i have but there's many others; do some research on this forum to find what's best for you).

you're well on your way to helping your new baby, so keep on learning and growing with her. 😀

i have a t-stat on order, will be here wednesday, and i will be picking up a dimmer tomorrow after i see what a straight light does now that i changed bulb (went from blue 50 to red 75) as it stands now the ambient temps i think are looking good, still need another thermo for inside under substrate i think though, or move one of the ones i have reading ambient to hot side under substrate and centralize the other? based on the how to set up a glass tank sticky he only used one or two thermo's and one was buried under the substrate over the UTH.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Chappy4o

i have a t-stat on order, will be here wednesday, and i will be picking up a dimmer tomorrow after i see what a straight light does now that i changed bulb (went from blue 50 to red 75) as it stands now the ambient temps i think are looking good, still need another thermo for inside under substrate i think though, or move one of the ones i have reading ambient to hot side under substrate and centralize the other? based on the how to set up a glass tank sticky he only used one or two thermo's and one was buried under the substrate over the UTH.

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yes, an additional thermometer + probe under the hot side substrate is ideal. your UTH is unplugged, right (sorry, on mobile so can't look back as easily)?
you're doing just fine, just keep monitoring and find out what you need to adjust. ask away if you need help.
and keep us updated!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Chappy4o

okay, so after a day of running all around town i got two new thermo's for ambient readings, cut down on the two inches of substrate i had, new hide and changed up the light setup to the center with a red bulb, and ordered a t-stat. i HAD a nice tub for her while working on the tank but when i was done and i was positioning the thermo, like an idiot, set the lamp in the tub and melted my new tub, so im not in the best of moods right now especially since im having a heck of a time getting one of the thermos probe suction cups to hold so i have run out of patience for the day. already opened up a knuckle in my frustration. here is a pic.

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach..._174320312.jpg

waiting for everything to stabilize to get temp readings, right now ambients are low 70's hot and cold side but i just shut it so hot side should go up. i can only fit one of the hides in my tank, i couldnt find a smaller version of this but larger then their next smallest size so idk, guess i have to get a bigger tank?

update:

here is current temps after about 5 or 6 hours

cold side ambient and humidity

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach..._221637372.jpg

hot side ambient

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach..._221643850.jpg

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We just consider those ambient temps Cool side temps (which are perfect 76-81) because the Hot Side temp is the UTH.
I had to laugh when you said you melted the tub, i know what those days are like hahahahahaha.
As far as a bigger tank, if I new you before you started all this I would of recomended a T8 or T10. Animal Plastics make professional PVC display enclosures. They are on sale for: t8- $150 or t10- $199. (T10 is 3" taller, easier to get in there and clean and also better for Balls that like to climb. They take a couple months to get after you order them... Otherwise you can always go to a 30 gal long or something. The only thing is you'll spend as much buying a new Aquirum, screened lid and all that... Id say for your next upgrade get the AP T8 or T10. You cant beat sliding glass doors, no screen to loose Humidity/Heat ect...
This isnt something you have to do right now.. Think a couple weeks and see what way you want to go. At least now you understand how to keep your Tank in check..keep that UTH at 88-90 and the tank ambient aprox 76-81. I'll
post a link with the AP enclosures so you can look at some pics and how you set them up. Much easier than a Glass tank. Scroll down and it shows them all set up. Ps- like taylor said.. The Dimmer is for the UTH... You need the dimmer and a TStat for the other heat source. I know you ordered a tstat.. But get the Hot spot going. They need the basking spot 90.
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...-With-Pictures!

10-4 i really appreciate it.

yes the UTH is currently unplugged until my t-stat gets here.

tomorrow ill get a dimmer and probably hit the hobby store for some black construction paper to wrap the back and sides

You seem to be well on your way. Keep asking questions and taking the advice you receive on this forum and it'll get easier for you. It'll be worth it once you and your snake are settled. It seems like a lot now, but you have many years to enjoy your amazing new animal. Granted the learning part should never end, the initial learning curve is almost behind you. Good work!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Chappy4o

okay, so after a day of running all around town i got two new thermo's for ambient readings, cut down on the two inches of substrate i had, new hide and changed up the light setup to the center with a red bulb, and ordered a t-stat. i HAD a nice tub for her while working on the tank but when i was done and i was positioning the thermo, like an idiot, set the lamp in the tub and melted my new tub, so im not in the best of moods right now especially since im having a heck of a time getting one of the thermos probe suction cups to hold so i have run out of patience for the day. already opened up a knuckle in my frustration. here is a pic.

