Hello, I'm currently looking into getting my first Ball Python so naturally I tried to research but there are so many varying opinions its hard to tell what is misinformation and what is not. I was hoping you guys here at this forum could help.
1) Vivariums - Should the optimal vivarium have an (Lockable) Entry point from the front and not the top, since top opening vivariums would struggle with regulating temperature and humidity since they would need to have a metal mesh top where air can escape? Or would the vivarium need to have a mesh top for placing heat lamps, lighting, and such rather than a solid glass top? If glass has a hard time containing temperatures, which material should be used for a vivarium?
2) Lighting - Do Ball pythons need Dome lighting and if so, is fluorescent lighting the best option? Would you need to place the lighting, if it all needed over top the vivarium? Is lighting from a room sufficient? Do you need cycled lighting e.g. 12 hours every day and no light for the other 12 hours? Should periods should be increased to 14 hours in the summer and decreased to 12 hours in the winter?
3) Humidity - Is the best way to keep humidity to use a spray bottle with water? If a Humidity retreat box is needed, what is the best way to build?
4) Cleaning - Clean and replace dirty substrate daily and clean out tank completely, monthly? If so clean the tank out with store bought products or home solutions?
5) Substrate - Best Substrate for baby snakes and adult?
6) Temperature - Recommended Temperature during the day? Basking Area Temp? Night temp? How should heat be spread across the vivarium, should the temperature be completely half and half. For ex. The right half be cold, and the left half be divided into the warm area and basking area?
7) Under tank heat mats - How many and where should they be optimally be placed?
8) Heat Lamps - are heat lamps necessary if you have under tank heat mats or do you still need over the tank heat lamps?
This is everything I don't understand Thankyou if you do help or read! I appreciate you guys. Any tips you have, please let me know.
Reply With Quote