Another newbie, thinking ahead

My 10 and 14 year old have spent the last several months discussing a BP as a pet. I figured it would pass so I didn't make an impulse buy and have instead let them spend the last month or two on youtube reading the do's and donts. What it takes to care for one, cost's, etc. After a couple months the thought has not gone away and are saving their own money to purchase everything.

We went to a local reptile show a month ago just so they could hold some and see how they would act around them, I thought the youngest might be scared but he is now even more excited. We spoke with a breeder there and are going to meet with her again at the next show in November, so I want to get a game plan together in the mean time.

We didn't plan on going with a brand new hatchling but we still wanted one young enough, hopefully out of the nippy stage and one that has been eating and getting through sheds OK. Assuming that is what we end up with I am planning to go with a 20 gallon long tank, heat mat, multiple hides, water dish, and probably a CHE as well. I am pretty handy around the shop so my long term plan is to build something similar to a T8 as it begins to outgrow the 20 gallon glass tank. Assuming the kids are still interested and active I would likely go with a heat panel in the permanent enclosure.
I have been watching craigslist so if I come across a deal on some other type of enclosure/terarrium I am not dead set on the 20 gallon long, those just can be gotten relatively cheap new and used.

I have spent the last couple weeks reading on here and my plan is to get things set up in the next month so I have some time to make sure I can keep the temps and humidity where it needs to be. For the basic beginning set up am I missing any necessities?

My list so far:
20 gallon long aquarium with locking screen lid
UTH with thermostat in place
CHE with thermostat in place
2 hides
Water dish
Thermometer/hygrometer (will research brands etc.) for inside
Hand held laser/infrared thermometer.
I plan to use some type of mulch type substrate instead of paper/paper towel etc.
Feeding tongs

The room the snake will be in is upstairs at our house, in the winter we keep the thermostat upstairs around 68 degrees, so I will prepare accordingly to keep the tank temps where they need to be.
If I am missing anything please chime in, I am all ears at this point. I grew up with an older brother who had snakes most of his child hood (mainly boas) so I know some of the basics but am really starting from scratch.

Quick thought: a new 20 gal. tank is only $1 per gallon on sales at Petco (etc), while a used one will need hours (I'm serious!) of disinfection using several products
one after another (not together!), & thorough rinsing in between, to make it safe for your snake to inhabit. Don't buy a used tank! It's not worth the risk...you must
ALWAYS assume that the previous occupant of any used tank may have died from IBD or crypto or something else your snake can catch & die from. (unless you know
& trust the previous owner of the tank, just don't!) A new tank is far cheaper than the needed medical care by the nearest exotic veterinarian.

Thanks for the thought. I have been watching our local Petco for a month or so. Right now they are running about 40.00 which is no problem but would like to catch them on sale if possible. The price is not a deal breaker if they don't go on sale in the next month or so.

It sounds like you've done a great job getting the basics down. I agree with Bogertophis that it'd be wiser to buy a new enclosure, at least to start.

I've bought a few used enclosures, but PVC style, so it was worth it to take the time to properly clean it. But for an inexpensive glass enclosure I would just go new.

Just some food for thought....
BPs live 20+ years in captivity, so with the kids at those ages there will need to be a long term plan in place.
If the kids go off to college, dorms and most apartments won't allow snakes.
If they don't go to college and get their own places, many apartments won't allow pets, and often specifically exotics. Not to mention, it may be hard finding a roommate willing to live with a snake in the house.
What happens if one kid moves away? Who keeps the snake? What happens if both go away and can't take the snake? Will you keep it?

I don't mean to be a Debbie Downer. This hobby just sees a lot of snakes being rehomed cause the kids lost interest, or moved and can't take the snake, etc....

I am assuming if the snake can't go away with them immediately after highs school then it will stay with me (im fine with that) until one of them gets settled in. They were actually planning to get one each and I told them we would start with one for a couple years and see how that goes, before we dive in with both feet.

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Originally Posted by Craiga 01453

This hobby just sees a lot of snakes being rehomed cause the kids lost interest, or moved and can't take the snake, etc....

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That's a good point, I've currently got a dozen-ish free snakes under my roof for those reasons (and others).

