So they wife and I had planned to build a simple shelving unit to hold our two python terrariums, but the stars hadn't aligned until this weekend so we set to it on Saturday morning.

We picked up an Exo Terra Large/Wide Terrarium from Craigslist, and then stopped by the LLLReptile store in Menifee, CA. (I think Zach and Noah were the ones who helped us. They were great)
At the Menifee store we picked up a gram scale, a large Flukers heat mat, and a Helix DBS-1000. Unfortunately they only had one of the Helix Thermostats so we decided we'd drive to the Oceanside store.... I mean, we'd already driven 100+ miles... whats a few more?

LLLReptile's Oceanside store was... disappointing. We were able to pick up another thermostat, a couple Exo-Terra moist hides, and some nice climbing branches for the snakes. The disappointing side was getting some one to show us anything. One guy was really excited to show us the Enchi balls, but once his sister showed up he abandoned us promising to be right back. We waiting by the cases for 30 minutes before giving up. We couldn't even find anyone to ask instead of the guy that abandoned us, they were all super busy in the back. Its ok, I didn't really need another snake this week. We just drove home.


Anyways... this is the set up I've ended up with:










I have the a Mat, a CHE, and a Red Light all ran by the Helix. It is set a bit higher than I'd like it, but its holding the temps well, and the probe is sitting directly on the mat. The heat through the glass comes across as about 3 degrees lower than my setting. I imagine this will normalize eventually as the glass and substrate gets warmed up, and I'll be checking the temps over the next few days. Also the humidity is high, and I haven't figured that out just yet. With a screen top I should have a horrible time controlling humidity.


I think what I like most about this shelf is that there is storage underneath for all my supplies