My two young sons have wanted a snake for awhile now. Both being young I knew I would be along for the journey and undertaking so that they could get a ball python. After spending an ungodly amount of time on the forums learning and researching from all of you guys, the set up is finally done. So first I am posting a big thanks to all on here, just from your posts I have been reading. And how willing everyone is to help new members out. Secondly I am posting a bunch of pics of the set up so maybe new members like myself can see what I have learned and also for critique from the veterans.
Tank is a 20 gallon long 30x12x12
First I applied adhevise corkboard paper from Walmart that is used to line kitchen drawers, on three sides and bottom for insulation and privacy. This stuff worked awesome, cut to shape and just stick and also insulates somewhat.
Next placed an Accurtie thermometer from Walmart on the cold side with industrial velcro near the top. Ran outside probe and wire to warm spot and hot glued the wire near probe end in middle of where the UTH is placed.
[IMG][/IMG]
Next placed a Hydro Farms thermostat probe in the middle of the UTH on the bottom side of the tank with reflective foil insulation tape. Then secured the thermostat on to side of tank with velcro.
[IMG][/IMG][IMG]
[/IMG]
For the top, I first had just normal screen top, found a black laminated shelf with MDF core and cut to size. Cut on 8.5 inch hole in center for light and 6 inch holes centered on each side for ventilation. Covered bottom of shelf with reflective foil tape. Secured screen with small set scews so it is all one piece.
[IMG][/IMG]
For lighting I am using 8.5 Flukers light with dimmable switch and 75 watt IR bulb in order to keep ambient temps up in a cool house.
Then just added all the fun stuff. Reptibark substrate, water bowl, one cool hide on left side and one hot hide on right side. Hides are not the same unfortunately, so I hope they work. Have placed rocks in the wood hide on cold side because I know it was to large for a baby BP which we will be getting.
[IMG][/IMG][IMG]
[/IMG]
Next placed some moss on both cool side and hot side to help me with humidity since our house is always dry.
Secured modified top with two of the child safety appliance latches found at Lowes. They are adhesive and stick to side and top with a latch. These are cheap and worked great to give a tight and secure top.
[IMG][/IMG][IMG]
[/IMG]
And lastly for fun made a homemade humidifer set with timer. Cheap ultrasonic humidifer from Lowes. Just placed 3/4 PVC adapater over humidifer top and hot glued it down, added 2 feet of 3/4 tubing and and 1 inch adapter to fit top of cage. All found at Lowes and put together was 25 bucks. Only have this to boost humidity during shed I hope and also makes a cool little fog show with red light that the boys love lol. Got this idea off of youtube.
[IMG][/IMG]
And lastly the final product with perfect temps thank god 92 hotspot, 81 cool side.
[IMG][/IMG][IMG]
[/IMG]
So with the set up I have had my temps and humidity right for the past week. We are finally ready for the All Ohio reptile show this weekend to pick up a new baby ball python.
First I wana give a disclaimer and say I am brand new to all of this and do not have near the knowledge of many on here. I just created the post in hopes of giving ideas to new members and how some of the set up goes. My cage is surely untested since no snake has yet to reside there. I also know this is probally overkill when a tub will work, but my sons are only young once. And for all the veterans if you see anything really off or something I can tweak let me know. Thanks all.
Reply With Quote