Clarification on some things

Hey! I was here a few months ago asking questions about BP before I purchased. Well now I have the money to buy everything I need, but I'm still somewhat confused on what to get to set up a tank. Here's what I'm planning on getting:

(1) 20L Tank (glass terrarium with screen sliding/locking lid)
(2) UTH - one for the cool side and one for the warm side
(1) water dish - medium size
(1) package of Reptile Bark substrate
(1) tank decoration - I'm liking the look of the wood pieces
(2) plastic leaf tank decorations
(2) identical hides - the plain black ones from Reptile Basics seem to be where I'm heading

Now, I know I need a something to measure temperature and humidity levels, but I'm confused as to what exactly I need. I've heard the term rheostat, but am confused as to what it does/how to use one. I was reading that I need two clamp lights as well (one for daytime light/one for nighttime light) and a good way to manage all of it is a power strip with timer settings.

Now, do I need MULTIPLE thermometers/humidity gauges? Do I need multiple Rheostats?

I plan on doing the aluminum foil treatment to the lid to keep in warmth but I need to know if I need to leave holes for the two lights and ventilation.

If someone could help me out with clarifying the problems I'm having with understand measuring/sustaining temperatures and humidity.

Thanks!

Rheostat/Thermostat measure the temps in your setup.

It would be nice if you could get two...

One for the hot side, one for the cool side.

It is MUCH MORE IMPORTANT to have one for the hot side, however, unless you live in Alaska and need to monitor your cold side as being too cold.

Since you will have a UTH on your cool side as well (any particular reason why?), yes, get two.

You don't need light for your snake, but only for whatever you need. I'd opt for one lamp for when you choose to have it on..

a rheostat is basically a light dimmer. I picked up one at a large hardware store(Menards) and it plugs into a wall socket, and then you can plug your electrical device into the rheostat. Mine is a sliding light dimmer type.

I have a thermometer/hygrometer combo that measure the ambient air temp/humidity levels, and I have an infrared thermometer gun for measuring substrate temps.

Yes you need to leave holes for the lights and ventilation.

hope that helps :D

I have a setup using a 20l and the foil and tape on top to keep in heat and humidity. I aslo implemented the do it yourself humifier, which can be found here:
http://ball-pythons.net/modules/Sect...warticle&id=53

If you are going to use a light on top, just cut a circle through the tape/foil and place the light there. BE SURE to put the light on a dimmer so it doesnt get too hot in the enclosure. You can modify the diy humidifier a bit where you have two hoses going into the tank and that will provide your snake with enough fresh humid air where you dont need the ventelation areas cut on each side at the top. As far as measuring temps, get at least two digital thermometers, one on the hot and one on the cool side, and if your budget allows it, get a digital temp/humidity device to place in the center. I would also consider getting a temp gun. They are VERY USEFUL! Just letting you know what is working for me!

So, I need 1 thermometer and 1 rheostat? The rheostat just controls the thermometer or controls the UTH?

I thought I needed 2 UTH to keep the cool side at a consistent temp and one on the warm side to keep it slightly higher? Do I only need 1 UTH (which I would put on the warm side)?

I would get two rheostats, or dimmers. Aslo two therms. One to control the output of the UTH and one to control the output of the above tank light if you will be using one of those. If you havent already bought your dome fixture, you can find one with a dimmer built in. With an UTH and a heat source above, your cool end should be fine. Place the above tank light over towards the end with the UTH, and once you have your top covered, the temps on the cool side will be fine.

Alright, so I'm getting:

(1) UTH
(1) Clamp lamp
(2) Thermometers [1 under warm hide; 1 under cool hide]
(2) Rheostats [1 controls UTH; 1 controls clamp lamp]

What do I need to measure humidity? And where do I put it?

Yes, Rheostats are dimmers that can control the output of electricity to what you are using. (I clumped it in there with thermostats, sorry)

I wouls suggest getting a thermostat instead of a rheostat, considering the fact that if you don't have a way to determine what the temps are for the UTH, what would be the purpose of adjusting the temps?

Get a thermostat for the UTH, and a rheostat for the lamp.

OK... Now I understand. Thank you. :)

I have these for my temp and Hum.

http://pet.imageg.net/graphics/produ...761646t400.jpg

Hope this helps!

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Originally Posted by scales owner

I have these for my temp and Hum.

http://pet.imageg.net/graphics/produ...761646t400.jpg

Hope this helps!

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Those are the ones!:gj:

Do you use 2 of those? One to monitor the warm hide and one to monitor the cool hide?

Or do you just use 1 for the entire tank?

Just use one of the temp/humidity devices and place it in the center of the tank about an inch above the substrate. Use the digital thermometers with the probes on the hot and cool side.

Ohhhh. Ok.

From personal experiance I would say do not get a glass aquarium!!!! They are hard to keep humidity in and temps go crazy when its hot or cold outside. I would use sterilite tubs! They are cheaper and easier to keep humid and temps correct! IMHO

Yeah, I've heard this, but I'm going to try my best to get it to work because I like the look a bit better than tubs. I'm going to aluminum treat the lid, and corkboard insulate the back and side panels.