As an alternative to the 20-gal enclosure, Hefty makes clear storage tubs with latching lids that you can purchase at Lowes. They are inexpensive and secure enough to keep a snake contained, plus they retain heat and humidity better than glass tanks do. They work well until your snake grows up to where it would be comfortable in a proper PVC enclosure designed for reptiles.

Instead of using a CHE during the cold winter months when your house is 68*F you would use two heat pads, one set around 80-82*F, the other at 90-92*F, with a hide over each.

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Originally Posted by Midwest

I am assuming if the snake can't go away with them immediately after highs school then it will stay with me (im fine with that) until one of them gets settled in. They were actually planning to get one each and I told them we would start with one for a couple years and see how that goes, before we dive in with both feet.

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Awesome!!! That's great you have a plan in place. I wasn't trying to discourage you, as I'm all for seeing kids take an interest in snakes and other "non-traditional" pets.

I just didn't want the experience to end up being a negative experience.

You're off to a great start! Keep up the good work. Feel free to ask any and all questions you may have. We're happy to help.

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Originally Posted by bcr229

Instead of using a CHE during the cold winter months when your house is 68*F you would use two heat pads, one set around 80-82*F, the other at 90-92*F, with a hide over each.

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I was going to recommend the same thing. CHE's can also suck up the humidity.

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Originally Posted by wnateg

I was going to recommend the same thing. CHE's can also suck up the humidity.

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Not only that but overhead heat of any kind is less efficient, since heat rises & a lot of heat never reaches the bottom, it just goes "up up & away".

I do use some supplemental overhead heat for some snakes, but my house is never that cool either, & just want OP to be aware, it might not be the best option for you (Midwest).

And Midwest, we commend you for doing your research & planning well ahead of time. :gj:

So the recommendation above of two heat pads, would that be if I went the tub route or would that work in a glass tank as well. I have read that the UTH don't do anything for ambient temp in the tank, just the spot directly above them. Just my personal preference but I prefer the more natural look of a tank as apposed to a tub, so right now I would rather go that route and deal with the heating issues. If 68 or so degrees in the room is enough to allow me to just run 2 UTH's I would do that. I know nothing about them but they seem safer overall then a UTH or heat lamp.

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Originally Posted by Midwest

I have read that the UTH don't do anything for ambient temp in the tank

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That's not the case. Like Bogertophis said above, heat rises, so the UTH, especially two of them, will have a noticeable effect on the ambient temp.

Sounds good, I might just start with 2 UTH's and go from there. From what I have read, taped to the bottom with the probe sandwiched between the mat and the glass is the most common setup?

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Originally Posted by Midwest

So the recommendation above of two heat pads, would that be if I went the tub route or would that work in a glass tank as well. I have read that the UTH don't do anything for ambient temp in the tank, just the spot directly above them. Just my personal preference but I prefer the more natural look of a tank as apposed to a tub, so right now I would rather go that route and deal with the heating issues. If 68 or so degrees in the room is enough to allow me to just run 2 UTH's I would do that. I know nothing about them but they seem safer overall then a UTH or heat lamp.

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UTH works for glass tank too, & I'm one of those "dinosaurs" here that happens to prefer & use all glass tanks, I'm just not currently keeping BPs...I have in the past though.I also run a house-full of UTH, & have for 34+ years now. Heat rises...UTH heat rises into the tank OR tub...it's what you do to KEEP it there that matters. ;)

The thing is that in a cool house, you'll want (need) to insulate whatever you house your snake in for best results. Many ways to do that easily, & many inexpensive & readily available materials to do that with. I prefer the nice visibility of glass, also that it's inert (not off-gassing who-knows-what like plastic does) & non-combustible. Plastics also scratch readily, & in time get foggy, even if only wiped with paper towels. Plastic is lighter weight & cheaper, but neither makes it better to me, anyway. Many here disagree.

Easy to install styro-foam-board, sheet cork (or cork tiles), corrugated cardboard, poster board (foam core), even carpet tiles (self stick), etc.- on the back & sides of a glass tank; also you can add about 4" along the bottom of the front without missing much, & underneath (but allow the required 'breathing' gaps for UTH safe operation!!!).

