Tank Layout

[njdad61]

I am picking up my first BP later today and just want to make sure I have a sufficient tank setup. I have been researching nonstop since the moment I decided to buy one of these awesome creatures. The image (if you can even call it that...) is pretty self-explanatory. I appreciate any and all advice/comments on the layout. Thanks!!

[sarahlovesmiike]

The only thing your missing a thermometer with a probe to measure the UTH, other than that it looks good!

[njdad61]

I was going to use thermometers with probes, but was concerned about running wires through the tank, so I just bought an infrared temp gun. I do have the digital thermometer/hygrometer mounted for the air temp though!

[anatess]

Looks great!

My only suggestions:
If you can get that basking light with a dimmer switch that would give you more flexibility in balancing heat and humidity.
Putting lots of plastic vines and such will make it feel more secure for your snake, especially if it's a baby and it looks pretty too.
A lock wouldn't be a bad idea either.

I have to COMMEND you for your preparation! You are waaay cool, dude!

[sarahlovesmiike]

Then you're golden!

[sarahlovesmiike]

Ball pythons don't really "bask"... But if you need to keep the ambient temps up then I would definitely recommend a red, blue, or black, bulb because it doesn't bother them at night. You could always go with a ceramic heat emitter too.

[njdad61]

I forgot to put that I have the lamp on a digital timer (on 12h/off 12h). I read on several care sheets that although BPs don't require UV rays since they are nocturnal, it helps to have defined artificial day/night periods to simulate their natural habitat. The ambient temps are in the low 80s at night but if this drops during the winter months I'll probably end up changing to an IR bulb and hooking it up to another Herpstat with a night mode.

Edit: On second thought, I might switch to a CHE anyways. The light coming in the room windows should be sufficient to distinguish day from night.

[saber2th]

Just remember, with CHE and light bulbs, they will reduce you humidity. You will need to cover most or all of the screen top and put holes in what ever you use to cover it with. You want the humidity in the tank around 50-60%.
Good luck and welcome to the addiction! Post some pictures of your new snake and set up!

[Amp625]

i started with the same set up its really great your researching but i dont recommend the basking light it will crank the temps up usually too high at 75 watt maybe not in winter but it did for me, so i kept the UTH and put a red light in that runs nonstop and keeps the air temp at about 80, sorry if your temps turn out different with a basking light but thats wat happened to me. GOOD LUCK

[njdad61]

i started with the same set up its really great your researching but i dont recommend the basking light it will crank the temps up usually too high at 75 watt maybe not in winter but it did for me, so i kept the UTH and put a red light in that runs nonstop and keeps the air temp at about 80, sorry if your temps turn out different with a basking light but thats wat happened to me. GOOD LUCK

You are definitely right about the basking light. It was upping my ambient temps to about 93 and my humidity wouldn't get over 46. Switched it out for an infrared bulb last night. My ambient air temp is now around 86 between the warm/hot areas and the humidity is stable at 56%. It's on a timer so I'll have to monitor it tonight to see how much the temp/humidity variates..