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

[knott00]

So I am going to be setting up a tank before I buy my BP. This will be my first snake. I am planning on a normal male most likely. I am still a little unsure about the sex, but I think a male will be better due to smaller size, but at the same time a big ole female would be sweet. Are there any significant differences that would make me favor one or the other other than size? I am looking to set up fairly inexpensively however I am not against spending more money for quality to an extent. I am looking for spending like $150 for the setup. No more than $200 preferably.

Please look over my list of supplies and products that I have assembled so far and please comment or suggest alternatives or advice that can help.

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.

Personally I think a 20g tank is perfectly fine for a young snake as long as you have enough clutter in the tank to make the snake feel more confined. You should not bother with the tank hood, you won't need it and spend the money from that on some fake plans to put in the tank.

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.

The ReptiTemp is a good T-stat. Especially for those who only have 1 tank or only have 1 UTH on their tank.(people who live in colder climates sometimes have a 2nd uth for the cool side of the tank so they can make sure its at the correct temp.

To answer your question about the AcuRite, people use them because you need to measure how much heat is actually in the bottom of your tank with your snake. The T-Stat probe does NOT go in the tank, it goes between your UTH and the glass of your tank(on the outside of your tank), so you will need something in there for your temp and humidity. People use the AcuRite specificly because it moniters temp from the probe on the warm side, the unit itself measures the temp of where its places, and also the humidity. So you can get everything you need from 1 thermometer, 1 stop shopping is a wonderful thing.

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

I use one and have no probelms with it.

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

Unless the room you will be using for the snake is normally pretty cold, you won't need a cermaic heat emittor or a light hood. The natural daytime/nighttime light from a window or ambient light is enough for the snake.

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

Aspen will be just fine.

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.

I agree with the poster above about the exotera hides, they work very well. A small hide will work well for your hatchling for quite a while, you'd be suprised what they can squeeze into even when they are bigger.

7. 1 climbing log

Your hatchling may use this from time to time, however when he/she grows into an adult you'll rarely see your snake on it.

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

Make sure you have a large bowl with enough surface area to keep the humidity in the tank up. I have the large exotera rock bowl and it works perfectly with my 20g.


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?

I personally don't have a temp gun, even though I should have one.

10. PAM mite killer- seems to be most recommended
If you don't have mites, there isn't really any reason to have this. If your snake didn't come with mites, it probably won't get them while living with you.
11. What cleaning supplies would you all recommend?

plain old blue dawn dish soap works perfectly fine for beaking down your tank and cleaning it.

Im sure I am forgetting something as I am doing this list mostly off the top of my head. I have done lots of research about getting a snake before I pull the trigger on getting one. I unfortunatly wasnt smart enough to take notes on what to buy. Please comment and make all the suggestions you want. I encourage all the feedback whether positive or negative.

You will also eventually want a scale. You should feed your snake 10%-15% of its weight every feeding. With younger snakes(below 500grams), feeding should be every 5 days. With snakes above 500grams feedings can go to once every 7 days.

I would like to thank everyone in advance for any comments. So far everyone here has been quite helpful with any questions I have had via PM's.