Enclosures and extras, what would you recommend??

[jls6214]

I am new ball python owner and currently have him in a reptile aquarium that I purchased from the local pet store. Is that suitable for him? It's a 20 gallon tank, I believe. He is on shavings as his substrate and has a water bowl, a tree hide, and a rock hide. Is there something better, or more suitable, for him? Also, I currently have an infrared heat lamp and a temp gauge. I have done some reading and it seems that I need to do something in regards to the humidity in his enclosure. Are there any recommendations as to what I could do to improve his environment, and help to ensure he stays healthy? Thanks in advance to all who reply!!

[dapike1979]

Do a search... Good luck.

[blackcrystal22]

Ok.
Heat bulbs are not really recommended for ball pythons, and temperature gauges are extremely inaccurate (you need digital only).

This is something how your tank should be set up. If he eats ok in the 20g, then that cage is fine, but if he refuses to eat then you might need to lower the enclosure size. Try to feed a week after getting him and don't handle him AT ALL during that week.

You need a UTH and Thermostat to control the temperature. You'll also need a couple probe thermometers and hygrometers for humidity.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b3...t-Up-guide.jpg

[Vypyrz]

Are there any recommendations as to what I could do to improve his environment, and help to ensure he stays healthy? Thanks in advance to all who reply!!

My opinion is before you start putting money into making the cage pretty, put it into the things that will keep your snake healthy. Start off with:

1) Thermostat- Dpending on your budget and what style you choose these will run from about $25- $150.

2) Under Tank Heater- several different brands available. the best size will cover approx. 1/2 to 2/3 of the floor area of your tank.

3) Digital thermometer/hygrometer- The little stick-on dial type are notorious for giving inaccurate readings.

Alot of you humidity issues are coming from 2 places: 1) the heat lamp, because they get so hot, and 2) an open screen top. Here is a link to some pics I posted on what I did to cover the screen. Basically it's just cutting some cardboard into panels that fit across the sceen and wrapping them in foil. You can add or remove panels as necessary to help control humidity.

http://www.repticzone.com/forums/mes...hon/2/93/main/

To make the snake feel more secure in the tank you should cover the back and 2 ends. You can use aquarium scenery, cloth, paper, cardboard, cork board,etc...

There are too many suggestions and ideas so I'm gonna leave it at this for now...


Rob

[jls6214]

By temp gauges, I meant that I have a digital thermometer. Thank you very much for the reply and the info!! I have a list of things that I am going to pick up for him and get him set up right!!

And thank you for the cage set-up pic!!! That helps tremendously!!

[jls6214]

My opinion is before you start putting money into making the cage pretty, put it into the things that will keep your snake healthy. Start off with:

1) Thermostat- Dpending on your budget and what style you choose these will run from about $25- $150.

2) Under Tank Heater- several different brands available. the best size will cover approx. 1/2 to 2/3 of the floor area of your tank.

3) Digital thermometer/hygrometer- The little stick-on dial type are notorious for giving inaccurate readings.

Alot of you humidity issues are coming from 2 places: 1) the heat lamp, because they get so hot, and 2) an open screen top. Here is a link to some pics I posted on what I did to cover the screen. Basically it's just cutting some cardboard into panels that fit across the sceen and wrapping them in foil. You can add or remove panels as necessary to help control humidity.

http://www.repticzone.com/forums/mes...hon/2/93/main/

To make the snake feel more secure in the tank you should cover the back and 2 ends. You can use aquarium scenery, cloth, paper, cardboard, cork board,etc...

There are too many suggestions and ideas so I'm gonna leave it at this for now...


Rob

Thanks Rob! Thats exactly what I want to do!! I want to have him well taken care of first, then maybe work a bit on the asthetics. I really appreciate the help!!

[jls6214]

Ok.
Heat bulbs are not really recommended for ball pythons, and temperature gauges are extremely inaccurate (you need digital only).

This is something how your tank should be set up. If he eats ok in the 20g, then that cage is fine, but if he refuses to eat then you might need to lower the enclosure size. Try to feed a week after getting him and don't handle him AT ALL during that week.

You need a UTH and Thermostat to control the temperature. You'll also need a couple probe thermometers and hygrometers for humidity.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b3...t-Up-guide.jpg

Sorry, I have one more question....for now........Should the thermometer probes be placed on the side or the bottom of the tank?

[seeya205]

An under tank heater is the best for heating! This will help with humidity and a large shallow water dish helps! Also no one mentioned the temps, cool side-80 and warm side 90. Try to get the temps as close to this as possible. They will go up and down a little but don't worry! Also I like using coconut husk for a substrate but that's a personal choice! I also use a 20 gallon tank with no issues!

[jls6214]

Sorry, I have one more question....for now........Should the thermometer probes be placed on the side or the bottom of the tank?

LOL!!! Nevermind, I just READ the note on your set-up pic...says plainly to put them under the substrate!! SORRY!!!

[jls6214]

An under tank heater is the best for heating! This will help with humidity and a large shallow water dish helps! Also no one mentioned the temps, cool side-80 and warm side 90. Try to get the temps as close to this as possible. They will go up and down a little but don't worry! Also I like using coconut husk for a substrate but that's a personal choice! I also use a 20 gallon tank with no issues!

How long would my 20 gallon tank support my bp? Already planning for the future!! Do you think I would need to eventually upgrade in size?