BP cage setup question

http://imgur.com/a/sr6ixHere is my new setup. My question is, is it better to have the light over the water or skull?

Hi, welcome to the forum!!! Glad you found it, it's a great place to learn. Looking over your setup it seems you would benefit from reading the stickies on this forum about how to set up a tank as well as the basic husbandry stickies.

Just for starters:
- Are you heating the enclosure using just the heat lamp? Is the lamp regulated by a thermostat?
- I don't see any hides or clutter for your BP to feel safe. The skull is a cool decoration, but not a proper hide, plus there should be two, one at each end.
- Unfortunately, those stick-on analog thermometers/hygrometers are wildly inaccurate (up to 10 degrees/10%) and should be replaced.

Thanks for the tips but you did not answer my question.

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Originally Posted by Jigsaw82

Thanks for the tips but you did not answer my question.

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I think it's a little hard to answer your question without knowing the answers to the questions posed above.

I'm trying to help you and your snake. The more info you share, the more we can help

I'm willing to bet pretty strongly that this aquarium set up comes directly from the recommendations of a petsmart employee, and OP "knows better" than the experts here who want to actually help [emoji12][emoji12]


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jigsaw82

My question is, is it better to have the light over the water or skull?

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Yes. NO... Maybe.

I also have a heating pad thing under the tank. Also I plan on getting another hide in a couple of days. But what I was originally asking was is, would it be better to have the light over the skull so the BP can lay on top of the skull as a basking spot (and be closer to the heat from the light).

The answer to your question will depend a bit on your humidity.

Are your heat sources regulated by thermostat? If not, you should unplug the heat mat or you are risking serious burns or worse to your snake.

If you'd like some help with your setup I'm happy to help. I ask questions so that I can help with more accurate advice. The more I know, the more I can help. Based on the pictures of your setup I think I will be able to help you properly set up your enclosure and avoid feeding refusals, respiratory infections, etc...

Thanks for your help. No they are not regulated by a thermostat so I'll unplug the heating pad and watch the temp closely. Also before you mention it I realize that the tank itself is on the small side but I figured it would suffice while he's a baby. I do plan on getting a much bigger tank in a couple of months.

So the answer you seek requires us to ask more questions? What is your humidity at in your tank? What is the temperature where your water is? What is the temperature where the skull is? Where is your "heat mat thingy" or under tank heater UTH located? Is your UTH regulated with thermostat?

Take that heat gage out of your tank now. It sticks and your snake can get it off and stuck to him when he climbs on it....and he will climb on it.

So to answer your question requires more info.

We we are trying to help you and your snake.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jigsaw82

I also have a heating pad thing under the tank. Also I plan on getting another hide in a couple of days. But what I was originally asking was is, would it be better to have the light over the skull so the BP can lay on top of the skull as a basking spot (and be closer to the heat from the light).

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please provide answers to @craigafrechette's questions: it's important because everyone's environment, set-up and temps are different, and there is no singular solution to a problem. what works for me may not work for you. @craigafrechette is very knowledgeable and his advice will definitely help you once he understands your situation.

you mention a UTH, but which side is it on? personally my CHE is on the cool side of the enclosure, away from the UTH. however, like i mentioned above, this might not work for you due to a number of reasons which is why we ask lots of questions.

this might be my only reply for a day or two but i (as well as everyone else) want to help as best i can! [emoji4] help us help you.

EDIT: ALL heat sources MUST be regulated, either by thermoSTAT or rheostat.

On a side note, I think it's kind of funny... Logan (that's my BP name) looks like he's eating the brains out of the skull in the pics I attached.

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Originally Posted by Jigsaw82

Thanks for your help. No they are not regulated by a thermostat so I'll unplug the heating pad and watch the temp closely. Also before you mention it I realize that the tank itself is on the small side but I figured it would suffice while he's a baby. I do plan on getting a much bigger tank in a couple of months.

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Small is fine to start. He needs more places to hide. Fake plants work wonders. You're going to lose any humidity with a mesh top so cover it with foil and tape the edges down on the outside of the tank. Nothing sticky ever goes inside of the tank.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jigsaw82

On a side note, I think it's kind of funny... Logan (that's my BP name) looks like he's eating the brains out of the skull in the pics I attached.

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zombie snake? looks like you'll be doing a lot of braining with your prey items.

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Originally Posted by Sunnieskys

Small is fine to start. He needs more places to hide. Fake plants work wonders. You're going to lose any humidity with a mesh top so cover it with foil and tape the edges down on the outside of the tank. Nothing sticky ever goes inside of the tank.

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i'm on mobile, could you link the "How To" sticky on glass enclosure set-ups for OP? it might help them.

I also suggest you go look at the stickies or pinned posts called hides my way by Deborah and how to set up a glass tank. They are both in BP husbandry I believe.

- - - Updated - - -

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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

i'm on mobile, could you link the "How To" sticky on glass enclosure set-ups for OP? it might help them.

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I gotchu Taylor lol

- Ball pythons don't need a basking spot, most people who use lighting do not use heat lamps as they're not needed for ball pythons. 99% of the time lighting is for a day/night cycle (which isn't generally necessary either) or for lighting in display caging. If it helps you keep ambient temps up that's fine too, but keeping your humidity where it needs to be will be a total pain with a heat lamp.