Many will claim that the professional 'plastic' (PVC or HDPE) enclosures hold the warmth in better than glass, but much of that is because there is very little air exchange, so keep that in mind whatever you go with. Minimize vents as needed: those keeping BPs or other species needing more humidity already cover much of the screen tops anyway in order to keep in the humidity, but it will keep in heat too. You & your kids will learn (or practice) a little science along with keeping snakes. ;)

Another really good insulator is wood...yes, you can line the outside of a tank with thin plywood, but instead, you can also find a nice home entertainment type cabinet in a thrift store (for cheap!) into which your glass tank sits...that's another way to go...you're only limited by your imagination. BTW, you don't have to "look at" your insulation either...on a glass tank, install some nice scenery first (sold it pet stores & online for this purpose...much is for fish, but some works for reptiles nicely too), then attach insulation behind that. Voila!

Whatever you decide for housing your snake, just set it up & run it for at least a week BEFORE you get a snake to put inside...you many find that you need to tweak
things, & if you need to order or shop for something you don't have to make needed modifications, you don't want to stress your new snake by allowing improper
temps./conditions, or by having to remove the snake (or work around it) while you make changes. New snakes need to settle in stress-free in order to do their best-
no handling until they eat at least 3 times at regular intervals for you is the best practice. (having a snake refuse food is NOT fun, & can impact their health) :snake:

I just looked and my local Petco has the Zilla critter cage, 20 gallon long with sliding/locking screen top for 42.00 plus 10% off if I order online and pick up in the store. That is likely the route I will go to start.

I just wanted to say from one parent to another that you are doing a great job!:D

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Originally Posted by Midwest

I just looked and my local Petco has the Zilla critter cage, 20 gallon long with sliding/locking screen top for 42.00 plus 10% off if I order online and pick up in the store. That is likely the route I will go to start.

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Thanks for mentioning that. I was looking for a tank for my alligator snapping turtle hatchling.

I know nothing about those tanks or your turtles, but I read that the critter cage is not sealed to hold water. Assuming your turtle habitat would have water? Just something to check.

Before you buy a tank an snake. Check with your local animal shelter (an craigslist). It seems people like to buy snakes an then after a month or two give them away:O.

Next thing you know your kids will be building rat racks to feed the snake. Oh, an one snake for two kids will cause fights. An two snakes becomes 10 in a month or two:D

Good luck!

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Originally Posted by 303_enfield

Before you buy a tank an snake. Check with your local animal shelter (an craigslist). It seems people like to buy snakes an then after a month or two give them away:O...

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A snake from either source (pet store or animal shelter/craigslist) likely to have a similar chance of coming with a health issue, greater than one from
a reputable breeder IMO. You may "get what you pay for", or get a terrific pet, especially if you pay close attention & ask the right questions. Could
be worth checking out (shelter & CL), for sure.

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Originally Posted by Midwest

I know nothing about those tanks or your turtles, but I read that the critter cage is not sealed to hold water. Assuming your turtle habitat would have water? Just something to check.

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Yes, I did read that after I did some more research. It would only be a few inches of water, so it probably would work with a reseal, but not going to risk it.

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Originally Posted by wnateg

Yes, I did read that after I did some more research. It would only be a few inches of water, so it probably would work with a reseal, but not going to risk it.

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I wouldn't take the chance either: glass for terrariums is thinner & weaker than glass for aquariums. Even a little water is very heavy. I've always preferred aquariums
for this reason & have never had one break. (Even when they get bumped or snakes hit them hard; also never had one crack when sprayed for cleaning over the UTH.)

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Originally Posted by 303_enfield

Before you buy a tank an snake. Check with your local animal shelter (an craigslist). It seems people like to buy snakes an then after a month or two give them away:O.

Next thing you know your kids will be building rat racks to feed the snake. Oh, an one snake for two kids will cause fights. An two snakes becomes 10 in a month or two:D

Good luck!

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Thanks for the input. We met several breeders at the last show and my kids and I gravitated toward one. She was great with the kids, teaching them and allowing them to handle many of her snakes. Being a first timer I feel better knowing what I am getting, and having someone who is willing to help us should an issue arrive.

