various questions;

[drucebennedict]

hai. ^^;
I don't yet have a ball python, however, I'm hoping that'll change soon once I'm able to convince my guardian.
Anyway, I'm terribly confused when it comes to heat sources. I plan on using a large plastic translucent Rubbermaid tub for an enclosure with newspaper for bedding or maybe Astro-Turf [is the turf a good substrate? I've heard it's fabulous from a few, but awful from others]
I planned on purchasing two undertank heating pads for either side and using a ceramic bulb on the left end for the warmer side of the enclosure. Is this alright? I'm not sure if I should keep the bulb burning all day and just adjusting the heating pads when needed...
Oh, and, I heard that picky eaters can be won over with gerbils and develop a taste for nothing else. Does this mean it'd be impossible to get the animal to switch back to mice/rats? Would they eat if they were hungry enough?

[sg1trogdor]

hai. ^^;
I don't yet have a ball python, however, I'm hoping that'll change soon once I'm able to convince my guardian.
Anyway, I'm terribly confused when it comes to heat sources. I plan on using a large plastic translucent Rubbermaid tub for an enclosure with newspaper for bedding or maybe Astro-Turf [is the turf a good substrate? I've heard it's fabulous from a few, but awful from others]
I planned on purchasing two undertank heating pads for either side and using a ceramic bulb on the left end for the warmer side of the enclosure. Is this alright? I'm not sure if I should keep the bulb burning all day and just adjusting the heating pads when needed...

I wouldnt worry about the ceramic as much as the UTH. I say one Uth covering about a third of the tub hooked up to either a thermostat/rheostat or a dimmer switch. Snakes benefit from belly heat more than a overhead heat source IMO.

[matt71915]

you only need 1 UTH under 1 side, the hot side
you wont need a heat bulb, if anything it would just bring the humidity down

just kinda curious on how you were planning on making the heat lamp and top work out

[TheMolenater2]

I wouldn't use Astroturf so I'f go with you other option. Turf can be very tedious to clean and will stink. Looks like the heat source thing has already been covered above. Good luck with getting a Ball.

[Aes_Sidhe]

Damm I know I'm little OT but I ask that question couple times and don't get answer so maybe I gonna have more like here
I'm gonna move my balls to tubs
They both around 3.5 feet so I'm gonna but 41 qt sterilelite and I plan use UHT from zoo med with zoo med 500R
My question is what size uht I should use
10-20 gal size or cover more floor with 30-40 gal size

[sg1trogdor]

Damm I know I'm little OT but I ask that question couple times and don't get answer so maybe I gonna have more like here
I'm gonna move my balls to tubs
They both around 3.5 feet so I'm gonna but 41 qt sterilelite and I plan use UHT from zoo med with zoo med 500R
My question is what size uht I should use
10-20 gal size or cover more floor with 30-40 gal size

WHich ever one covers about 1/3 of the tub. I dont know what sizes they come in I just use flexwatt for everything.

[mrshawt]

For a 41qt, I'd say a 30-40g UTH. They cover about half a 20L tank, and if I remember correctly, a 41qt is a bit longer. But, as I've never used a tub, my experience is worth nothing.

[Kaorte]

http://ball-pythons.net/modules/Sect...warticle&id=40

My only suggestion is, get a thermostat!!!

[gmcclurelssu]

1) i would stick with newspaper if your keeping everything simple- just out with the old, in with the new

2) for heating, i would stick with 1 pad covering 1/3 of the tub. Be sure it is controlled by something- i would recommend spending more up front (if you can) and pick up a good thermostat like a Helix or Herpstat. I think it saves trouble in the long run.

3) I have no direct experience with gerbils as food, but i have read that they are more of a last resort for unresponsive snakes. I don't know if its impossible to switch back to rats, but it can be a pain.