My new Ball Python

[mrshawt]

I would keep you snakes setup how it is except I would add a bit of constuction paper on the sides so its not as open. Other then that I dont see any problems. I stated with a 20g L tank for my first and second snakes (seperate tanks) and never had any issues. Its all dependent on the snake. If your snake eats, poops, and sheds fine then leave it be.

I agree on the covering the sides thing. If you use a thicker material, such as foam board, you can insulate the tank a little bit if that's ever an issue.

[Kristian]

That tank is awesome! I wouldn't change a thing unless you run into problems, like your snake refusing food or humidity issues. Your snake will let you know if it is too big or too small.

[BMorrison]

I would keep things the way they are. Looks like you're doing a great job so far and I'm diggin' the tank.

Remember ladies and gents there is more than 1 way of keeping these lovelies and every snake is different. I know starting glass tanks and bigger environments can be challenging and isn't necessarily recommended as that's how I started but I did go about things a little different way than the most basic guidelines and it took a little extra work but a year later I have a healthy growin' boy still

Not saying that the suggestions of change aren't good because based on what's been proven they are very good guidelines. I didn't take the time to read through every post but if you have a UTH hooked up get a Thermostat asap and I recommend Dion at Spyder Robotics.

Good Luck!

[Montie Python]

I'm a newbie

Dude your snake is living in Beverly Hills! Nice setup! I agree with the others, the snake will let you know what you're doing wrong...just keep reading the forums, and you'll get an idea yourself...

I would switch the light to a nocturnal infared, and paint the sides black, or use the foam walls as suggested...

[N1GHTRA1N]

Okay so I made a few changes today. First off it is hard to get a digital thermometer/hygrometer device here locally. So I'm going to order one online, do you think one of those stick on LCD ones will be fine until I ca get a better one?

So I added an additional hide cave on the cool side of the tank and some Exo-Terra suction cup plants on the sides of the tank to help the openess. I also added a climing vine and he loves it, in fact within 15 mins of me setting it up he was climbing it. Here are a few new pictures.

The outside with new plant added, you can also see another on the opposite wall.



The new hiding cave, it is smaller than the other one I have but it should fit him better now and when he out grows it I'll replace it.



A shot of the entire setup now.



And a few of him hanging out on the vine.











What do you guys think, I'm trying to improve it based on your suggestions.

Thanks.

[mrshawt]

Holy crap! I have that same plant in the top right.
The only thing I'd be worried about with the vine is due to the fact that they are terrestrial snakes. Just be careful that he doesn't take a spill up there, it's a long way down.

btw, how did you attach the vine to everything?

[zackw419]

Having a UTH without a rheostat/thermostat is dangerous, especially without a thermometer to measure the temps.
Soil is not recommended as a substrate. Aspen, Repti-bark, paper towels, and newspaper are all good.
You'll want two hides - one for the hot/cool sides.
The climbing branches are not really necessary as bp's are terrestrial snakes for the most part.
And make sure you get digital hydros/therms, not analog.

Check this out, it has a lot of helpful info:
caresheet

It's still nice to provide them with the option if convenient.

Nice setup by the way.

[N1GHTRA1N]

Holy crap! I have that same plant in the top right.
The only thing I'd be worried about with the vine is due to the fact that they are terrestrial snakes. Just be careful that he doesn't take a spill up there, it's a long way down.

btw, how did you attach the vine to everything?

The vine isn't actually attached, it is very ridged and sturdy, but you can bend to to whatever shape you want to I wrapped a small vine around a medium vine and basically bent it in half and twisted it a bit. I then separated it at the end and untwisted the small from the medium a bit. I then position it in the substrate like four legs basically and it holds itself in place. I think I may get a sticky cup hook to stick to the side of the glass and hold the vine up there. Right now it is fine but once he starts gaining weight I'm concerned he may cause it to fall down and a cup hook or something similar should prevent that.

[TheOtherLeadingBrand]

I love the improvements. That is a beautiful set up that would be a lovely addition to any home IMO! Your snake is gorgeous too. Wow. I would live in that tank if I could fit

[mrshawt]

The vine isn't actually attached, it is very ridged and sturdy, but you can bend to to whatever shape you want to I wrapped a small vine around a medium vine and basically bent it in half and twisted it a bit. I then separated it at the end and untwisted the small from the medium a bit. I then position it in the substrate like four legs basically and it holds itself in place. I think I may get a sticky cup hook to stick to the side of the glass and hold the vine up there. Right now it is fine but once he starts gaining weight I'm concerned he may cause it to fall down and a cup hook or something similar should prevent that.

Good. Very nice looking.