Odin checking out his new home.

This is my oldest sons first snake, he has been asking for one for about a year, so we surprised him last weekend when we went to "look" at some and brought one home also. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...8efaebc3f8.jpg

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So cute and little [emoji7]


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welcome! beautiful and tiny mojave (just a guess)!

a few tips: cover 3/4 of the enclosure's sides with dark fabric or paper and get some fake leaves/vines to help the snake feel more secure.

i'd also check out this thread on glass tank set-ups if you haven't already.

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Originally Posted by Finn0208

So cute and little [emoji7]


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ill admit i was not much of a snake person, but this little guy definitely changed my mind.

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Originally Posted by MrBeeBow

ill admit i was not much of a snake person, but this little guy definitely changed my mind.

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I was the same way until I met mine and had to work with him everyday, then I fell in love, he is the sweetest boy [emoji171]


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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

welcome! beautiful and tiny mojave (just a guess)!

a few tips: cover 3/4 of the enclosure's sides with dark fabric or paper and get some fake leaves/vines to help the snake feel more secure.

i'd also check out this thread on glass tank set-ups if you haven't already.

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He is a cinnamon, good tip thanks! Does someone make wraps printed with that stuff on them?

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what a cute little baby.

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Originally Posted by MrBeeBow

Does someone make wraps printed with that stuff on them?

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You can buy aquarium backgrounds, there are some nice ones printed like rocks or jungles. They are on amazon or if you have a local pet shop with a fish section, they usually sell it.
You can also simply use black poster board or like mentioned, fabric. Tape it to the outside of the tank, not inside, snakes will pull it down and get stuck in the tape if it's inside.

I'd also suggest cluttering up the tank a bit more, like another hide or some branches and fake plants (you can get those cheaper at craft stores just make sure there are no exposed wires, cut any plastic loops and get plastic, not cloth).

Good luck with the new little one!

Welcome! You've come to a great place to learn and share.

Congrats on your first snake!! I often say snakes are like tattoos, I don't know many people with just one :D

Have you read over the stickies on this forum to properly set up your enclosure?
It looks like you've still got some work to do, but don't worry, we're here to help. We were all newbies with a first snake once upon a time, too.

First and foremost, how are you heating the enclosure? Are your heat source/sources regulated with a thermostat?
How are you measuring temps? and where are you measuring?

You'll definitely want to add some clutter/hides/privacy for your snake, they are very private animals who will become easily stressed without feeling safe and secure. Think of it this way: they basically go through life eating and trying not to be eaten. So hiding and feeling secure is extremely important.

So, my advice is to get ready to drop a few more dollars. Don't waste money on cheap dial style/stick-on thermometers that are HUGELY inaccurate.
You're going to need a few more things, and you're better off spending the money once than buying something you'll need to replace soon anyway.

Good luck, we're here to help

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

Welcome! You've come to a great place to learn and share.

Congrats on your first snake!! I often say snakes are like tattoos, I don't know many people with just one :D

Have you read over the stickies on this forum to properly set up your enclosure?
It looks like you've still got some work to do, but don't worry, we're here to help. We were all newbies with a first snake once upon a time, too.

First and foremost, how are you heating the enclosure? Are your heat source/sources regulated with a thermostat?
How are you measuring temps? and where are you measuring?

You'll definitely want to add some clutter/hides/privacy for your snake, they are very private animals who will become easily stressed without feeling safe and secure. Think of it this way: they basically go through life eating and trying not to be eaten. So hiding and feeling secure is extremely important.

So, my advice is to get ready to drop a few more dollars. Don't waste money on cheap dial style/stick-on thermometers that are HUGELY inaccurate.
You're going to need a few more things, and you're better off spending the money once than buying something you'll need to replace soon anyway.

Good luck, we're here to help

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Thank you!, well i have a lot of tattoos so good chance this wont be the only snake in my house, as for the enclosure its about 95% to what i have seen explained around here, we gathered a lot of info from the store we got him at.

heating with a mat and a lamp, he has a hide on each side right now but we will add a few things to make the space smaller, i hear you on the small dial therms, mine is way off, we have a digital in there also.

