Advice for Beginner setup. Read my list, make suggestions for alterations please.

[Spaniard]

1. I plan on a 20 gal tank to start with. How long would this last me if I chose to go with a female? I understand that a tank is more difficult to maintain the environment conditions, but I am dead set on a tank. I may upgrade to an animalplastic in a year or two, especially if I need to expand for a female. I am looking for one on craigslist to save money so I can spend it on other materials.

A 20 gallon long should house an adult male bp its entire life span.

2. ReptiTemp 500r- I read that these are pretty good for the price. I was recommended a Helix by an admin, but they are really pricey. I also read somewhere to get an AcuRite thermometer, but if I have a ReptiTemp, would I need both? I am a little unclear/confused on this subject.

I have no experience with these; I used dimmer switches when I first started then upgraded to a proportional Helix. Personally I would rather use a ranco/johnson on/off thermostat as opposed to the 500R but that is my opinion. There are many people on here that recommend them as well as an equal share of people that do not.

3. ZooMed UTH- Read good things about them. Any reason they arent good?

They are ok, I use flexwatt which is also cheap and very reliable. You'll want to make sure you cover 1/3 of the floor space with either option.

4. I am going to get a ceramic heat emitter and a light hood. What wattage would you recommend? and would an 8 inch hood be big enough?

Ceramic heat emitters are better than heat lamps but they will still suck a lot of the humidity out of the enclosure. Preferably you'll want to achieve the proper temps of 90-94 on the hot side and 80-84 on the cool side with only belly heat via a UTH.

5. ZooMed Aspen substrate- How many quarts should I get for my tank?

You'll want to have an inch or so of substrate in the tank; too much substrate will not allow heat to transfer properly.

6. 2 hides- I was told to stay away from log hides. How big should I aim for? I assume small hides, but maybe medium.

Hides should be tight fitting to the snake. You will go through a few different sizes the first 2 years as the snakes grow a lot in that time. People use flower pot sauces as well as plastic bowls from the dollar store for a cheap alternative.

7. 1 climbing log

More visually appealing than anything. Your snake may utilize the climbing log more frequently when it is young but as they get older and larger they tend to favor the ground.

8. 1 heavy water bowl large enough for snake to lay in

Most ball pythons will not soak if husbandry requirements are being met.


Additional items:

9. I was looking for possibly getting a temp gun to spot check temps. What brand and model would you recommend that is fairly inexpensive and reliable?

http://www.tempgun.com/order.html#pe1

10. PAM mite killer- seems to be most recommended

Always good to have a can of this stuff around; especially when buying from questionable sources.

11. What cleaning supplies would you all recommend?

Chlorhexidine.

http://www.reptilebasics.com/Chlorhe...z-p-16137.html