Cheapest set-up

I've been planning on getting a BP of about 6 years now and somthing always, always stops me from being able too. Cost of the set-up is the main thing. So...... What is the cheapest possible set-up I can make for a BP without wiring anything or using flexwatt?

Go buy a rubbermaid tub from Wal-mart for 10-20 bucks(Even though it's the cheapest cage to get, it's probably the best thing to use for environment controll) Then get 1 digital thermometre with probe to place inside the hot side hot box, then get a 2nd Digital Therm/Hydro combo to read ambient and humidity. If your not into wires then buy an UTH=Under The Tank Heat Pad and all you have to do is plug it into the wall.

Tub - $20 Max
Digi Therm - $10
Digi Combo - $20-$25
UTH - $15-$30 (depends on size you get)

I'd say if you wanted a cheap and easy set up then $60-$75 is what you are looking at.

But how do I get the temps right?

The question should not be 'what is the cheapest setup?'....it should be 'what is the best setup?' If you cut corners with the enclosure, then you will most likely have to pay more down the road for vet bills.

Don't get any animal unless you can afford to take care of it properly.

Other than that little spill..... hockeyfan's list sounds pretty good....although depending on the temperatures inside the room you may need a secondary heat source(figure another $20). Also, with any UTH a thermostat is always recommended($40 min).

After all of that you should have a pretty decent setup. Now when you start looking around for ball pythons cheapest is usually not good. So shop around. I speak from experience when i say that it sucks when you spend alot of money on an enclosure but your ball python dies 3 days later because the seller that you got it from was selling sick animals at a cheap price to get rid of them.

keep the temps stable with a thermostat. Tubs are a great way to go and make all around husbandry so much easier and time effective. However I don't think you should look for the "cheapest setup" when preparing for a new animal considering that is where it will spend its life outside of handling. Tubs are cheap but very affective...I guess what I'm trying to say is if you don't think you can afford the proper equipment then wait which it sounds like you have been doing. "Cheap" shouldn't be foremost reason for doing something when it comes to keeping reptiles.

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Originally Posted by Shadow

But how do I get the temps right?

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That is why the best way to setup for any snake is setup the enclosure before you acutually buy the snake. Work on buying the proper enclosure equipment, then set everything up and work on getting the temperatures right. After your temperatures are correct, then purchase the snake.

I'm fully capable of knowing whether or not I can afford an animal. I do not skimp on cost when it really matters. I just spent over $1,000 on my beloved ferret whom had cancer and recently had to be put down . I'm considering a BP again because I've been studying up in them for 6 years and I figured it'd be a good comfort to me. Perhaps I worded it wrong, how about the most affordable set-up. not everyone can afford to run out and buy a thermostat and I'm sure they still have snakes. I've had plenty of experience with animals of every sort and I don't just rush into things and then end up not being able to handle it.
Anyway, what about a Rheostat, would that work?

Lamp Dimmers from Home Depot work just fine and I would recommend one if just for one snake, you can get plug in lamp dimmers were all you have to do is plug the UTH pad into it and then plug the dimmer into the wall. This will allow you to keep the temp up or down. They are about $20.

Just wanted to add that a secondary heat source is probably not needed so don't worry about that. Unless your keeping your cage in the freezer or outside then between the room temp it's in and the UTH you should be just fine.

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Originally Posted by HockeyFan2kx

Lamp Dimmers from Home Depot work just fine and I would recommend one if just for one snake, you can get plug in lamp dimmers were all you have to do is plug the UTH pad into it and then plug the dimmer into the wall. This will allow you to keep the temp up or down. They are about $20

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Thanks!

Got rid of that double post for ya pal ;)

Rheostats work alright, but thermostats are best. IMO...it basically depends on how much you want to worry about your setup. Rheostats can adjust the heating element but the temps can still vary alot. So you have to 'fiddle' with them in order to keep a more constant temp. With a thermostat, it keeps the heat source temperature constant....no matter what the room temps are.

For $20 more you will have alot less worry: http://www.mgreptiles.com/ZOOSTAT.html

Also, don't forget to drill holes in the tub if thats what you get. I'd say 4-6 holes in each corner about 2-3 inches from the bottom is perfect.