- If that thermometer has a sticky back on it like tape, take it out of that tank asap. If your bp tries to climb on it and it pops off, the back of it can stick to your snake and cause some serious damage.

- You need a thermostat like craigafrechette said. The temps on heat pads can spike when they're not controlled.

- I reccomend covering the sides and back of that tank with paper on the outside. It'll help to keep your bp from stressing because he won't be able to see all the things outside of the glass, and will make the space feel smaller and snug.

- To better regulate humidity you should cover the top of the cage with tinfoil or with a towel, and leave 1-2 inches uncovered for air circulation.

- You need at least 2 hides for your ball python, and until you get the second one get fake plants or put crumpled paper in there to clutter it up. The more open things are and the more exposed your snake feels, the more stressed out it will be.

Best guideline for tank setups:
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...-With-Pictures!

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

Good hydrometer:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (or something like this one, there are a zillion and they're all pretty cheap)

I hope this helps! Did you pick up that little snoot at a petsmart or petco? The people who work there can be super nice, but hardly ever helpful when it comes to husbandry.

Thanks, great info.

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Originally Posted by KayLynn

- Ball pythons don't need a basking spot, most people who use lighting do not use heat lamps as they're not needed for ball pythons. 99% of the time lighting is for a day/night cycle (which isn't generally necessary either) or for lighting in display caging. If it helps you keep ambient temps up that's fine too, but keeping your humidity where it needs to be will be a total pain with a heat lamp.

- If that thermometer has a sticky back on it like tape, take it out of that tank asap. If your bp tries to climb on it and it pops off, the back of it can stick to your snake and cause some serious damage.

- You need a thermostat like craigafrechette said. The temps on heat pads can spike when they're not controlled.

- I reccomend covering the sides and back of that tank with paper on the outside.

- To better regulate humidity you should cover the top of the cage with tinfoil or with a towel, and leave 1-2 inches uncovered for air circulation.

- You need at least 2 hides for your ball python, and until you get the second one get fake plants or put crumpled paper in there to clutter it up. The more open things are and the more exposed your snake feels, the more stressed out it will be.

Best guideline for tank setups:
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...-With-Pictures!

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

Good hydrometer:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (or something like this one, there are a zillion and they're all pretty cheap)

I hope this helps! Did you pick up that little snoot at a petsmart or petco? The people who work there can be super nice, but hardly ever helpful when it comes to husbandry.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jigsaw82

Thanks for your help. No they are not regulated by a thermostat so I'll unplug the heating pad and watch the temp closely. Also before you mention it I realize that the tank itself is on the small side but I figured it would suffice while he's a baby. I do plan on getting a much bigger tank in a couple of months.

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Actually, you will find a smaller enclosure is better for a juvenile ball python. You could actually go smaller. Ball pythons rely very heavily on feeling safe and secure. So sometimes a smaller enclosure will help the animal feel safer.
This is why it's important to provide two (or more) proper hides for the snake, one at each end of the enclosure. Then adding clutter like fake plants adds to their sense of security.

In order for a BP to eat and be healthy, it needs proper husbandry. Providing the proper temps, humidity, and security are your top priorities in order to achieve proper husbandry and provide a proper home for your snake. One major problem people run into with their snakes is that they won't eat, especially BPs. They can be very finicky and husbandry is usually to blame.

Check out the stickies on husbandry and setting up tanks, They will answer a lot of the questions you have. After reading through those I'm happy to help with any questions you still have.

Good luck, ask any questions and keep us posted.

I just added some artificial leaves and a 2nd snake hide out of cardboard (temporary). What do you guys think?


https://i.imgur.com/G55aUot.jpg

I can only speak for my little one but he hates bright light. I am not sure if that is an issue but I would assume light of that brightness coupled with no blocking of the sides and back of the tank would be quite stressful indeed.

It's not that bright. It's a poor camera. And the hide on the left is covered on the sides

You're getting there. However, BPs like their hides as tight as possible, almost like a turtle shell. Glad to see you're applying what you're learning, keep up the good work! We'll help you along the way:gj:

Also what is the best time of day to feed him? I've heard late in the day so should I feed him like an hour before his light goes off? And yes I know to only feed him like once a week.

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Originally Posted by Jigsaw82

Also what is the best time of day to feed him? I've heard late in the day so should I feed him like an hour before his light goes off? And yes I know to only feed him like once a week.

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i feed around 9-10pm.

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Originally Posted by Jigsaw82

Also what is the best time of day to feed him? I've heard late in the day so should I feed him like an hour before his light goes off? And yes I know to only feed him like once a week.

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Feeding at night is best. BPs are nocturnal animals, so most inclined to eat during their typical "awake" hours. I have snakes that will eat any time of day, but until they are well established eaters I always start them out eating at night. Being that I cook for a living I work a fair amount of nights, so I have been lucky and have been able to get away with some daytime feedings.
But, that being said, I would feed at night if your schedule allows. Sometime after 8 or 9 would probably be best.

I try to feed an hour after sundown. When I feed the room is just light enough that I can see the snakes move.