The jfreels glass tank setup w/pics *DUW*

[jfreels]

Here's a little rundown on how I handle my glass tanks for my snakes. This is my fourth time going through this process and I've pretty much settled on this process.

What you'll need

• Clean tank, I'm using a 20 gallon long I got off Craigslist for $25
• UTH (Under Tank Heater)
• Screen mesh tank topper
• Cage locks
• Con-Tact Shelf liner, black 18"x4' will do a 20 Gallon long with a little extra
• Tin foil
• Foil tape
• 2 identical hides
• Water dish
• Accurite Indoor/Outdoor thermometer with probe
• Rheostat or thermostat

Step 1
Start with an open area where you can work on modifying the tank. I choose a desk.



Step 2
The thing I hate most about setting up tanks has to be "blacking them out". I have tried different methods and non-stick shelf liner has been my favorite. I got this roll for about $6 at Home Depot.



Measure out your dimensions for cutting the shelf liner. Picture added for not-so-dramatic effect.



I used double-sided Scotch tape to hold the contact paper. I don't want a permanent solution. If you want a more permanent solution, look into painting the sides.



Step 3
Let's get this tank warm! I'm using an Exo-Terra Heat Wave UTH. This is the first one I have installed/used. It was on sale for $18. Follow the directions for applying it to your tank. If you don't want it permanent, take the paper off the back and cover the stick side with foil tape and then use foil tape to attach it to your tank.


Attach the probe from your Accurite, try to get it dead center of the mat. As you can see, I'm not using hot-glue to attach this probe. I will later, the next time it gets a deep clean.


Step 4
Now lets fill the tank with all the things your snake needs. To make things easier, I wind the probe cable on the Accurite around it's stand. This way I don't have bunched up cable going throughout the cage, even though it's covered up with bedding. Also, don't forget to hit that little Time/Temp button so you can always see the "In" temp as well as the "Out" temp.


Put in the bedding, hides and water dish.


Step 5
Keeping in humidity is one of the hardest things in a glass tank. I use foil on the top to help keep in a little heat and humidity. Take the foil and fold it over itself three times and keep about an inch gap on both sides. Then secure it with foil tape.



Step 6
Add your snake, hook up a rheostat or thermostat and don't forget the cage clips!



I hope this little tutorial helps someone. It has taken a lot of trial and error to find something that works good for me. This formula does the trick.