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Originally Posted by HockeyFan2kx

Just wanted to add that a secondary heat source is probably not needed so don't worry about that. Unless your keeping your cage in the freezer or outside then between the room temp it's in and the UTH you should be just fine.

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Maybe the enclosure will be close to a window, or under an air vent, or in a closet.....sometimes secondary heat sources are needed. Like I said before....

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Originally Posted by daniel1983

That is why the best way to setup for any snake is setup the enclosure before you acutually buy the snake. Work on buying the proper enclosure equipment, then set everything up and work on getting the temperatures right. After your temperatures are correct, then purchase the snake.

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Originally Posted by HockeyFan2kx

Also, don't forget to drill holes in the tub if thats what you get. I'd say 4-6 holes in each corner about 2-3 inches from the bottom is perfect.

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I have found that soldering irons work 10x better than drilling. That way you have less chance of cracking the tub.

I have got 6 snakes and have no thermostat not only due to budget but because I keep a good eye on temps. I live in an area with relatively stable temps and It doesn't get very cold or too hot and if it does I switch the UTH off. If you are unable to provide a thermostat atleast provide a thermometer(digital best) in order to monitor temps so that your snake does not end up with a RI or stop eating cos of bad husbandry.

If I'm not mistaken a Rheostat simply is like a volume button with temp. If you have a good themometer it could work.

However a thermostat is best not only for you but for your herp. I will soon be upgrading to a rack and tank setup which will include a reptile computer, monitoring temp and humidity and adjusting both when needed.

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Originally Posted by daniel1983

I have found that soldering irons work 10x better than drilling. That way you have less chance of cracking the tub.

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I only said drill because more people own drills as aposed to soldering irons. But even if you had both, I have used both and find drills work just find.

there is no need to get huffy about my post...all I am saying is that cheap is not necessarily good. Sure people can spend little and keep snakes, I guess its how much you want to put into keeping them and what risks you are willing to take. There are cheap methods that do work, but usually come with more risks. Nothing personal was was put on you it was a generalized statement, I just have this thing about responcibility and hearing/seeing to many people wanting an animal, buying it but then wanting to spend as little as possible to maintain it...


Also as I said some things that are cheap work as good or better...such as the tubs, to me they are not only cheap but more efficient in maintaining an environment the animals need. You don't necesarily HAVE to spend alot to properly keep animals but personally cringe when cheap is one of the first words that comes out when preparing for a new animal.

Nothing personal...if I read it wrong...I appologize and hope you can understand I only mean to look out for the well being of animals.

The only thing that sucks about drilling holes in the tubs (aside from the crack aspect, which I learned about the hard way) is the circles of plastic that get stuck on the drillbit. They can be such a pain in the @@@ to get off. Mucking with those damn things made my hole-drilling experience twice as long as it should have been, but maybe there's a lesson to be learned from all this...

Keeping mouth shut

Sorry it's been so long since I replied, I've been very busy.
Anyway......

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there is no need to get huffy about my post...

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I in no way intended to sound huffy and I apologize if I did. I just got a little agrivated with some of your tones making sound like I was some kind of cheap-wad who won't spend a few bucks on an animal. I have 2 dogs, 5 cats, a 'teil, 3 dwarf hamster, 15 fish and I just recenly lost a dwarf hamster and my beloved ferret, I've hand many pets of every sort and they get great care and are happy and healthy. I'm working on getting a career as a zookeeper, I've worked in a zoo and I work in a humane society, in other words I an not a newbie to pets and animals, exotic or otherwise. I have to admit I felt looked down on by you guys and might have gotten a bit touchy and I'm sorry. I have not gotten anything for the BP yet because I'm still researching and learning like I do with all my pets.

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You don't necesarily HAVE to spend alot to properly keep animals but personally cringe when cheap is one of the first words that comes out when preparing for a new animal.

