Need help.

[drucebennedict]

You know, all of things needed aren't very expensive. I setup my enclosure for less than $150.
I simply used small basic flowerpots with holes cut out of them for hides--2 of them from Lowe's was about $3.00.
My UTH was only $23 from Petco. (I bought the 10-20 gallon size]
A thermostat could be a bit expensive so a Lutron lamp dimmer switch would be a decent temporary alternative for $12. (with a UTH you will absolutely need a thermostat or at least a dimmer..temps can hit over 120 degrees without one.)
An Accurite thermometer/hygrometer from Wal-Mart is only about $15.
Perhaps instead of plants, you could temporarily use crumpled newspaper? It doesn't look the best but it works and crowds up the tank....

[RandellX]

Mm, okay. In the meantime, I used to have a log hide (not anymore) but what I did was close up one of the openings with bedding, and half of the second opening with bedding. This is a GREAT hide for bps: http://www.exo-terra.com/en/products/reptile_cave.php. The second smallest is the right size for young bps. Try to, for now, make your log hide resemble this. Also, does he currently have heating? Because then you should budget an extra $50, $30 for the temp control and $20 for the UTH (Under Tank Heater). When he grows out of his tank, you could switch to a tub with newspaper as the bedding or stay with tanks. I'm planning on going back to tanks because they're aesthetically pleasing, but tubs with newspaper keep up the humidity better and are simpler to clean. Good luck! Post more pics soon!

Actually, YES I was planning on doing that with the log hide later today, Mainly becuase he was asleep last time i checked on him. I may cover the top with black plastic for the time being, also I was planning on getting a temp/humid treader and the undertank heater too, I just hafta get out to the petstore and everyone who has a car is busy today. and he does have a top heater, Its a red light that gets hot to the touch in the upped corner of the cage near the bowl. My brother is going to go to the beach later and bring me back some drift wood for him to climb on. untill i go out and get vines and such.

[spitfireashlea]

Mae sure you disinfect the drift wood! That could be really dangerous for him! He is a cutie though, nice find, very nice.

Also, I didn't have time to read all of your posts I'm sorry, but if you do not have a temp gage or a humid gage, and have a glass tank, you should put that black plastic on the back of your tank to keep the heat in. I have the red bulb too, that is more for basking than regular light, but it will do just fine to keep him warm for now. Most likely you should keep it all the way up to keep it around 90 on one side. Also, try putting a damp towel ontop of your tank to keep the humidity up. Make a square out of it and put it smack dab in the middle of the top. It shouldn't cover the whole thing, but a small portion. This may help keep everything semi-stable until you have the equipment to properly tell.

Good luck!

[Prophet]

Actually, YES I was planning on doing that with the log hide later today, Mainly becuase he was asleep last time i checked on him. I may cover the top with black plastic for the time being, also I was planning on getting a temp/humid treader and the undertank heater too, I just hafta get out to the petstore and everyone who has a car is busy today. and he does have a top heater, Its a red light that gets hot to the touch in the upped corner of the cage near the bowl. My brother is going to go to the beach later and bring me back some drift wood for him to climb on. untill i go out and get vines and such.

Bake the wood for like1-1.5 hrs at least at 250F to kill anything on it.

[Kaorte]

Since you are on a tight budget, here are some tips for being cheap.

Check out the dollar store. Usually they have a lot of fake plants and flowers and stuff that you could use for decoration. Also you can use opaque plastic bowls as hides. Just flip them over and cut a small opening in the side and tada! Perfect ball python hides.

If you don't want to keep buying snake bedding (I don't blame you) a cheap alternative is paper towels or newspaper. You can also use the aspen made for small animals instead of snakes. It is about $5 for a HUGE bag. It will last you forever with one snake.

The best thermometer hygrometer combo is actually not even made for reptiles. It is the acurite weather station. It is sold at home depot, lowes, and walmart for around $12. That will be your best investment. This unit will measure your hot side, cool side, and humidity!

It might be worth your while to cover the back and sides with dark construction paper or foam core board. This will help the snake feel more safe and it will also help keep the temps more stable.


At some point when you get more money (like $50) I would invest in a UTH with a thermostat.

[Ponthieux]

I have the red bulb too, that is more for basking than regular light, but it will do just fine to keep him warm for now.

do bp's bask?

[mrshawt]

do bp's bask?

I'm going to assume you want to know that haha.
No, they don't. Unless by bask you mean bask in the shadows of a dark hide. Then yes.

[spitfireashlea]

By basking i'm not talking about a specific light, I'm saying its a hot spot for the tank. I posted that wrong. The red light can be used to keep the temperature up, but i find that the colored lights (red/blue) are no substitute for a ceramic one.