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Originally Posted by Midwest

Thanks for the input. We met several breeders at the last show and my kids and I gravitated toward one. She was great with the kids, teaching them and allowing them to handle many of her snakes. Being a first timer I feel better knowing what I am getting, and having someone who is willing to help us should an issue arrive.

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I'd say go with that and go with her, if that's what makes you feel comfortable. Sounds like a good plan.

For suggestive help on getting stuff to get ready you can ask here on this thread or pm me. Would be glad to try and help you find it, as the others here would be glad to give suggestions.

I've gotten 2 ball pythons from the local big box pet store. They weren't in the greatest shape, but their doing ok so far, 1 has a small issue with regurgitation that I'm dealing with. Paid $30.00 for each of them, one is a normal, one is a fancy

I've adopted 2 snakes from my local humane society, both of them have turned out to be really good snakes, 1 corn snake and 1 ball python
I paid $20.00 to adopt each of them, and they both came with a glass tank.

I've gotten a re homed snake from CL, paid more for her, but again a very good snake, gentle and no issues from her either.

after 30 days at my house I do take each of them to the local exotic vet to get checked out, that is $45.00 per snake.

So you can pay quite a bit less than what the original price is on their snakes.

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Originally Posted by wnateg

Yes, I did read that after I did some more research. It would only be a few inches of water, so it probably would work with a reseal, but not going to risk it.

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I picked up the critter cage yesterday. In my area they are marked down to 42.00. If you pay online and pick up in the store then you get an additional 10% off. Once I got it home and opened it up there was a rebate book inside with 100.00 worth of rebates. One of them was a 10.00 rebate on the 20 gallon critter cage so I saved another 10.00 with that. Will end up with around 30.00 total in the 20.00 long tank with the mesh top.

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Originally Posted by Midwest

I picked up the critter cage yesterday. In my area they are marked down to 42.00. If you pay online and pick up in the store then you get an additional 10% off. Once I got it home and opened it up there was a rebate book inside with 100.00 worth of rebates. One of them was a 10.00 rebate on the 20 gallon critter cage so I saved another 10.00 with that. Will end up with around 30.00 total in the 20.00 long tank with the mesh top.

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"And so it begins..." :gj:

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Originally Posted by Midwest

I picked up the critter cage yesterday. In my area they are marked down to 42.00. If you pay online and pick up in the store then you get an additional 10% off. Once I got it home and opened it up there was a rebate book inside with 100.00 worth of rebates. One of them was a 10.00 rebate on the 20 gallon critter cage so I saved another 10.00 with that. Will end up with around 30.00 total in the 20.00 long tank with the mesh top.

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Glad that worked out for you. It would have cost you that much at least if you went with an aquarium. Because after buying the aquarium you would then need to buy a lid and they're not cheap. And then you would need clips to clip the lid down and I know from experience that can be a pain to undo every time you need to do something. With what we have you have the trap door to do a lot of stuff. (like put in the feeder, do temp. readings, adjust things, etc.) And Critter cages by Zilla are very secure. The lid locks down by sliding it shut just right. I use wall hooks to secure the trap door and the lid by putting them through the holes. (see my gallery)

You will be so glad you went this route, believe me. We are here to help.

Thanks for all the help and replies everyone. So my plan right now is to get two UTH's and thermostats for each. Once I get it up and running I will monitor the temps/humidity before getting the BP. The next show is Nov. 10th so I have some time. Usually by then the temps outside are cool enough that I will be running out furnace so I will know if the two UTH's will be enough to keep the tank at the correct temps or not. I have some 3/4 inch thick foam insulation panels in my garage left over from a construction project so I can put them on the outside of the back and sides of the tank if needed and will cover the screen top as needed to keep heat and humidity in check. If the ambient temps in the tank aren't high enough once the cool season gets here I will get another source to bring it up some. Now I just need to get on Amazon and order the rest of the "stuff". Right now I am planning on the 2 UTH's, two thermostats, water dish, two hides, hygrometer and thermometers for inside, an IR hand held thermometer, and feeding tongs. I will also get some wood and other decor for inside. I'm sure Ill find some other stuff I need but this should get the necessities. Kids have enough money put back to pay for everything as well as the BP.

