Hello!

First of all, after searching through these forums all afternoon and evening to compile information, I have to give praise to this place. I've never seen such depth/detail. So I feel like I'm in a great place.

I'm a first time/soon-to-be BP owner. I have an idea of the setup I want and money isn't an issue really. Here's what I wanna get:

Zilla 40 gallon critter cage
Exo Terra water dish
Zoo Med repti-therm UTH 8x12"
24qt aspen bedding
2 identical snug-fitting hides
Random tank decorations
Accu-rite thermometer/hygrometer
CHE
Thermostat

My questions are:

1. Should I buy a lamp stand for the CHE to keep it off the mesh lid?

2. What CHE should I buy?

3. What color/type bulb should I select?

4. What thermostat should I get to control my UTH/CHE?


I know 40 gallon tank is extreme for a juvenile/baby BP but I figure why go through the entire setup twice in its life? I plan on having the hides replaced as it grows so they stay size appropriate. Plus after I get decorations and water dish and other climbing things it won't seem so gigantic. I plan on "wallpapering" the back and sides to make it seem more confined as well.

The last thing I'm curious of:

What breeders are recommended for acquiring a normal BP as young as possible. I want it to have taken food, but I want as close to a baby as possible. And I have a couple local herp vets I've found... Do I need to take my BP in for an initial once over or are they only necessary if I suspect an illness?


Thanks so much everyone!