Should I add lighting to my FB-70? Should I get a vision instead?

[Yodathebirder]

Hello.

We just acquired an GHI male BP at eight months of age. We purchased a VE-100 (flex watt) with a FB70 (with water dish) and a white shelving unit (with back plate), medium black hide, and coco substrate.

Reading about BP's and their nocturnal nature, we are unsure if we are giving enough light for our little guy to know the day cycle.

Would the use of a top down light on a timer for the rack, or a vision cage style be a better choice? Would it really be needed given their nocturnal shy nature? I have read that they are usually not nuts about being a display pet.

We do not intend to breed and the BP will remain solo in the enclosure always. Wife likes the Vision system but is that best for our BP?

Thank you.

Pic of our FB70 showing how much light may enter at the top of the tub: https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/sho...mageuser=86085

[Bogertophis]

Snakes (including BPs) should not be kept in darkness 24/7, so yes, if your tub is opaque, you need to make some modifications for a day-night cycle. They won't enjoy being stuck under bright light either- just the normal ambient room light is best -assuming there's a window or 2 in the room where the snake is.

[jmcrook]

Could just get a non opaque fb70 tub as well. Definitely easier than adding lights to a rack.

While I do enjoy tubs/racks for their ease of maintenance and cleaning, you may get more enjoyment out of your new pet in an actual cage even if it spends 90% of the time hiding. There’s no real casual observation of the animal in a tub.


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[Yodathebirder]

Thank you for your responses. We have a gray tub and it appears very dark in there.

I was thinking a recessed LED on low watt setting placed on top of the enclosure with a hole and secured and with a timer. Enough that the BP can escape the direct light if desired. 5000k daylight I assume. Plexiglass on the hole of course.

Another option is to cut open a square in the front of the tub and add plexiglass to allow natural room light in.

Most of all I want our BP to be happy and healthy.

[Bogertophis]

I think just replacing the tub with one that's not opaque is the easiest, best & most cost-effective option. Plexi is pricey, plus the work to install? I'd replace the tub. And it doesn't need to be completely clear either- it should just let some light in, with a fogginess that gives privacy at the same time. (Sterilites do that.)

BPs only need enough daylight to know it's day or night- aka "photo-period". You can take them outside occasionally for REAL sunshine that will benefit them, but they're mostly nocturnal so that constant sunlight (or artificial lighting) is not natural for them anyway.

Keep this tub for a side option when you need to clean...

...Most of all I want our BP to be happy and healthy.

That's the most important thing.