Cage Setup Advice -Beginner

[Pixlface]

Hello everyone!

In about two months I will be getting my first snake! A female baby axanthic killer bee. I've been doing tons of research and I look forward to taking advice and learning more here!

I'm sure you all have seen lots of these posts but I would like advice on my cage details to make sure I provide my first noodle with the best before buying!

Cage: Getting a AnimalPlastics T3 36L X 24W X 12H sliding glass doors with locks.

Need advice on what custom additions to add!!
11" flexible belly heat tape
Led lighting/fluorescent light
8.5 inch circle screen (center. left, right)
20x12 inch screen (center. left, right)
(Here is the product link: www.apcages.com/…/terrestrial-c…/products/t3-36l-x-24w-x-12h )


Substrate: amzn.to/2w22IxV
Thermostat: www.lllreptile.com/…/19063-vivarium-electronics-ve100-therm…
Heat mat thermostat: amzn.to/2jiLLJr
Heat mat: amzn.to/2gXqog6

Have a water dish, 2 hides one open and one more enclosed, foliage and 2 large branches.


Thank you again everyone! I look forward to being here!

[bcr229]

Wow. I'm gobsmacked. You are actually doing it right. Color me impressed and that is not easy.

My only suggestion since you are getting a baby is to get a small tub with a lid initially and set the baby up in that. Put the tub inside the T3 so 1/3 of it is over the heat tape, as a baby could easily get overwhelmed in the T3. Once the baby grows up a bit you can transition it.

[Pixlface]

Wow. I'm gobsmacked. You are actually doing it right. Color me impressed and that is not easy.

My only suggestion since you are getting a baby is to get a small tub with a lid initially and set the baby up in that. Put the tub inside the T3 so 1/3 of it is over the heat tape, as a baby could easily get overwhelmed in the T3. Once the baby grows up a bit you can transition it.

Ahh!! Thank you so much! I wanted to make sure I was extra prepared!

I have this tub ready for that actually! Should've put that in my post: https://www.freedombreeder.com/product/fb70-sc-c

Do you have advice if I should have the cage company add that heat tape or buy the heat pad I had in my list. Or your personal preference using heat tape or a heat pad.

Also! I could not decide on a humidy monitor if you have suggestions. Or a humidifier. But, I'd be fine with some elbow grease spraybottling it myself.

Last also need suggestions for digital indoor and outdoor thermometers? I'm sure I could find some but might as well ask from those with experience!

[Craiga 01453]

Ahh!! Thank you so much! I wanted to make sure I was extra prepared!

I have this tub ready for that actually! Should've put that in my post: https://www.freedombreeder.com/product/fb70-sc-c

Do you have advice if I should have the cage company add that heat tape or buy the heat pad I had in my list. Or your personal preference using heat tape or a heat pad.

Also! I could not decide on a humidy monitor if you have suggestions. Or a humidifier. But, I'd be fine with some elbow grease spraybottling it myself.

Last also need suggestions for digital indoor and outdoor thermometers? I'm sure I could find some but might as well ask from those with experience!

I agree with bcr 100%
Great job being prepared!!

As for the digital thermometer/hygrometer question: many of us, myself included, prefer Accurite brand dual thermometer/hygrometers. They're indoor/outdoor dual purpose. Found in the garden section at Wal-Mart for $10ish. Can be found online as well.

[SDA]

Don't buy the thermostat from LLLreptile. Buy it direct please. Not saying they are questionable but LLL has had issues lately.

http://www.reptilebasics.com/thermostats

Also the VE100 is only a single probe controlled non proportional thermostat.

I would highly recommend a ve300x2 or if money is tight, the herpstat ez2. Otherwise get the herpstat 2

http://www.spyderrobotics.com/

You don't need a jumpstat and a VE thermostat, just get one that can control two heat sources. The VE300x2, the herpstat ez2 or the herpstat 2


Also, for substrate I recommend reptile prime instead

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075RWB3DX

[Phillydubs]

Looks like someone did their homework!! Nice job!

the guys above all Gabe you some great info and tips.

Im currently using both pre-wired heat mats and the heat mats from reptile basics.