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach..._174320312.jpg

waiting for everything to stabilize to get temp readings, right now ambients are low 70's hot and cold side but i just shut it so hot side should go up. i can only fit one of the hides in my tank, i couldnt find a smaller version of this but larger then their next smallest size so idk, guess i have to get a bigger tank?

update:

here is current temps after about 5 or 6 hours

cold side ambient and humidity

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach..._221637372.jpg

hot side ambient

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach..._221643850.jpg

---

At first glance, I thought the plush stuffed toy outside the enclosure was your snake!!! Hahahahahaha!!! Did a quick double take, then laughed at myself for a minute. So thanks for that!! Hahahahahaha!!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

At first glance, I thought the plush stuffed toy outside the enclosure was your snake!!! Hahahahahaha!!! Did a quick double take, then laughed at myself for a minute. So thanks for that!! Hahahahahaha!!

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hahaha yeah, when i was first setting up the enclosure i happened to look over at the entertainment system tower next to where the tank is and saw a bunch of stuff my old roommate left and that snake was one of them and i thought . . . wow . . . how appropriate lmao

update on the tank, after sitting for over 12 hrs i have a cold side ambient of 76*F and a hot side ambient of 81*F and that is with no dimmer and a 75w red bulb. still gonna get the dimmer since it is February so im sure temps will rise in summer. (i live in New Mexico)

she is still up in the grapevine but im sure thats because the UTH is off

also i have yet to think of a name for her she is some form of a citrus (so im told) what do you all think?

http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n..._181809585.jpg

http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n..._181915674.jpg

http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n..._182055271.jpg

clementine 😛

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Chappy4o

hahaha yeah, when i was first setting up the enclosure i happened to look over at the entertainment system tower next to where the tank is and saw a bunch of stuff my old roommate left and that snake was one of them and i thought . . . wow . . . how appropriate lmao

update on the tank, after sitting for over 12 hrs i have a cold side ambient of 76*F and a hot side ambient of 81*F and that is with no dimmer and a 75w red bulb. still gonna get the dimmer since it is February so im sure temps will rise in summer. (i live in New Mexico)

she is still up in the grapevine but im sure thats because the UTH is off

also i have yet to think of a name for her she is some form of a citrus (so im told) what do you all think?

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach..._181809585.jpg

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach..._181915674.jpg

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach..._182055271.jpg

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good so those temps are perfect for a Cool to Med gradiant.. Now get that UTH on so you have a Hot Side so the snake can bask. Thats where they soend most if there time and it also helps boost their immune system. Good Job too :gj:

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Originally Posted by Mr Sully

good so those temps are perfect for a Cool to Med gradiant.. Now get that UTH on so you have a Hot Side so the snake can bask. Thats where they soend most if there time and it also helps boost their immune system. Good Job too :gj:

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thanks, those ambient temps are taken from cold side near the substrate surface and hot side about halfway up (dang suction cup wont stick . . . grrrr) when i get my t-stat tomorrow ill move one thermo under the substrate over the UTH (basically under the hide. and ill move the other to the center of the back wall. still thinking i may want to get one more thermo or a hydro/thermo combo

I use DAP KITCHEN & Bath Silicone to get probes and wires to stay in place under substrate... (snake has to be out for like 30min cause it stinks). Never tape (incase I didnt tell you).
Dont get to crazy with all the Thermometers hahaha that snake will be all tied up in wires in a couple weeks when it starts coming out at night hahahaha.
Try and keep things as simple as posible. When it pisses all over your going to be pulling it all apart to clean.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mr Sully

I use DAP KITCHEN & Bath Silicone to get probes and wires to stay in place under substrate... (snake has to be out for like 30min cause it stinks). Never tape (incase I didnt tell you).
Dont get to crazy with all the Thermometers hahaha that snake will be all tied up in wires in a couple weeks when it starts coming out at night hahahaha.
Try and keep things as simple as posible. When it pisses all over your going to be pulling it all apart to clean.