You could get 2 thermostat's from say Amazon or if you want to go top of the line on your thermostat purchase you could get the herpstat 2 which would run both of your uth's. Or Herpstat 4 handles 4 but is $339 They are definitely higher than say the Century or the Vivosun but the Herpstat brand is safer in the long run and lasts many years. It is a favorite of many of the people on here. If you got the Herpstat 2 that might be all you need (2 UTH's). If you need more heat like say from above using a night black light by Zilla or CHE you could put that on a Herpstat Intro or a 3rd option (and a VERY good option) would be to go to reptilebasics.com and get a VE-300 for $139.99 which would handle 3 if you need 3 not a bad deal plus reptilebasics sell hides and other stuff like UTH's (Ultratherm's). Walmart.com also sells the Century thermostat if you decide to go the cheaper route.

Herpstat direct from the maker.https://www.spyderrobotics.com/index...=index&cPath=1

Herpstat 2 on bean farm link. https://beanfarm.com/products/herpst...nt=24905373513

Herpstat intro on bean farm https://www.beanfarm.com/products/he...nt=24905410121

Also a very nice thermostat that handles 3 (your 2 UTH's and an overhead night light bulb or say a che (ceramic heat emitter)
https://www.reptilebasics.com/ve-300

Can you guys give me some ideas on what you are using for thermometers and hygrometers? I ordered a hand held to spot check areas but would like something to keep in the tank all the time for ambient temps an drew humidity.

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Originally Posted by Midwest

Can you guys give me some ideas on what you are using for thermometers and hygrometers? I ordered a hand held to spot check areas but would like something to keep in the tank all the time for ambient temps an drew humidity.

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https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B072X...b_b_asin_title

Thanks for the link. For that type of unit do you leave it sitting on the substrate or do you velcro it or attach it some other way to the glass? I would assume something like that sitting on the ground would be knocked over a lot. I had seen some like that Accurite with the probe that goes in the tank and the display sits outside. I didn't know if one was better or if was just a matter of preference.

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Originally Posted by Midwest

Thanks for the link. For that type of unit do you leave it sitting on the substrate or do you velcro it or attach it some other way to the glass? I would assume something like that sitting on the ground would be knocked over a lot. I had seen some like that Accurite with the probe that goes in the tank and the display sits outside. I didn't know if one was better or if was just a matter of preference.

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It's just preference. It does get knocked over a lot. I'd just look on amazon and find something with good reviews that you like.

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Originally Posted by Craiga 01453

It sounds like you've done a great job getting the basics down. I agree with Bogertophis that it'd be wiser to buy a new enclosure, at least to start.

I've bought a few used enclosures, but PVC style, so it was worth it to take the time to properly clean it. But for an inexpensive glass enclosure I would just go new.

Just some food for thought....
BPs live 20+ years in captivity, so with the kids at those ages there will need to be a long term plan in place.
If the kids go off to college, dorms and most apartments won't allow snakes.
If they don't go to college and get their own places, many apartments won't allow pets, and often specifically exotics. Not to mention, it may be hard finding a roommate willing to live with a snake in the house.
What happens if one kid moves away? Who keeps the snake? What happens if both go away and can't take the snake? Will you keep it?

I don't mean to be a Debbie Downer. This hobby just sees a lot of snakes being rehomed cause the kids lost interest, or moved and can't take the snake, etc....

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I’m in graduate school and have 3 snakes, 3 lizards and a tortoise in a one bedroom apartment. I have no roommate (even though my girlfriend spends more time here than at her place lol) and I can afford it ok. It took some searching but my landlords are fine with the reptiles. If you ask and look long enough you’ll find someone reasonable. It’s not easy but it’s doable. It definitely does limit your options though for sure.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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Originally Posted by MarkL1561

