The jfreels glass tank setup w/pics *DUW*

[jfreels]

Yeah, that's the dimmer. With the Accurite thermometer probe attached to the tank, I just start the rheostat at the bottom and gradually increase until I get the desired temp. I keep my reptile room at 80-82 F, so it's a little easier for me as opposed to someone who has warmer daytime and cooler nighttime.

If you're having trouble finding a good median, I'd suggest getting a thermostat to control the temp. You can get a cheap HydroFarm thermostat on Amazon.com for around 28$ shipped. There are many other thermostats to choose from if you have a larger budget.

[smd58]

for the black out you can also use black spray paint, tape off the frame, and glass. wipe with some alcohole. i use flat paint because it will show up as gloss from the inside.

[jfreels]

I would have done paint, but I was not prepared for this tank upgrade. After that snakes next shed, I'll be moving him to a tub and then placing my Brazilian Rainbow boa in that tank.

Thanks for the input guys!

[ae88weaver]

You say to
"Attach the probe from your Accurite, try to get it dead center of the mat. As you can see, I'm not using hot-glue to attach this probe. I will later, the next time it gets a deep clean."
If your not using glue this time, how are you attaching it? I'm trying to set up my cage right now, actually a couple cages while I'm waiting for a different size UTH to come in, and the my thermostat probe is massive! Your post is very helpful though, I just need a bit of clarification since this is my first time owning a BP. Thanks!


Also, how necessary is it to black out the sides? I know BP's are nocturnal, but I'm planning on keep Erikson in his own room with the shades down and lights off... It's a storage room so there will be no traffic or anything either...

[jfreels]

You say to
"Attach the probe from your Accurite, try to get it dead center of the mat. As you can see, I'm not using hot-glue to attach this probe. I will later, the next time it gets a deep clean."
If your not using glue this time, how are you attaching it? I'm trying to set up my cage right now, actually a couple cages while I'm waiting for a different size UTH to come in, and the my thermostat probe is massive! Your post is very helpful though, I just need a bit of clarification since this is my first time owning a BP. Thanks!


Also, how necessary is it to black out the sides? I know BP's are nocturnal, but I'm planning on keep Erikson in his own room with the shades down and lights off... It's a storage room so there will be no traffic or anything either...

Sorry I am just seeing this! I used a piece of foil tape, in fact, it held up so well, I don't bother with the hot glue anymore, it makes it much easier to do the deep cleans.

I've seen some BP's that are just fine in enclosures without blacking out the glass. I think it will greatly improve settling in a new snake. IMO, if your snake eats, poops and stays in it's hide a lot, don't change anything