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Yeah , I use a glue -gun which is very hard wearing but can be removed if really necessary , it only takes seconds to harden as well.


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Originally Posted by Zincubus

Yeah , I use a glue -gun which is very hard wearing but can be removed if really necessary , it only takes seconds to harden as well.


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Geez I have one too and I never thought of that hahahaha thx :gj:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mr Sully

Geez I have one too and I never thought of that hahahaha thx :gj:

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I even used mine to seal a wooden Viv !

Took ages of course :)


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Update!!!!

Got my t-stat in and installed, moved sensors and stuff around and covered three walls of the tank. now i gotta wait for temps and humidity to stabilize and finally start fine tuning. I've put this poor girl through hell the past few days I'm hoping she will finally be comfortable and hide. Right now she is still hanging out on the top of the grapevine but I can't plane her after being moved here, put over there, noise, movement all around. So I'm just going to leave her be, she is overdue for a feeding but I highly doubt she will eat.

Here are some pics

http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n..._160732824.jpg

http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n..._171316822.jpg

http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n..._160847937.jpg

http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n..._165836123.jpg

Well dang. . . I I sat and thought about it and I figured I would give a feeding a try. . . And wouldn't you know it. . . Bam!!! Struck right away!!! I am so so happy that was indescribable, I just hope I didn't get to large of a rat. . . Looks kinda big now that she is wrapped up on it

http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n..._182124216.jpg

Time to digest

http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n..._185034339.jpg

I'm so happy right now, that she ate and is now happy and in her hide man this is awesome, now to get a handle on this humidity

nice!!!

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Originally Posted by Chappy4o

Time to digest

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach..._185034339.jpg

I'm so happy right now, that she ate and is now happy and in her hide man this is awesome, now to get a handle on this humidity

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Great job!! She is one happy snake if she ate then went into her hide... To cool :gj:

I cannot thank you all enough, I'm sure she would have died had I not found this forum. My next question is how do I get my humidity levels to stabilize. Just when I think it is good, it drops to 50% so I mist and it shoots to 80%. First off, is this wild swing in humidity going to affect her negatively? And second, how do I get it to stabilize to 60-70%? I'm thinking of getting the fogger kit from the pet store but I know it shouldn't be needed

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Originally Posted by Chappy4o

I cannot thank you all enough, I'm sure she would have died had I not found this forum. My next question is how do I get my humidity levels to stabilize. Just when I think it is good, it drops to 50% so I mist and it shoots to 80%. First off, is this wild swing in humidity going to affect her negatively? And second, how do I get it to stabilize to 60-70%? I'm thinking of getting the fogger kit from the pet store but I know it shouldn't be needed

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50% is a min but not terrible at all. You will hear different opinions too. I know one guy that keeps his enclosure at 70%, thats high I think and mine is only 65% for 2 weeks around shed time. I cant comment on a fogger, I have never used them... Your biggest problem is probably your Heat Lamp/CHE. I have a 48" long Aquarium I use and my Humidity is 58% 24/7 with 1 water bowl, Radiant Heat Panel that covers 1/2 the screen and the other 1/2 of the screen is covered with Dura Plex Plexiglass.
I think if you mist once/Twice a day youll be fine..if you could add a big water bowl that would help but your dealing with a 10G tank at this point right?
id hold off on a misting system... You already have that enclosure packed. Get yourself a 48" length enclosure then tweak things... I always see 30G longs and 40G longs (4'Long ) on craigslist with a screened lid for cheap once people are done playing snake master ..sometimes Petsmart & Petco ect..have sales for $1 a gallon...Anyway you decide whats best. Id wait & buy a bigger enclosure in a month. Save $20 a week then if needed ad things you need.