I’m in graduate school and have 3 snakes, 3 lizards and a tortoise in a one bedroom apartment. I have no roommate (even though my girlfriend spends more time here than at her place lol) and I can afford it ok. It took some searching but my landlords are fine with the reptiles. If you ask and look long enough you’ll find someone reasonable. It’s not easy but it’s doable. It definitely does limit your options though for sure.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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No doubt. I'm certainly not saying it can't be done. But I've seen more than too many Craigslist ads or whatever where people are rehoming their animals because the kids lost interest or moved away and couldn't or didn't want to take their pets.
So it's something I feel is worth mentioning, cause sometimes even the parents aren't responsible enough to thoroughly consider all that goes into keeping a pet. And since they're not toys you can just throw in the attic or throw away, I think it's worth reminding people here and there

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Originally Posted by Midwest

Can you guys give me some ideas on what you are using for thermometers and hygrometers? I ordered a hand held to spot check areas but would like something to keep in the tank all the time for ambient temps an drew humidity.

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Many of us, myself included, use Accurite brand. You can find them on Amazon or at Walmart

Thanks for all the input. I pretty much have everything we need. The only thing off the top of my head I know we need is a water dish and the hides. I am waiting until I get a snake picked out and grab that stuff then once I am sure on the size. Don't want to go too big or small on the hides, if we end up getting something a little older.

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Originally Posted by Midwest

Thanks for all the input. I pretty much have everything we need. The only thing off the top of my head I know we need is a water dish and the hides. I am waiting until I get a snake picked out and grab that stuff then once I am sure on the size. Don't want to go too big or small on the hides, if we end up getting something a little older.

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I bet the boys are excited and can't wait. You are giving them a lesson in patience for sure. And in being prepared as well.

When you pick out your snake remember the females as adults will get bigger but they also are better eaters. You will have less refusals with them. The males are smaller but also are more picky once they get to be adults. In my opinion anyways.
And try to get one that has been eating frozen thawed if at all possible. That will make your start much easier, if it is use to, and has been eating f/t. Once you get it home you should do no handling (once you put it in the enclosure) till it eats 3 meals. This will be hard on the boys but there's your patience lesson again. That will take at least 3 weeks. If you get any refusals you need to wait till you get 3 straight feedings. This is pretty important for acclamation. You might know all this since you are preparing so well but I thought I would mention it as a reminder.

And you should really check out and make a copy of the feeding chart that is on here so you can have the right sized feeders. Maybe even while you are at the expo and pick out your snake you can get some feeders as well. Check with the lady breeder they grow pretty fast so you might want to get a couple different sizes. By the way do you have some freezer space to keep some or will you have to buy (like I have to) a few at a time at say Petco or Petsmart or some other reptile store. It will be cheaper in the long run if you can get them in bulk packs at the expo. But not everyone has a lot of freezer space.
Here is the Eric Brunick feeding chart below.

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...51b6d6c5bd.jpg

Thanks again. I do have some freezer space but I also have a wife that will possibly freak out at the thought of having rats in the freezer, LOL. She coming along though.

I have a question, I am planning to set the tank up this weekend so I can see over the next week or so how the temps do. To keep people from having to read back through this entire thread I'll give a brief recap. I have a 20 gall on long tank. I have 2 UTH's, one to go on each end set for the high and low temps. I am going to put the thermostat probe between the mat and bottom of the glass. My question is should I let it heat up and use my heat gun to measure the temp of the glass before substrate is added, or do I want to add substrate and then set the stat to reach the desired temps when taken on the surface of the substrate?

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Originally Posted by Midwest

I have a question, I am planning to set the tank up this weekend so I can see over the next week or so how the temps do. To keep people from having to read back through this entire thread I'll give a brief recap. I have a 20 gall on long tank. I have 2 UTH's, one to go on each end set for the high and low temps. I am going to put the thermostat probe between the mat and bottom of the glass. My question is should I let it heat up and use my heat gun to measure the temp of the glass before substrate is added, or do I want to add substrate and then set the stat to reach the desired temps when taken on the surface of the substrate?

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Your first answer is right. I would set it up and let it heat up without the substrate. The bottom glass temp is what you should be concerned about. After you have to let it run a while keep and then check it every so often. You want to get the warm side bottom glass temp to 88 or (90 being highest) then say 82 would be a good temp mark for your cool side.

