I need help on setting up a nice tank. =)

[BaLLPAddICT]

Hi!

I'm going to be setting up a terrarium for a ball python. I want it to look REALLY nice because I'm going to be keeping it in my biology class for everyone to see, it's apart of a project I'm doing on ball pythons and mutations (which I got to choose obviously) and I thought it would be a good idea for people to be able to see and learn about these guys.

I'm planning on using a 20 gallon glass tank. The ball is an adult male so that should be a good amount of space. I'm planning on using a Zoo-Med Under Tank heater, it takes up almost half of the bottom of the tank and I'm going to use a heat lamp but I'm not sure how I'm going to set up the timer if I'm going to use that. Should I keep the heat lamp on all night, or use the timer so its only on during the day, or the other way around and should I use a red light you think?

I'm going to need some help, I haven't done much with keeping display tanks, I use tubs at home in a rack with flexwatt.

So does anyone have any links or pictures to help me create a really nice looking tank or can help me out somehow? I'd really appreciate your help! Thanks!

[BD1]

The most important thing I could recommend is not using the glass tank, you'll be sorry down the road. Rather than spend money on decorations, put it towards a good reptile style display cage (AP, reptile basics, etc), with locks on it, especially for a classroom. Your BP will be happier in the long run with a nice stable environment with proper temps and humidity, and those are tough to obtain in a glass tank. How are you going to be checking the temps and spraying for humidity on the weekends if the cage is going to be in a school? The heat lamps are a nightmare, I used to use one and was always afraid of it falling and catching something on fire, and they eat up every ounce of humidity. Good luck.

[Argentra]

If you have the money to spare, go with an RBI Plastics or AP display cage to really impress and look scientific. Glass tanks can be rather hard to regulate, but at least you can see into them better than tubs.

I currently use glass tanks for all three of my snakes, tho I just ordered an RBI cage for my BP, and have a few pics here and there.

Current 20L tank for BP


10gal setup for my Amel corn


The most important thing to remember when it comes to glass tanks is to insulate! Cover the back and sides with corkboard at least to keep the heat in and give a sense of privacy, and be sure to foil the screen top. Other than that, you can PM me if you like with any questions. Hope that helps somewhat.

[BigCeC43]

I'd alos reccomend a nice display cage rather than a glass aquarium.

After using a 10 gallon for the last few months, I'm investing in a T3 from AP. It's too difficult to keep heat and humidity up in glass tanks. I could keep it warm with a stronger bulb, but then the humidity drops way down. I'm using a UTH as well as a day and night bulb. I'd check out Animal Plastics and see if you could afford one.

[BaLLPAddICT]

Thanks for the pictures and other posts. Any help on how I should have the heat lamp set up? Good idea with the insulation, I wouldn't of thought of that. If anyone has more examples or pictures that would be great!