How's this setup?

[user445]

I am looking to purchase a juvenile Ball Python from my local pet store (probably Petsmart), and I was hoping to get some feedback on the setup I am looking at before I proceed:

From Petsmart also:

1. 20-Gallon Long Aquarium
2. Secure lid
   

From BigAppleHerp.com:

1. Zoo Med ASPEN Bedding
2. Quat Plus Cleaner, Deodorizer & Stain Remover
3. Big Apple's Imported Premium Grade Sphagnum Moss
4. Exo-Terra Water Dish - Ex-Large (10.5" x 9" x 3" High)
5. Zoo Med Repti-Therm Undertank Heater (8" x 6") 10-20 Gal
6. Zoo Med Repti Shelter 3 in 1 Cave MEDIUM (8" x 7" x 4" High)
   

From Rodentpro.com:

1. 25 Rat pups - Weekly feeding
   

Am I off track anywhere?

[Big Gunns]

Unless you're keeping it in a room that stays around 80 degrees, you'll need a light(something) to raise the temp of the ambient air in the tank.

A ten gallon would probably be better for a baby, although the 20 can work. You'll need a few hides.

Also, it might not want to eat frozen thawed, so you might wanna be ready to feed live.

[Alice]

Very good start! Some suggestions:

I agree with BG about the 20 gallon and the f/t vs. live.

You'll probably want more than 1 hide in an aquarium. If you don't want to buy or make additional hides, crumpled up newspaper seems to work well as hiding places.

What is your "secure lid" for your aquarium made of? If it is screen, you will need something to cover most of the screening material so humidity stays at the right level. Maybe a piece of plexiglass?

You may want to get your aspen from your local pet store as it is usually expensive to ship.

I don't see a T-stat on your list; in my opinion a must have.

Finally, I would consider buying your new BP from a local breeder or at a reptile show instead of a pet store. While some have not had any problems buying from pet stores, many have bought BPs there that do not thrive. In addition the cost of a normal juvi BP from a breeder or at a show is usually less than half of what a pet store charges. Depending on where you live, there might be some on this forum that can help you out.

There is a lot of info on setting up a BP in the sticky on this site.

Good luck and post pics of your BP once you get it home.

[ATLBalls]

unless you are setting up a fancy naturalistic display tank I would look into just using plastic tubs. these are not very active snakes and will spend pretty much all of it's time out of sight.

those are way cheaper than a glass tank and much easier to clean.

also personally I don't think you need to buy fancy cleaning spray. Hot soapy water will clean most anything just fine. I clean my tubs with just whatever dishwashing soap I have around. personally I think the notion that they must have everything completely sterilized is overrated. as long as you keep up on keeping its water bowl clean and don't allow waste to just sit in the enclosure you'll be good.

[romankea]

use a tub!

[romankea]

save some cash

[Calift]

Don't buy from petsmart......there are SOOO many healthy, beautiful ball pythons that are a much better value from breeders!

[seeya205]

I agree! Try to find a local breeder! Save money and get a better quality snake!

[user445]

Expanding and modifying my shopping list based on the advice given:

From Petsmart:

1. The BP unless someone knows a local breeder from San Antonio, TX? I found a couple of breeders online but once you add shipping / minimum order charges, it would be every bit as expensive as Petsmart.
2. 20-Gallon Long Aquarium
3. Secure lid, half screen and half plexi-glass
4. Zoo Med ASPEN Bedding
   

From BigAppleHerp.com:

1. Quat Plus Cleaner, Deodorizer & Stain Remover
2. Big Apple's Imported Premium Grade Sphagnum Moss
3. Exo-Terra Water Dish - Ex-Large (10.5" x 9" x 3" High)
4. Zoo Med Repti-Therm Undertank Heater (8" x 6") 10-20 Gal
5. Zoo Med Repti Shelter 3 in 1 Cave MEDIUM (8" x 7" x 4" High)
6. Zoo Med Thermometer & Humidity Gauge
7. Zoo Med Deluxe DIMMABLE Clamp Lamp - 8.5 Inches
8. Zoo Med Repticare Ceramic Emitter 60 Watts
9. Exo-Terra Reptile Cave - Medium (9" x 6" x 2.5" High)
   

From Rodentpro.com (I asked, the snakes at Petsmart are already fed F/T so this won't cause a problem):

1. 25 Rat pups - Weekly feeding
   

Am I still missing anything / off base anywhere?

Edit:

Forgot to mention... ambiant temperature in my room is usually between 70-75 F. Sometimes, not often, it will get as low as 65 F.

[ItsMichael805]

i would try to get the money for a bp from a breeder. would you want to spend a little bit more money, or have to take a bp to the vet, which is very expensive,
one thing you missed was a rheostat or thermostat.