New owner

[Aa_swavy]

How are you doing everyone I am a first time owner of my bp I set up my tank and all I am using aspen substrate as bedding I was told by the the employee which is also a bp owner not to use a heating pad so I am using a infered basking red bulb for night time heat and a day time basking bulb my temp gauge with the infered light is almost at 90 and humidity at 40% is this ok also I was told to use a UVB bulb is that nessecery also this is my snakes first night in a new tank when he was first put in he explored the whole tank it's now night time but he is very still and curled up behind his water dish is this normal for them ik I probably sound overly nervous but I just wanna know if everything I'm doing is ok thank u for any help u guys can give me

[The Serpent Merchant]

Welcome to the site!

Sounds like you got some bad advice.

UVB absolutely isn't necessary, and honestly I wouldn't recommend using it.

Heating pads can be great when used properly. This requires a probed thermometer and a thermostat though so it can be costly.

As for your current set up it sound like things are doing ok. Ideally the hot side will stay between 88-92 F and the cool side will stay between 78-82 F. No part of the cage should ever get above 95 F or below 75 F. Humidity should be between 40% and 60% normally and between 60% and 80% during shed.

You can actually use the infrared heat bulb 24/7 no need to run a day bulb/night bulb set up unless you like having the white light on during the day.

Here are 2 threads I strongly suggest you read through:

Care: http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...ius)-Caresheet

Cage Heating: http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...t-Thermometers

If you have any question feel free to ask.

[Aa_swavy]

Thanks man this will actually put some money back in my pocket also I was just reading my humidity gauge and it's dropping g below 40% how can I bring it back up ?

[The Serpent Merchant]

There are a number of ways, but I will list some of the easier/ cheaper ones to start with.

1. Switch to a coco husk or mulch substrate ( EcoEarth/reptibark/cypress mulch/etc.) aspen is better than some but the substrates I listed above will do a much better job.

2. Cover part of the cage's screen top with aluminum foil (no more than 70-80% though as your BP needs air to circulate.

3. Get a larger water dish

4. It may be a pain but the cheapest/simplest way to increase cage humidity is to regularly mist the cage with warm water.

[I-KandyReptiles]

Thanks man this will actually put some money back in my pocket also I was just reading my humidity gauge and it's dropping g below 40% how can I bring it back up ?

What are you using to monitor temperatures and humidity?

Are they the circular thermometers or do they have a probe?

[Neal]

All above have given great advice and the person you bought the snake from that gave you advice is ignorant and should be slapped. I would honestly never ever recommend a UVB for any nocturnal snake as they don't need it. If the snake was diurnal then that would be different.

As far as thermometers go, acuwrite make some really good ones for cheap. Your more accurate ones will have a probe on them, but I'd be careful which probe ones, because they do have some that arent as accurate.

Others have listed good substrates that will help more with humidity than aspen bedding. This means you may not have to mist it as much, but a more effective way to hold humidity would be an UTH.

[Aa_swavy]

I am using the round gauges

[Aa_swavy]

What is a uth ? I also must the tank today and humidity is now were it should be

[Mephibosheth1]

A Under Tank Heater (or heat may) specifically designed for reptile/animal tank use is needed to hear the substrate to the proper temperature.

[MsMissy]

UTH = Under tank heating pad. Inexpensive but absolutely cannot be used without a thermostat as a UTH can hit 130 degrees which can and will cook your snake. Thermostats tend to have to be purchased online. Amazon carries one called a Hydrofarm which is the least expensive 'decent' one you will find. You will see a lot of ppl here recommend a Herpstat by Spyder Robotics. I agree with them, just 'told' my husband I need two to replace the Hydrofarms I currently have. <Darn, spare thermostats make future 'adoptions' s much easier.>

For thermometers, the accurite is good. Walmart for $12 for the one with the probe to easure temps on the hot spot and cool side. Stick the probe on the glass under substrate and run the wire far enough to have the body of it measure the cool side temp. It also gauges humidity 'decently'.

You won't know what your temps are going to be and how much adjusting you will have to do until you actually have everything in place. It can be trial and error. A UTH is a must but NOT until you get that thermostat. He or she can go without one for a few days if necessary.

Happy herping