First time snake owner... Lots of questions

[Aztec4mia]

We may have to just agree to disagree on this one. I see what your saying about some rack systems. Some do not have clear tubs but do have viewing window, for instance the freedom tubs. I am not familiar with the systems that do not have clear tubs so I can't speak on that subject. But I will say that the day light changes with the seasons just as the temps do. The day light may not be as important in ball pythons seasonal changes as the temps are .... But I believe day light effects ALL natures creatures. With the ball python I believe that it allows them to know when to come out and roam and when to hide and rest, therefore effecting their activity. On a much more in depth level I believe it to effect their behavior, activity and quality of live (health).

And thats the great thing about this hobby, we can disagree. There is really no right way to do things, what works for me may not work for the OP and what works for you might work for someone else. I will say that there are advanced levels of keeping that I would not recommend for a beginner, but most everything else are guidlines to start off new keepers. There is just to many variables with peoples enviroments to have a set way to do things.

[jhumphrey]

My top is a screened top but for the most part it is covered with towels to try to keep the moisture from leaving.

[Aztec4mia]

My top is a screened top but for the most part it is covered with towels to try to keep the moisture from leaving.

How often do you have to change out the towel?

[jhumphrey]

I don't???? Am I supposed to? I spray the substrate probably 3 times a day.

[Aztec4mia]

I would if it started to smell or mildew, but it doesn't sound like you have that problem.

[ryan=7]

[Reed12321]

So, just for more information so you guys can make more informed decisions based on my specific situation. I keep my ball in my living room. The tank sits a few feet away from a large window which provides pretty constant sunlight throughout the day. My apartment temp usually is on the low end at about 70-72. My aquarium is a 10gal that has a layer or reptile carpet and then about and inch to inch and a half of ecoearth. My UTH is stuck to the bottom of the tank and my tank has risers on it that helps air flow underneath and this sits on a solid wood surface.

Get it out of the sun. That's an unregulated heat source and the glass magnifies the heat. It'll literally cook your snake.

[MontyAndMelissa]

I had issues with my temperature and humidity. I put foil (shiny side down) completely over the tank. I use a ceramic bulb for heating on one side, and a single opening hide for the warm side, a half log for the cool. I also covered the tank with a towel, over the foil, for extra heat. On the cool side I noted that the inside of her hide was a bit too cool, so I put a UTH with a thermostat on the side of the tank near the rear of the opening. It's worked amazing for me

[MontyAndMelissa]

a towel and a blanket, over foil. "cool side" surface temp. "warm side" surface temp. ambient temp and humidity. "warm" hide "cool" hide. ceramic bulb housing. I had to cover the holes with foil to keep more heat in.

The light you see I don't use for the light cycle. I use it to add a little more heat.

[MontyAndMelissa]

This has worked wonders for me.