Ready To Buy My Equipment - Let me know your thoughts.

[ShaggyRS6]

Hi everyone. I am going to finally order the equipment I need to enable me to keep a ball Python. After 4 months of reading books, reading this forum and watching a multitude of YouTube videos I am in the best shape I can be to take on the responsibility of snake ownership. Listed below is a list of equipment I think I need based of off my situation and conditions at home. Things to have in mind:

1. I have already spoken to Bob at Pro Products and my Heat Panel I have chosen suits the basement location I will house my snake.
2. When I get my first snake, I want it to be a well started snake. Not too young but under 1 year old. I want it to be feeding on frozen thawed and to have a good temperament.

Main Equipment List

1. Animal Plastics T8 (48x24x12) with the LED lighting option and door lock
2. Pro Heat model PH-12, 300 BTU/h, 88 watt, 12" x 24" x 1" radiant panel
3. Thermostat – Pro Heat advise the Johnson Controls (model A419-ABC-1C) But I will take you advice also on this piece of kit.

Other Equipment I can think of (Excluding hides and Substrate etc)

1. Heat Gun (Please recommend me one)
2. High density insulation that has aluminium foil for the cage to stand on.
3. Thermometer/Humidity Gauge – I have one I need another. I went for the cheap AcuRite option.
4. Feeding Tongs (Please advise)
5. Snake Hook? Yes/No?

Please le m know your thoughts.

[EL-Ziggy]

Sounds like you've got a pretty good handle on everything Shaggy. Good job doing your research before buying a snake. I'm not sure if you'll need a snake hook but it can't hurt to have one. I also like to give my snakes belly heat in addition to a RHP. I use ultratherm UTH's as my main heat source and I boost my ambient temps with an overhead heat source like an IR bulb or CHE. You can get tongs and a good temp gun anywhere. I ordered mine from Amazon (see links below). Best wishes with your new BP.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...upplies&sr=1-7

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...r_1_16&sr=8-16

http://www.reptilebasics.com/ultratherm-heat-pads

[Moridin]

I think you should have a good setup and good on you for doing your homework before you get your snoot. I also use PVC cages (Proline from Constrictors NW) and RHP from pro products. I haven't needed any additional heat sources to keep my temps up. It did take a while for all of the conditions in the cage to settle into good ranges however. I would allocate at least a few days to get the enclosure tuned in before you put a snake in there.

The thermostat for my princess's enclosure is the Spyder Robotics Herpstat 1. They are a little pricey but they really are great and I love that it modulates the power output rather than just being on/off.

As for temperature guns I use the Eteckcity Lasergrip 774 I got off Amazon for under 20 bucks. It has worked great. Bob also recommended the foam board for me which I use. I just got some spare stuff from a construction site in my neighborhood but I'm sure you can buy a sheet easily enough (pro tip: you can use the aluminum tape they make for that insulation to cover up the ugly exposed foam when you cut it down)

I do not think that the kind of heat gun you get is all that important. I think that a regular hair dryer would probably work just fine. I use a wagner heat gun that I also use for tinkering with electronics. But since you really just need it to warm up the (already thawed) rat most anything should work fine.

You didn't mention lighting but I really like mine so I'll add that I use the Hitlights weatherproof RGB multicolor LED strip for lighting. It has a remote control and can produce a bajillion different colors. I really like the different looks that the color changes can produce. It has an adhesive backing that is absolutely worthless and you shouldn't put tape in the cage anyway. I pulled all of the 3M adhesive off the back and put it up with small brackets. The pro-products RHP doesn't really produce any heat on the sides of the panel so having it near the light strip is not an issue.

Don't forget your hides and water bowl (Emma really likes the hides from Reptile Basics). You might also want a spray bottle for humidity control depending on your environment. Another good optional purchase would be a digital scale. Anything that measures in grams and goes up to about 10 pounds should be more than enough. I got the Vivarium Electronics one off of Reptile Basics because I like the look mostly but you can get them cheaper.

Have fun with the new noodle!

[BothropsOfBush]

You don't need a snake hook for a ball python


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[ShaggyRS6]

Thanks you so much for you advice so far. Moridin particular, thanks! Ref lighting I was going for the Animal Plastic LED lighting. Not sure if that changes color or not? Good tip regarding the silver tape also.

[Yodawagon]

Forget the johnson thermostat. Go with a herpstat. Intro plus is $109. Well worth the money. Super easy to use, and has safety features that johnson doesn't.

[Yodawagon]

A t8 from animal plastics has thicker walls, and is cheaper.

[ShaggyRS6]

Heat Panel and Cage Ordered. 2-3 Weeks for delivery. Just need a thermostat!

[ShaggyRS6]

Can someone tell me the best place to get the Herpstat?

[frostysBP]

Can someone tell me the best place to get the Herpstat?

Spider robotics website


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