My new setup

Just thought I'd share a pic of my new set up and hear what u guys think (and what I could do differently)

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/4...6109AZuG7Vq5bC

Digital thermometer and more consistent heat.

The little plastic strips are terrible for measuring temps. Also, since heat rises, temps should be measured at the ground level where the snake lives.

Lamps are fine if you want to use them, but you can't leave them on 24 hours a day or they will stress your snake. But when you turn them off at night, the temps in the cage drop. Using a red bulb or a ceramic bulb will keep the cage the same temp 24 hours a day which is better for your snake. Or, you could just switch to UTH's.

-adam

I use a UTH on one side 24/7 (but don't have a thermostat). I turn the lamp off from 11pm until 7am. I plan on getting a digital thermometer.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Janus

I use a UTH on one side 24/7 (but don't have a thermostat). I turn the lamp off from 11pm until 7am. I plan on getting a digital thermometer.

---

Your snake would do better if you found a way to keep the heat constant 24 hours a day instead of dropping temps at night by turning the lamp off.

There's no need for a night time temp drop if you own a single ball python.

-adam

You can keep the temps more consistant by replacing the bulb is a nighttime reptile bulb.....then just leave it on 24/7

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Adam_Wysocki

Your snake would do better if you found a way to keep the heat constant 24 hours a day instead of dropping temps at night by turning the lamp off.

There's no need for a night time temp drop if you own a single ball python.

-adam

---

Adam, what about a "day lamp" and a "night lamp?" Day being white light, night being a red lamp, each on a timer. One is on at all times, but not both together. This is in addition to a UTH on the side with the lamps.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by IamKaervek

Adam, what about a "day lamp" and a "night lamp?" Day being white light, night being a red lamp, each on a timer. One is on at all times, but not both together. This is in addition to a UTH on the side with the lamps.

---

Same difference ... however you want to make the temps 82-84 on one side, 92-94 on the other 24 hours a day 7 days a week is all good for your snake.

For the 2 light set up, a good tip is to set the timer so that the "second light" comes on about 30 minutes before the "first light" goes off (and vice versa) .... That way the "second light" has time to warm up.

-adam

k, got a red lamp, and a digital thermometer/hygrometer
(and will still use the UTH 24/7)

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/4...6109AZuG7Vq5bC

Looks nice :)

Is that another hide in the corner, behind your water dish?

Sorry for the quick thread hijack... Adam (or any other BP Mastermind that would like to give advice) Right now I'm using a 100W Red flood light just about 24/7 with a setup very similar to Janus's. Is there a big difference between a "reptile" light and a regular outdoor flood?

Yea, he likes it better because it's tighter (even though it's on the cool side of the tank). Should I switch it to the warm side then?

I notice that they spend the majority of their time on the cooler end, thats not saying they don't like the warm side, but adding a hide similar to the one on the cool side will give him the option. I'd recommend doing that.

How's the humidity?

If its too low, you can go here http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...3&page=2&pp=10 to look at what to do to correct that.

Did you say you didn't have a thermostat? Do you have a rheostat or anything controling the temp of the UTH? I know they get very hot if you just plug them into and outlet... a friend of mine did that and it got hot enough to severly burn and kill her snake. Not trying to butt in at all, just thought I'd mention it as a precaution.


Lira

No, I don't have a thermostat or a rheostate (thus there is nothing controlling the UTH). However, I just bought a digital thermometer and I'm having trouble getting the temperature over 80 degrees (even on the hot side). Is it possible the red bulb is not generating enough heat?

I found that using a 150W ceramic heating element and a rheostat gives me great control over my temps. Yes 150W is a bit much for the cage size but that is what the rheostat is there for. Like Adam mentioned ceramic heat allows you to maintain a set temp 24/7 without emitting light.

As for general lighting of the enclosure I simply used florecent aquarium light. You could also by a simple on/off timer from Home Depot, set it for your desired day/night cycle and you have one less thing to worry about.