Few quick questions (heat pads, hides, and substrate)

[Wiggy]

First question, heat pads. My enclosure is 24x24. I know the general rule of thumb is that the pad should cover about 1/3 of the bottom. So this would require a 192 square inch pad.

The 2 pads I'm looking at are a ZooMed 8x18, or Exo-Terra 11x17.

The ZooMed I understand are easier to remove (if I ever have to). Also, my thinking is that while the Exo-Terra, on paper, fits this 'rule' better, the narrower ZooMed will allow the snake to move a farther distance from the actual heat source, so a better temperature gradient could be made.

I'm sure in practice I'm probably overthinking this a bit, but might as well get some opinions before I place the order.

Second question, hides. I understand that a hide should be just big enough for the ball python to fit in and feel snug on all sides. Not having an actual python though, it's hard to guess how big this would be. Could I get some rough dimensions to use as guidelines?

Final question, substrate. I plan to use Aspen. The site I'm ordering the heat pad from does have aspen marketed as a substrate for snakes. The Pet Value nearby has Aspen for about half the price in larger bags.

Easy Clean Aspen
http://i.tfcdn.com/img2/vN9_-EAAY1Jd...kAwA*/fyVMtP8A

Says it's good for gerbils, rabits, mice, and other small animals.

Does anyone know if this stuff is suitable? I was expecting just shavings, but this had some 'chip' pieces in it. I guess I could always pick out the chips and just use the shavings?

[LLLReptile]

If you are concerned about pad removal, I would recommend using the Fluker's brand pads - they do not adhere at all, and can be attached using electric tape.

Otherwise, the ZooMed pad should work well for your situation. Removal of the adhering pads is never a good idea; the connections within them can (and often do) break, resulting in malfunctions. If you do need to remove the pad after adhering it to the bottom of the cage, I would recommend just throwing it away afterwards.

For hiding spots, try using pieces of cork flats. The large or extra large size by ZooMed covers most adult snakes, and it will actually create a hiding area that is perfect for ball pythons. You can prop a larger piece up on top of a smaller piece, and create a hiding space that way. Adult ball pythons typically fit in large to extra large size caves, if you are searching for something a little more solid looking than cork flats.

Lastly, I personally do not like to use aspen for my ball pythons, or those in the stores, because I find that it takes too much additional effort to keep it humid enough. Cypress mulch or orchid bark often work much better, as they retain moisture much easier (without molding) than the aspen does. You can add moss into the cage as well for added humidity as needed.

-Jen

[rebelrachel13]

From my experience, ZooMed heat pads can get really freaking HOT. Like, 130F to touch hot. Of course, you'll want it monitored on a dimmer or thermostat anyway. What are you planning to use to regulate the temperature?

I'm not too familiar with the ExoTerra heat pads. I use Ultratherms, which are low-heat and really easy to install/remove. I use lamp dimmers on them and they provide perfect temperatures. You can buy them in several different sizes online from Reptile Basics.

You can use just about anything for hides, from paper/plastic bowls with a hole, to homemade caves. As you know ball pythons like really snug places, so you'll want to get one on the smaller side if you're getting a young snake. You can make temporary ones out of most household items. Reptile Basics also makes nice comfy black hides.

I use aspen sani-chips for my snakes. Cheap, odor-free, resin-free, dust-free, and comes in huge bags that last forever. Shipping isn't too bad either.
http://www.nationalpetpharmacy.com/p...c-Foot-Bedding

[The Serpent Merchant]

What type of enclosure is this? (glass/wood/PVC/Other?)

If you are going to use aspen with a Heat mat, make sure that the layer of substrate is only 1/2" or less so the heat can penetrate (UTH's do not affect air temperature) Any wood based substrate should be kiln dried so if the stuff that you are looking at has been kiln dried then you should be good to go.

For hides I use the hide boxes sold at Reptile Basics. they have 4 sizes.

Here are 3 of the 4 (Mini, Small, & Medium) Compared to a 200 gram female pastel BP (2 1/2 months old at time of the picture.



As you can see the "Small" size is perfect for her



This is where they can be purchased: http://www.reptilebasics.com/hide-boxes

[Wiggy]

I'm in Canada, so shipping anything can be a bit expensive, or (like your link) doesn't ship outside the states.

I'm also very limited in transport since public transit went on strike, so my options are rather limited to either the stuff at this Pet Value, or anything I can find online within Canada.

I'm aware of the need for a thermostat, I've got one purchased.

Regarding the removal of the heat pad. Not that I intend to be removing it, but should it fail and need replacing, it might make my life a bit easier (and might spare the thermostat probe?) if the adhesive was a little less vigilant than what people seem to say about the exo-terra.

(The enclosure is PVC, btw)

[The Serpent Merchant]

I'm in Canada, so shipping anything can be a bit expensive, or (like your link) doesn't ship outside the states.

I'm also very limited in transport since public transit went on strike, so my options are rather limited to either the stuff at this Pet Value, or anything I can find online within Canada.

I'm aware of the need for a thermostat, I've got one purchased.

Regarding the removal of the heat pad. Not that I intend to be removing it, but should it fail and need replacing, it might make my life a bit easier (and might spare the thermostat probe?) if the adhesive was a little less vigilant than what people seem to say about the exo-terra.

(The enclosure is PVC, btw)

Ok, for a PVC enclosure you defiantly want to use Flexwatt, it is cheaper than other UTH's and works better. I know that you can get it in Canada but I'm not sure where. I would PM "Kitedemon" as he lives in Canada

[Wiggy]

I have actually contacted Kitedemon, he's been a huge help, he isn't that far from me either (it's Canada, there's only one road, so in a way, we're all sort of close )

He pointed me towards the manufacturer of the PVC enclosure I got (he has one as well). He also recommended using a regular UTH, and not the Flexwatt (I did ask him about it). My setup isn't actually that far off from his (well, besides decor)

[whispersinmyhead]

I had similar questions and Kitedemon gave me a few links for cages and this one had flexwatt.

http://cornelsworld.com/

[cgenebrewer]

If you want to remove the pads later on then purchase a roll of foil tape and after removing the plastic covering the pad, adhere a single layer of tape on the bottom. Now you can place the pad on the tank, and adhere it with two more strips of foil tap. Boom, all set.

[Wiggy]

I read through your thread.

I'll keep those other manufacturers for future reference. I went with SLY Plastics, myself.

His specific reasons for advising the UTH to me was that the flexwatt sagged and had uneven hot spots.

Personally it's my first ball python setup, and I have limited experience with this equipment as it is, so I'm willing to pay the difference for peace of mind knowing someone with more experience used the same setup with the same enclosure, and would recommend it. It's not like we're talking huge price gaps, but I'm sure it makes little difference, otherwise people wouldn't be recommending and using flexwatt at all.

Thanks for all the help!

If anyone has the same curiosity about the Easy Clean Aspen, their product page on Amazon.com does say it's suitable for snakes. I may inquire with them directly just to make certain though.