As for measuring temps/humidity, the unit most often recommended on this site is the Accurite Indoor/Outdoor Thermometer with Probe. I picked one up at my local Walmart for $12. It has a probe that you can put under the warm side hide, and the unit itself can sit on the cool side measuring the cool side temp and the humidity...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Inknsteel

As for measuring temps/humidity, the unit most often recommended on this site is the Accurite Indoor/Outdoor Thermometer with Probe. I picked one up at my local Walmart for $12. It has a probe that you can put under the warm side hide, and the unit itself can sit on the cool side measuring the cool side temp and the humidity...

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So then you don't need a second thermometer for the cool hide?

Is it better to measure the humidity near the cool hide or is it better to measure humidity in a central spot? (center/back of tank 1 inch above substrate).

The reason you don't need a cool temp thermometer as much as a warm side one is as I brought up before.

If YOU are cold, so is the snake on the cold side.

You won't really harm your snake if the cool side is at 70 degrees F. It can get sick if it gets colder, but it thermoregulates, so it is less likely to be the case..

You WILL if you have your hot side at 100+ degrees.

Understandable. Sorry, with trying to figure out all this technical stuff, common sense seems to jump away from my mind. It makes perfect sense when you just related it to how I am temperature wise.

I would suggest getting an infrared (IR) thermometer, and a digital scale. Not absolute requirements, but if you have a little extra cash I would highly recommend getting them. They come in very handy, especially if you like to keep detailed records. An added value is that both items have many other uses beyond BP husbandry.

Few things ..

1. Wood decor only adds to the frustration if .. say mites were to come with your bark.
2. Don't use reptile bark. Aspen is the way to go.

Other than those two pieces of advice, the rest seems to have been covered well, or others have had input.

GL

Quote:

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Originally Posted by simplechamp

I would suggest getting an infrared (IR) thermometer, and a digital scale. Not absolute requirements, but if you have a little extra cash I would highly recommend getting them. They come in very handy, especially if you like to keep detailed records. An added value is that both items have many other uses beyond BP husbandry.

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Is the infrared thermometer a way of monitoring the temperature inside the hides?

Is the scale to weigh the BP to make sure weight is consistent?

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Originally Posted by cuda

Few things ..

1. Wood decor only adds to the frustration if .. say mites were to come with your bark.
2. Don't use reptile bark. Aspen is the way to go.

Other than those two pieces of advice, the rest seems to have been covered well, or others have had input.

GL

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Is there a way to find out or make sure mites aren't on the wood decor?

I haven't been able to find packaged Aspen at all. Do you have any links to where I can get some? All I've seen is the Reptile Bark.

http://http://www.reptilesupply.com/...p?cPath=38_108

theres a link for the aspen, I know places like lllreptile.com has it too.

I read you can disinfect then bake the wood dry, not sure exactly

the scale also helps in weighing feeders, which in turns increases your ability to eyeball weights

I might get the scale later on.

I'll definitely get the aspen instead.

What's the benefit of the temp gun though?

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Originally Posted by Johnny Hive X

Is there a way to find out or make sure mites aren't on the wood decor?

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bake it before putting into the cage. 300 for 20 mins should do it. Never use bark from outside.

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Originally Posted by BlueSilver

bake it before putting into the cage. 300 for 20 mins should do it. Never use bark from outside.

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Do I have to worry about it catching on fire?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Johnny Hive X

Do I have to worry about it catching on fire?

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300 shouldn't be hot enough for it to combust

Then I'll be bakin' some wood.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Johnny Hive X

Is the infrared thermometer a way of monitoring the temperature inside the hides?

Is the scale to weigh the BP to make sure weight is consistent?

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An infrared thermometer lets you measure the exact surface temperature of your warm and cool sides of your enclosure. Gun-type ones are very popular; you aim, pull a trigger, and get a temp readout. They instantly give you surface temps, whereas many other thermometers only measure air temps. Probed digital thermometers still work well, but when looking strictly at surface temps the IR thermometer wins hands down. You can check many places in a matter of seconds. Still need a cheapo digital thermometer for ambient temps, but the IR thermometer is nice if you've got a few extra bucks.

The digital scale is used to monitor the BPs weight, and also to measure and record how much you are feeding. Takes the guess-work out of what size to feed, when to move up in size, etc. Just feed 10-15% of your BPs weight per meal, as a rule of thumb. And if your BP starts losing weight you will know right away, which can give you a crucial head start in diagnosing and remedying any health problems.

As mentioned before, both devices have many other uses, so you can get your money's worth out of the purchase.

Here's a good temp gun: http://www.reptilebasics.com/412L-IR...r-p-16288.html

Here's a good scale: http://www.reptilebasics.com/My-Weig...l-p-16191.html

Sweet! I appreciate you taking the time to hunt those down and explaining them both for me.

How often do you weigh a BP?

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Originally Posted by starmom

Here's a good temp gun: http://www.reptilebasics.com/412L-IR...r-p-16288.html

Here's a good scale: http://www.reptilebasics.com/My-Weig...l-p-16191.html

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Johnny Hive X

Sweet! I appreciate you taking the time to hunt those down and explaining them both for me.

How often do you weigh a BP?

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I like to weigh mine when it is looking bigger about every two months or so is about how often I weigh.

I weigh after each poop! :P