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Originally Posted by MrBeeBow

Thank you!, well i have a lot of tattoos so good chance this wont be the only snake in my house, as for the enclosure its about 95% to what i have seen explained around here, we gathered a lot of info from the store we got him at.

heating with a mat and a lamp, he has a hide on each side right now but we will add a few things to make the space smaller, i hear you on the small dial therms, mine is way off, we have a digital in there also.

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Most important question: Are you regulating your UTH and lamp with a thermostat?

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

Most important question: Are you regulating your UTH and lamp with a thermostat?

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that was something we were not told to do, but is something i will be doing.

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Originally Posted by MrBeeBow

Thank you!, well i have a lot of tattoos so good chance this wont be the only snake in my house.

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Ha! I hear ya!! If I spend money on another snake or another tattoo before I buy a ring I'll probably be a single man again!
Soooooo.... no new ink or snakes for me for a little while...

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Originally Posted by MrBeeBow

that was something we were not told to do, but is something i will be doing.

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Ok, At the very least, unplug the UTH. You're risking serious burns or even death to your snake leaving it unregulated. And monitor your lamp closely to avoid dangerous heat spikes.

Unfortunately, pet store employees are about the worst people you can learn from. Obviously there are exceptions, but the majority are clueless. A thermostat is the most important thing you can buy for your snake.

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

Ok, At the very least, unplug the UTH. You're risking serious burns or even death to your snake leaving it unregulated. And monitor your lamp closely to avoid dangerous heat spikes.

Unfortunately, pet store employees are about the worst people you can learn from. Obviously there are exceptions, but the majority are clueless. A thermostat is the most important thing you can buy for your snake.

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we bought from a very well known reptile store, im thinking cause of the uth's low power they didn't think it would get too hot, we use the uth for the cool side right now.

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

Ok, At the very least, unplug the UTH. You're risking serious burns or even death to your snake leaving it unregulated. And monitor your lamp closely to avoid dangerous heat spikes.

Unfortunately, pet store employees are about the worst people you can learn from. Obviously there are exceptions, but the majority are clueless. A thermostat is the most important thing you can buy for your snake.

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oh and yes the lamp is on a dimmer, the 60w bulb was too much without it.

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Originally Posted by MrBeeBow

we bought from a very well known reptile store, im thinking cause of the uth's low power they didn't think it would get too hot, we use the uth for the cool side right now.

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I've never heard of a "low power" UTH not needing to be regulated.
The UTH is there strictly to provide a hot spot. It isn't there for ambient temps. So you want to have it regulated to keep a steady temp of around 90-92. Heat mats can spike to as high as 120, which could be fatal if your snake is above it. You also want to measure the temp of the glass where the UTH is located. Not the ambient temp above it, not the substrate above it, but the actual hottest spot there is. Snakes can, and will, burrow and dig themselves down to the actual surface, so it's important to get the measurement from there so that the animal can not burn itself.

It's also important to have the lamp regulated. Lamps just pump heat, without regulation, the lamp keeps pumping heat, and the enclosure temp can spike and be dangerous to the animal.

....sorry, just saw that your lamp was on a dimmer. Your ambient temps will be fine then. Unplug the UTH and get yourself a thermostat. The snake will be perfectly fine without the UTH for a while.

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

I've never heard of a "low power" UTH not needing to be regulated.
The UTH is there strictly to provide a hot spot. It isn't there for ambient temps. So you want to have it regulated to keep a steady temp of around 90-92. Heat mats can spike to as high as 120, which could be fatal if your snake is above it. You also want to measure the temp of the glass where the UTH is located. Not the ambient temp above it, not the substrate above it, but the actual hottest spot there is. Snakes can, and will, burrow and dig themselves down to the actual surface, so it's important to get the measurement from there so that the animal can not burn itself.

It's also important to have the lamp regulated. Lamps just pump heat, without regulation, the lamp keeps pumping heat, and the enclosure temp can spike and be dangerous to the animal.

....sorry, just saw that your lamp was on a dimmer. Your ambient temps will be fine then. Unplug the UTH and get yourself a thermostat. The snake will be perfectly fine without the UTH for a while.

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so should i think about using two lamps to regulate the ambient temps? cause my house does not stay above 70.

also how should i go about attaching the probe to a mat thats already stuck to the tank?

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Originally Posted by MrBeeBow

so should i think about using two lamps to regulate the ambient temps? cause my house does not stay above 70.

