Hello again!
Been compiling a list of supplies and could use some advise before ordering. Aiming to buy a younger female Ball Python. Here is why I have on the list so far:
Primary List:
20 Gallon Long
Go with a plastic sterilite tub and some clamps, save yourself the constant hassle and labor.
Repti Therm U.T.H for 10-20 Gal.
Get a pad or heat cord from Big Apple Herp that is safe for use with a plastic bin.
ECO CARPET 29 Gallon
Nah. Just buy a big bag of aspen shavings.
Eco Earth - 3 pack
What for? You already have bedding. This stuff tends to hold too much dampness and can lead to skin infections in BPs
2 Repti Shelter - Medium
If the girl is medium-sized, that's fine. Make sure it will fit her tightly, and not be larger than she needs, or she won't like it.
New Zealand Sphagnum Moss
Unnecessary if you aren't going to be fighting with the humidity all the time the way you would with a glass tank.
Water Dish
Fluker's Clamp Lamp - 5.5 inch
Never a good choice for BPs
Ceramic Heat Emitter - 60 watt
Never a good choice for BPs. Drives out the humidity, and if you're using a UTH you shouldn't need it. If you are using a plastic tub, you can't use it anyhow.
Secondary List:
REPTISUN TERRARIUM HOOD 20”
Completely unnecessary.
ReptiSun 2.0 Fluorescent Bulb - 18"
Completely unnecessary.
HygroTherm - Humidity & Temp Controller
Repti Fogger
You won't need it if you use a tub.
Plug-in Mechanical Timer
Husbandry:
Wipe Out 1 - 4.25 oz
Don't bother. Wash it with soap and water, and disinfect with chlorhexadine or bleach.
Collapsible Snake Hook
Plastic Feeding Cage
Unnecessary for a ball python (and possibly even counterproductive, if you want her to eat regularly).
Provent-a-Mite
Feeding Tongs 10"
Spray Bottle
Mods:
Tank Screen Top Foil Treatment
Blacked out back and sides
That is my list so far. Comments more than welcome.
Personal Comments:
I know I am missing some thermometers and rheostats and could use some help on that. I don't have enough money to put into a $120 controller and have seen cheaper options but am unsure of what to grab, particularly for the UTH. Seen a few recommend the
Hydrofarm Thermostat.
The secondary list is wishlist stuff. The Fogger/Hygrotherm is unnecessary, but possibly convenient just in case I am not around for a few days or longer to mist.
If you use a plastic tub, you won't need to. Save the money from that and buy a GOOD thermostat instead.
The light is also unnecessary, but for an attempt at "safe" display I chose the low output Reptisun 2.0.
Why not use an ordinary cheap fluorescent tube, if you just want lighting? As soon as the light comes on, the ball python will vanish into a hide and stay there, anyhow.
Currently shopping at
ReptileSupply.com since the prices seem to be some of the best. If anyone has any comments or recommendations for better sites I'd be open to comment.
Thanks for reading.