Getting my first snake soon!

[Arcapello]

So I'm going to be getting my first snake in about a week, and I've decided to get a ball python- They were everything I was looking for.
So I'm just trying to make sure that my terrarium set-up is correct.
*24"x18"x12" terrarium
*Water bowl large enough to soak in
*Aspen shavings
*Under the tank heater that is 1/3 of the terrarium
*Acurite thermometer/humidity gauge with probe (The thermometer itself is what measures indoor humidity and temperature, the probe measures outdoor. Do I just put the probe in the terrarium, or the thermometer, too?)
*Extra stick-on humidity and temperature gauge
*A few plants for decoration
I'm planning to get 2 identical hides soon! I'd just like tips/suggestions on my setup- Anything I may be doing wrong? The temps are supposed to be 90F on the hot side and 80F on the cold side. Should I let them drop at night? How do I do that? What's the humidity supposed to be? (50%-60%?)

[iCandiBallPythons]

A temp drop at night is not needed. Save your money on the stick on gauges and get a temp gun. A 3-4 inch crock style water bowl will be sufficient. You will also need some type of thermostat to control the UTH.

[Arcapello]

Okay, so I should buy a thermostat to regulate the UTH? I wasn't sure. We don't have any reptile shops in town, so I've just been using Petsmart (Yeah, I know... I have no other options for supplies!). Would I be able to get it there or Walmart or somewhere?

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Where can I get one, and what brand is good?

[spankege]

75 degrees is the lowest it should be on the cold side, never less than that. The heat mat should be controlled using a thermostat. That temp should never really go past 92 degrees on the hot side, for belly heat. The temp gun will help you more than the stick on gauges would. I just got one and I love it. 50-60% humidity is okay for when not in shed. You should bump it up to 70-80% when in shed, which will help a lot. Keeping humidity is hard in a glass tank. That's why I switched over to a tub which is much more efficient for humidity. If you have anymore questions feel free to ask.
Cody

[iCandiBallPythons]

Okay, so I should buy a thermostat to regulate the UTH? I wasn't sure. We don't have any reptile shops in town, so I've just been using Petsmart (Yeah, I know... I have no other options for supplies!). Would I be able to get it there or Walmart or somewhere?

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Where can I get one, and what brand is good?

This would do for your setup http://www.petsmart.com/product/inde...ductId=2752604

[iCandiBallPythons]

Have a read over this, it is pretty thorough http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...ius)-Caresheet

[WingedWolfPsion]

The stick on thermometers are trash, so don't waste your money. Big Apple pet supply has thermometer/hygrometer combos with probes.

What folks are hinting at, with the humidity issues, is that you may want to scrap the entire idea of getting a glass tank, and just order a solid-top reptile cage with front opening, locking doors. It will look awesome, and most of them come with built-in heat, so you just plug it into a thermostat, add the other stuff, and you're all set. When you factor in the cost of the heat pad, tank, and top, the cost of the solid-top cage isn't that much more, if you shop around. (I like Animal Plastics).

If not that, then consider using a plastic bin cage. The visiblity isn't that great, but the maintenance is tremendously easier. There are plenty of instructions around on how to adapt one.

The truth is, a glass tank with a screen top is just a high-maintenance, pain-the-neck enclosure for a ball python. It's really not suitable, so it's a lot of work to keep everything stable.

[Arcapello]

I have a digital Acurite thermometer from Walmart. It tells you the inside and outside temps, and the humidity. Is it safe to put it in the terrarium? The thermometer on the cold side, and the probe on the warm side? http://www.walmart.com/ip/Acu-Rite-I...mometer/896347 It's this one.

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Thanks! I read that care sheet and it's great. I'll save just in case.

[Kaorte]

I have a digital Acurite thermometer from Walmart. It tells you the inside and outside temps, and the humidity. Is it safe to put it in the terrarium? The thermometer on the cold side, and the probe on the warm side? http://www.walmart.com/ip/Acu-Rite-I...mometer/896347 It's this one.

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Thanks! I read that care sheet and it's great. I'll save just in case.

Yes it is safe to put in the terrarium. I use these in all my stand alone setups.