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You shouldn't need to I don't think. You may just need to adjust your dimmer.

If the UTH is affecting the ambient temps then it's way too hot and definitely dangerous to the animal. It really should only affect the temps immediately above it and in the hide/are above it.
So you may need to do a little trial and error and get the ambient right, but regardless of the UTH situation, your lamp should be dialed in to get you the right ambient temps. Once it's dialed in, you can leave it even after you get the UTH set up with a tstat.

You're on your way. I promise it gets much simpler once your setup is right and everything is dialed in. Then it's just maintenance. At that point, just make sure the equipment is running properly and you're good to go.

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Originally Posted by MrBeeBow

also how should i go about attaching the probe to a mat thats already stuck to the tank?

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You can peel it back a little bit, very carefully, then slide the probe in and stick it back on.

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Originally Posted by MrBeeBow

also how should i go about attaching the probe to a mat thats already stuck to the tank?

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

You can peel it back a little bit, very carefully, then slide the probe in and stick it back on.

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be VERY CAREFUL! do it slow and steady as you can damage the UTH internals very easily. i'd use aluminum tape over the side you peeled off just to ensure it stays put.

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

You shouldn't need to I don't think. You may just need to adjust your dimmer.

If the UTH is affecting the ambient temps then it's way too hot and definitely dangerous to the animal. It really should only affect the temps immediately above it and in the hide/are above it.
So you may need to do a little trial and error and get the ambient right, but regardless of the UTH situation, your lamp should be dialed in to get you the right ambient temps. Once it's dialed in, you can leave it even after you get the UTH set up with a tstat.

You're on your way. I promise it gets much simpler once your setup is right and everything is dialed in. Then it's just maintenance. At that point, just make sure the equipment is running properly and you're good to go.

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im sure you guessed but im new to this so sorry for all the questions, but from what i understand your saying to use the lamp to create the heat for the whole tank correct? and if thats the case what do i do when i turn it off at night or do i just leave it on?

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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

be VERY CAREFUL! do it slow and steady as you can damage the UTH internals very easily. i'd use aluminum tape over the side you peeled off just to ensure it stays put.

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Thank you tttaylorrr, I forgot to mention the aluminum tape.


OP:...and yes, be VERY careful. As long as you are careful and take your time you will be fine. I have moved a few through the years and haven't damaged one yet, but I've always been careful. I do know of people that have ruined them though.

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

Thank you tttaylorrr, I forgot to mention the aluminum tape.


OP:...and yes, be VERY careful. As long as you are careful and take your time you will be fine. I have moved a few through the years and haven't damaged one yet, but I've always been careful. I do know of people that have ruined them though.

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would it be better to remove when warm?

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Originally Posted by MrBeeBow

im sure you guessed but im new to this so sorry for all the questions, but from what i understand your saying to use the lamp to create the heat for the whole tank correct? and if thats the case what do i do when i turn it off at night or do i just leave it on?

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No problem at all. That's what makes this forum so great. People from around the world, of all different walks of life, all different experience levels, all here for the same reason: we love snakes!
We were ALL new once upon a time.

Until I can afford to upgrade my enclosures (planning on building a 4 tier PVC enclosure) I run lights on my enclosures as well. I only use the real dark purple ones though. BPs don't need light, they actually prefer the dark, so a typical "white" light isn't recommended anyway. This time of year I can usually get away with ambient room temps during the day and only run my lights at night where I live. But the dark ones are dark enough that they barely look lit up. I sleep in this room (spare bedroom/animal room) most nights because I snore too loud and the lights don't bother me at all.

also what is the best way to clean the stuff from his cage?

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Originally Posted by MrBeeBow

also what is the best way to clean the stuff from his cage?

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If you're just talking "spot cleaning" it's as simple as removing any saturated areas of substrate and cleaning any decorations/hides/water bowl, etc... that came in contact with poop, urine or urates. I just scoop out the pee/poop and the substrate around it. Simple soap and water will be fine for any cleaning.