After you get it all like you want it, then add about only a half inch of substrate. With a uth you don't want it real thick, because it holds the heat down and can get too hot on the bottom. Don't worry about the substrate temp when it comes to uth's. Just get the bottom glass temp right. Then later you can see what your substrate temp is. But don't turn up the temp by raising your thermostat because of the substrate, because then your bottom glass will be too hot.

Many of the folks on here believe you can get by on lower ambient as long as you have 2 uth's and that is what they have advised you to do I noticed and that is the direction you have decided to go, (I understand that), and I hope they are right. As long as they have the belly heat in low ambient maybe that will work, hope so, I never did trust that belly heat alone was enough. Personally I rely myself on above heat and don't even have a uth. So we will find out if they were right I guess and hopefully they are. But they might also tell you though that your room temp needs to be at kept at least 75 or 78 to get by with using only 2 uth's and no above heat or rph. Well see what they say.

I have been talking to the breader I am getting the snake from and they said the same thing. They if my room temp is around 70 degrees and have a uth at around 80-82 and another around 90 that I wouldn’t likely have to worry about additional heat.

We got a lot of the set up complete tonight. I had my son help me and explained to him why we were doing the things we were doing. I put one UTH under each end with thermostats. As normal, the probe is sandwiched between the glass and the UTH. I used foil tape to help secure the UTH's. Just to test things I set the hot side at 92 and the cool side at 80 and tested them with my heat gun after a half hour. The temps were very close so I went ahead and added a layer of substrate. We have a hide on each each end over the UTH and a water dish in the middle. I didn't take any pictures yet, plan to after I either get a background or what ever I am going to use. I am planning to use something on the back and both ends to help he/she feel secure. I also plan to put in some type of branch and some fake ivy type plants we picked up this week. Once we get it the rest of the way done Ill post some pics. As expected my humidity spiked from 52 to over 70% once I put the substrate in. Ill keep you guys posted.

Let's see if this works, first time adding a pic and I am on my iPad. So we are ready for our snake, which we are getting Nov 10th. I have a UTH under each end on the tank. I cut some black foam board to wrap the back and sides and also cut a piece of plexi glass to cover the top. I left the hatch uncovered for ventilation and will adjust the top coverage as necessary. I'm going to run it like this for now to see how the temps do. I can make adjustments as necessary before we get our snake. The ambient temp in that room is 70 degrees and plan to set the two UTH's, one at 78-80 and the other 88-90 ( I've read diffferent advice on what the hot and cold side needs to be).
The link the the pics in my gallery is working right, if someone else can get them from my gallary to here that would be great, if not I'll try it from my PC later tonight.
https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/files/7/9/0/1/9/img_

No photos on view sadly

Just download and use the free TapaTalk app to upload photos easily and instantly ..


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Your pics are in your gallery which is easy enough to see.
https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil...9/img_3540.jpg

Here is the other pic.
https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil...9/img_3539.jpg

Thanks for that, I saw the tutorial and got them in the gallary but couldn't get them into the thread. There is some reflection in the 2nd pic that makes it hard to see. We might end up changing hides depending on what we end up bringing home. I just wanted something on hand, if those end up being too big I'll get something a little smaller for now. The wood is just a piece I cut off an ash tree that came down in a storm about a month ago. I peeled the bark and put it in the oven for an hour. Not quite the look I was going for but not much driftwood to choose from locally at my local shops.
The plan is to use this setup to see how the kids do and eventually upgrade to a PVC enclosure.

I think it looks good. I have the same problem I can post to my gallery pretty easy but don't know how to post to these post area's, I don't have a smart phone or tapatalk. But helping you I kind of figured out how to do it. I right clicked your pic in gallery when it was full sized and copied it and just pasted it to a post. Looked at it with the preview and then submitted the post. Came out surprisingly well. Now I know how to post pics but will have to post them from my gallery which is no problem. I bet the family is counting the days. Have fun at the reptile exhibit. Look around, maybe you can find other snakes and breeders to your liking as well, might as well make a day of it and you know competition helps bring prices down if you know what I mean. ;) And you might find something you like better at another breeders exhibit. Which show are you going to? Might be some breeders from here, that way you can ask them questions on here.