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I'm sorry, but this gets to me. If I had originaly said affordable there probably would not be a problem aand I'm sorry I said the word cheap, but it means the same thing. I have large betta aquariums and I pride myself with my betta care but all they really need in a 1 gallon tank at room tempurature and a thermometer. If I were to be asked for the cheapest set-up that would be what i"d tell them rather than them having a 20 gallon. In other word, I know you guys have great set-up of which I could never afford and I wanted to know what I needed. Just because I might not get all the very best, most expensive things doesn't mean I'd care for the animal less it is just a matter-of-fact of what the NEED and what they don't. I'm not trying to agrue and be snippy, I just wanted you to understand that.

no harm done and no one was looking down on you. You have to understand that while those where have been here a while or have kept animals a while see way to many people focusing their money or lack thereof on the animal soley and not its upkeep. I'm not saying this is your situation but there are also many times people boast about all their current animals while that's all well and good some are not ready for another animal and sometimes probably shouldn't if they already have their hands full. Under proper conditions BP's don't have to be "work" though so there should be no issue.

It is a common misconception that it costs alot of money to keep reptiles...BUT...that doesn't mean you shouldn't be prepared to spend a decent ammount in unforseen events or equipment.

Good luck.

Perhaps cheap was the key word that set a few things off...so let's go with most cost effective or budget friendly LOL.

Shadow, even if you disregarded costs a nice appropriately sized sterlite or rubbermaid tub from WalMart or such like is very reasonable setup as it's so easy to get it ready and steady for a new snake coming in. A baby BP doesn't need or want a huge enclosure anyways so you'd likely be looking at less than $10.00 for one. Add in a soldering wand for around $6.00 (so easy to melt in the ventilation holes). A couple of hides and a water dish from any dollar store/WalMart type place will run around $5.00 total (lots of ideas for these just ask or forum search). Paper towels or newspaper for substrate to start off a new snake, maybe free or $1.00. Under belly heating, depending on choice say $20.00. A small tub in a decently warm room shouldn't need two different heat sources as far as I'm concerned. I think that's it (did I forget anything folks?)

So that total is about $42.00 for a simple, easy to maintain enclosure for a ball python. I didn't add in a rhenostat, tstat, dimmer, whatever as that's a wide range of choices with a wide range of costs.

Glass tanks will give you more of a "showcase" effect but if you are looking for something easy to regulate as far as heat and humidity, easy to clean and easy on your budget that's the way to go in my opinion.

Do make sure if you go with a plastic tub that it has very good lock down type clips plus add to your budget something to make sure the snake can't get out....some folks use bungie cords, suitcase straps, big clips, weight of some sort...whatever works to make sure a determined snake can't get out.

Hope this helped somewhat.


~~Jo~~

Oh I should have added this in and it costs you nothing but your time. Grab the yellow pages and start phoning around to the vet clinics to locate a vet that has experience with snakes. Ask for quotes for common things like fecal float, sexing, general exam and weighing. You may be surprised at the wide range vets charge so it's always good to get options. Also a lot of vets don't see snakes so better to have the number of one handy before you might need it.


~~Jo~~

Oh and you'll need a digital thermomter too! (no strips or dials PLEASE!!) One that will measure two temps and humidity. Those are cheap though, and only run about $10.

Geesh how could I have forgotten that! Thank you Christie! Here's what we use just for an idea (lots of choices though and I personally want a temp gun thingy) but these are not expensive and easy to find and work really quite well. WalMart $12.00 (I need a kick back from Wally World).

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v7.../Accu-Rite.jpg


~~Jo~~

I know a place that can take care of all that heating hoopla:)

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Originally Posted by justcage

I know a place that can take care of all that heating hoopla:)

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Geee, I wonder where? LMAO. :D

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Originally Posted by HockeyFan2kx

I only said drill because more people own drills as aposed to soldering irons. But even if you had both, I have used both and find drills work just find.

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another alternative is to heat up a piece of metal with a pointy end and use it by pushing gently on it and the metal slides right thru

i have found that by doing so it has less chances of cracking ( although not as good as a soldering iron)

i used a kitchen knife to make holes in one of my tubs, just heated the end up on the cooker, makes a mess of the knife tho and a soldering iron is much easier and quicker as you dont have to re-heat it up between each hole lol.