As for full enclosure cleanings, there are products that can be bought, but I have always used vinegar or a diluted bleach solution. It's as easy as pulling everything out, including the snake (I put the snake in an empty tub or a snake bag depending on which snake), decorations(to be washed) and the substrate (throw it away). Clean the entire enclosure, inside and out, with whichever method you choose, wipe everything down. Then go back and wipe everything down with just water. Let it air out, making sure there are no lingering odors of whatever cleaner I used. Meanwhile, my hides, water bowl, etc... are soaking in a diluted bleach bath. I then clean and rinse everything thoroughly and start putting everything back in...

i was talking about the hides and that stuff, i have read to use a diluted bleach and have also read to 100% to never use bleach.

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Originally Posted by MrBeeBow

i was talking about the hides and that stuff, i have read to use a diluted bleach and have also read to 100% to never use bleach.

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When it comes to hides, just soap and water is fine. I have used a 10% bleach solution for years with no problem. I just make sure there is no trace of it before placing it back in the enclosure

whats a good thermostat to use, the ones linked in that set up post all but the economy ones have broken links.

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Originally Posted by MrBeeBow

whats a good thermostat to use, the ones linked in that set up post all but the economy ones have broken links.

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Herpstat makes the best thermostats i've seen on the market. they are WELL worth the money and will last FOREVER!

if you cannot afford a Herpstat, start saving up and use a JumpStart thermostat for the time-being. the Jumpstart should not be relied on as a permanent solution: they're cheap and eventually WILL fail. i have not had one fail on me yet but i don't use them long enough to find out; longest i used one was 2 years.

consider the fact that the snake will be in your care for at LEAST 20 years and the price of a Herpstat is certainly justifiable.

Here is his more finished tank set up https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...5794d6a607.jpg

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Originally Posted by MrBeeBow

Here is his more finished tank set up https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...5794d6a607.jpg

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much more cluttered and looking good! did you manage to get a thermostat yet? that is necessary.
i see you have two hides that aren't identical, and one is open on both ends: SOP is to use two identical hides to lessen the stress of the snake feeling they have to choose; they do tend to pick a favorite/the one they feel is most secure. i have 3 identical hides for Yellow and he still has a favorite.

[deleted]

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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

much more cluttered and looking good! did you manage to get a thermostat yet? that is necessary.
i see you have two hides that aren't identical, and one is open on both ends: SOP is to use two identical hides to lessen the stress of the snake feeling they have to choose; they do tend to pick a favorite/the one they feel is most secure. i have 3 identical hides for Yellow and he still has a favorite.

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Sop? Are you saying to add more clutter? No stat yet, mat is in plugged for now, I can get a second identical one when I go get him dinner this weekend

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Originally Posted by MrBeeBow

Sop? Are you saying to add more clutter? No stat yet, mat is in plugged for now, I can get a second identical one when I go get him dinner this weekend

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SOP: standard operating procedure

i was saying the clutter looks good! much more cozy.

try to get the 'stat when you can, it is a must-have.

you're doing awesome!

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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

SOP: standard operating procedure

i was saying the clutter looks good! much more cozy.

try to get the 'stat when you can, it is a must-have.

you're doing awesome!

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Yea for sure, and now that I have been told I don't need to peel it off I'm much happier

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Originally Posted by MrBeeBow

Yea for sure, and now that I have been told I don't need to peel it off I'm much happier

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yup! once you dial everything in it all gets much easier. you're almost there! 😊

you're definitely well on your way!! Keep up the good work.

Hmmm, nice, you have a bunch of tatts and named your snake after the Allfather... love it, hits close to home, I got my eye on you...

As I mentioned in the other thread, I hot-glued my Herpstat probe to the UTH and it works great. I also put a piece of duct tape over it just as a precaution, but it's really not needed, the high temp hot glue works great on its own. If you get a Herpstat, they advise against using foil tape over the probe... duct tape also works great to secure the probe wire, electrical tape not so god, it will come off the glass...

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Originally Posted by vikingr

Hmmm, nice, you have a bunch of tatts and named your snake after the Allfather... love it, hits close to home, I got my eye on you...

As I mentioned in the other thread, I hot-glued my Herpstat probe to the UTH and it works great. I also put a piece of duct tape over it just as a precaution, but it's really not needed, the high temp hot glue works great on its own. If you get a Herpstat, they advise against using foil tape over the probe... duct tape also works great to secure the probe wire, electrical tape not so god, it will come off the glass...

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could i use foil tape till its time to change the bedding and have the tank empty to flip it over?