The ones from reptile basics are a bit sturdier and firm but there is a lot of flexibility with the heat tape as it can be cut to many shapes and sizes.

One word for the wise is to get your list in order and order once and be done.

I jave a tendency to get ahead of myself and make too many orders and over order and says money on shipping and things I don’t need.

Also as said above. Go direct whenever possible.

What size is yojr snake. I know you said baby but what’s the hatch date and weight ?

[Pixlface]

I agree with bcr 100%
Great job being prepared!!

As for the digital thermometer/hygrometer question: many of us, myself included, prefer Accurite brand dual thermometer/hygrometers. They're indoor/outdoor dual purpose. Found in the garden section at Wal-Mart for $10ish. Can be found online as well.

Awesome! Thank you for that I'll pick that up today then!

Don't buy the thermostat from LLLreptile. Buy it direct please. Not saying they are questionable but LLL has had issues lately.

http://www.reptilebasics.com/thermostats

Also the VE100 is only a single probe controlled non proportional thermostat.

I would highly recommend a ve300x2 or if money is tight, the herpstat ez2. Otherwise get the herpstat 2

http://www.spyderrobotics.com/

You don't need a jumpstat and a VE thermostat, just get one that can control two heat sources. The VE300x2, the herpstat ez2 or the herpstat 2


Also, for substrate I recommend reptile prime instead

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075RWB3DX

Thank you a ton for this was extremely helpful for the leftover items I wasn't sure of!
I have decided to go with the Herpstat EZ2.
Also I've updated my cage list in my original post to include all these suggestions and changes to my purchases.

Looks like someone did their homework!! Nice job!

the guys above all Gabe you some great info and tips.

Im currently using both pre-wired heat mats and the heat mats from reptile basics.

The ones from reptile basics are a bit sturdier and firm but there is a lot of flexibility with the heat tape as it can be cut to many shapes and sizes.

One word for the wise is to get your list in order and order once and be done.

I jave a tendency to get ahead of myself and make too many orders and over order and says money on shipping and things I don’t need.

Also as said above. Go direct whenever possible.

What size is yojr snake. I know you said baby but what’s the hatch date and weight ?

I'll probably go ahead and have the heat tape added when I order the cage then and have a heat pad ready. Watching the tape to see if that is enough and go from there watching it closely.
Will do! I was planning to order one or two things a week until the snake arrives.

Born december 2017, 85g. I have a smaller rack tub ready while she gets bigger as bcr229 suggested.

[Pixlface]

I didn't edit my post in time!

------------------------------------
Changes on my cage items due to replies:

Cage: AnimalPlastics T3 36L X 24W X 12H sliding glass doors with locks.
Custom additions adding:
11" flexible belly heat tape
Led lighting white
(Here is the product link: www.apcages.com/…/terrestrial-c…/products/t3-36l-x-24w-x-12h )

Since the snake will be a baby I will be using this tub: https://www.freedombreeder.com/product/fb70-sc-c
The tub inside the T3 so 1/3 of it is over the heat tape until bigger.

I will be using heat tape for the warm side and a heat mat on the cool side.
Substrate: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075RWB3DX
Thermostat: Herpstat EZ2
Heat mat: amzn.to/2gXqog6
Cage humidity and thermometer: https://www.amazon.com/Zilla-Reptile.../dp/B004PBB1XU

Have a water dish, 2 hides one open and one more enclosed, foliage and 2 large branches.

[Crowley136]

[QUOTE=bcr229;2609597]Wow. I'm gobsmacked. You are actually doing it right. Color me impressed and that is not easy.

My only suggestion since you are getting a baby is to get a small tub with a lid initially and set the baby up in that. Put the tub inside the T3 so 1/3 of it is over the heat tape, as a baby could easily get overwhelmed in the T3. Once the baby grows up a bit you can transition it.[/QUOTE

Is there a wrong way to do it as long as all your husbandry is spot on and such?

[bcr229]

Is there a wrong way to do it as long as all your husbandry is spot on and such?

Sadly if you look at ball python ads on Craigslist you find them in bone dry open-top glass tanks with no heat, or if there is a heat source there's no thermostat regulating it.