More amateur questions!

[studentsam]

Friends,
After spending some time on this site, I feel like a real idiot. I should have done more research before getting my baby ball. That said, the pet-store really didn't provide the information I needed either. I am trying to make it right, however, and had a few quick questions. And I should add before I start that my snake seems very happy, is active at night, loves to eat, and I am very glad for that. Here are my problems with a few quick questions:
1. Pet store sold me a tank that had a built in fixture with a red UV bulb INSIDE the tank! Ay! I purchased a fixture that sits just above the tank, and wanted to know if it is OK for this to be above the glass portion of the tank? Half of the top is mesh, the other glass, hot side of the cage is under the glass, of course. I am in sunny southern CA so humidity isn't a problem so far, even with the tank relatively open.
2. As it stands now, the UTH is affixed directly to the bottom of the tank, which is glass. It is VERY hot to the touch, and I know that I need a thermostat, which I am going to order online today. What is the best place to order online equipment from, and should I get the 'helix' that I see people talking about? And which heating pad? Tank is 20 gal. Also, isn't it dangerous for a creature that likes to burrow to be able to get down into contact with the glass that is hot? Should there be something besides substrate in between the glass and the pad? (Of course the pad is on the outside of the tank!!) Right now his hot side hide is just past where the heating pad ends, because I noticed that he loves to burrow and I was worried about direct contact with UTH, especially before I get the thermostat.
Thank you so much in advance, and this site is a great help! I wish pet stores really did know about these snakes, and I am also sorry I went in a bit blind. Sorry for the long post!
Yours,
Sam

[Laooda]

Hi Sam! Sounds to me like you have 2 options.... you can set the tank up properly... this is a good thread to go bye if your going with a tank: http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...ad.php?t=55849

OR... you can ditch the tank idea and go with a tub set up.
Rubbermaid, thermostat, etc... there are a ton of tub threads...

Yes.. they can burn themselves... and for supplies I'd go to Reptile Basics!

Glad you found this sight! Post some pix if you get a chance!

[studentsam]

Thanks laooda!
I am going to call Reptile Basics on Tuesday, and I will post some pics soon! "Hubert" (my snake) is a real looker!

[starmom]

Friends,
After spending some time on this site, I feel like a real idiot. I should have done more research before getting my baby ball. That said, the pet-store really didn't provide the information I needed either. I am trying to make it right, however, and had a few quick questions. And I should add before I start that my snake seems very happy, is active at night, loves to eat, and I am very glad for that. Here are my problems with a few quick questions:
1. Pet store sold me a tank that had a built in fixture with a red UV bulb INSIDE the tank! Ay! I purchased a fixture that sits just above the tank, and wanted to know if it is OK for this to be above the glass portion of the tank? Half of the top is mesh, the other glass, hot side of the cage is under the glass, of course. I am in sunny southern CA so humidity isn't a problem so far, even with the tank relatively open.
2. As it stands now, the UTH is affixed directly to the bottom of the tank, which is glass. It is VERY hot to the touch, and I know that I need a thermostat, which I am going to order online today. What is the best place to order online equipment from, and should I get the 'helix' that I see people talking about? And which heating pad? Tank is 20 gal. Also, isn't it dangerous for a creature that likes to burrow to be able to get down into contact with the glass that is hot? Should there be something besides substrate in between the glass and the pad? (Of course the pad is on the outside of the tank!!) Right now his hot side hide is just past where the heating pad ends, because I noticed that he loves to burrow and I was worried about direct contact with UTH, especially before I get the thermostat.
Thank you so much in advance, and this site is a great help! I wish pet stores really did know about these snakes, and I am also sorry I went in a bit blind. Sorry for the long post!
Yours,
Sam

Well, so far as t'stats go, either Helix or Herpstat are my favorite choices! Helix's are rock solid and can be purchased right from Helix (on-line) since you're in Cali, and so are they, you'll get it really fast! I just got 2 Herpstat II's and they are great also. The advantage over the Helix is that they can handle more wattage and they can run 2 different set-ups (like my cages and racks!) You can find them at spyderrobotics.com and their shipping is lightening fast also!
Next: Do you have a temp gun? This is really important, IMO. If you don't have one, do you have a thermometer with the probe on the hot end on the glass? This would be the way to end your wondering about the snake being burned when lying directly on the glass.
Others will need to address the UTH question since I have flexwatt in my cages and tubs and have been really happy with that product. Oh, wait a minute, I know, go here and check these out: http://www.reptilebasics.com/Ultrath...p-1-c-273.html
These are the Ultratherms that Rich started selling and they sound great! However, I have no experience with them but I do know that Rich would not sell a product that he would not use on his own herps!!
There you go!! Take care Sam!

[studentsam]

Awesome! Thanks Starmom. Sounds like Rich is the way to go, and I will get a better thermometer.
Also, you rule! I have noticed your calm and moderating voice on some other threads on the site, and it is great that someone like you is around!
Thanks!
Sam