So I am going to have to upgrade my enclosure for my ball python soon and am seriously considering live planted. I own and have read 'The Art of Keeping Snakes' so I have the basics I think.
My thought process so far has been this: do a 3x2x2 PVC cage with heat tape covering the majority of the floor space (warm the soil and help evaporate water from the drainage layer into the soil). Also, have a RHP for ambient/hot spot. I don't really want a discussion on whether RHP's work or not as I know this is a hot topic. I know some people can seem to make them work. As well as going with a 2' tall enclosure I will need the extra heating. Then I could use a full spectrum lighting fixture for the plants so they get their requirements. I don't have plans to cover the entire floor with plants, just throw a few in like a bromeliad or two, a fern, a golden pothos near the back for some cover and maybe a sansevieria. Obviously I would need a thermostat with more outputs (I have a Herpstat II) to run both heat sources and the lighting.
I would get the tank set up and give it at least 3 months to get established before introducing my ball python as well as to work out any kinks I may run into.
Thoughts/opinions? I would also look into doing a glass enclosure, but I would probably have to go the route of custom made which just is not in my budget.
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