Im setting up tank for miss siss help please

[kendrab]

so im settimg up a tank for my ball python siss. what nateral plants can i put in with her.

[Annarose15]

I don't have any living plants (or fake ones) in with my BPs, but here are three tips I'd offer.

1) Make sure it is very sturdy (something woody like ficus?), because BPs grow to be extremely heavy-bodied snakes and can topple them over, break them, etc., in their natural nocturnal wanderings.

2) Go with potted plants only, with low, wide shapes. This will allow you to remove them for cleaning her enclosure, repotting as they grow, etc., as well as reduce the odds of her knocking them over. You could get really cool pots that add to the "decor" that you want. If you're concerned about not using soil for bedding any more, I recommend cypress mulch. It still has a nice, earthy color and holds humidity well.

3) Use untreated topsoil only - no fertilizer or Miracle Gro. I think you mentioned in your other thread that you already knew about this, but I'm just reiterating.

4) Yes, I said three tips, but thought of one more! Keep it simple to start - one or two plants - so you can judge how easy everything is to care for, if the plants/pots are sturdy enough, if you can maintain the rights temps/humidity, etc. It's always easier to add than subtract, and the more "stuff" in the terrarium, the more you have to clean on a regular basis.

Good luck and keep asking questions.

[brobertson]

If you really insist on live plants, my thought would be to give it normal bedding (Ex: Aspen, Cypress, Towels) and pot the plants. A great plant that I have used for other herps is pothos, though I have never used it with a BP The soil would be a bad idea, because if you are using belly heat (which you should always use a thermostat for) the heat would become trapped, and build up dangerously hot pockets.

I can tell you are concerned about the decor and everything, but the most important part is getting proper temperatures and humidity. What are you using as the enclosure, and how are you planning on heating it? Remember, you want a hot side basking spot (surface temp.) of about 90 degrees, and an ambient temp(the air in the enclosure)at about 80. Do you have a digital thermometer? It is critical to your success in this setup. if you do not, you can get one for pretty cheap at walmart, it is called an an accurite thermometer-hygrometer, and it will measure all of the temps you need. Sorry for the monster post, and good luck with your snake!

[Mike41793]

Bamboo and devils ivy are both vey hardy.

[Brion99]

if you do not, you can get one for pretty cheap at walmart, it is called an an accurite thermometer-hygrometer, and it will measure all of the temps you need. Sorry for the monster post, and good luck with your snake!

Don't think Wal-Mart carries em anymore. If not, you can find em on Amazon.

As for the enclosure I'd definitely look for the acrylic, plexiglass, etc.. type enclosures....anything but glass. The pretty display can be a little pricey, but are soo much better than glass (keeping the humidity in my glass tank is a nightmare, especially in shed time, whereas my tub enclosure is pretty much zero maitenance). If you're interested in an enclosure like this just say so and I'll post some links.

One other thing, please stay away from the top soil idea.

Glad you're getting a proper place for your BP.

[satomi325]

Don't think Wal-Mart carries em anymore. If not, you can find em on Amazon.

Walmart now carries a different model, but it has the same feature for the same price.

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[Brion99]

Walmart now carries a different model, but it has the same feature for the same price.

Sent from my ADR6300 using Tapatalk

They didn't have any when I went awhile ago, but that's great they got more....I need some for my incoming rack.

[Rob]

Glad to see your taking your BP out of the "zoo". Just as long as you know the plants and fancy stuff is for you. All the animal needs is a hot side and cool side with hides. Water and humidity. Check out animal plastics or reptile basics they have great stuff. For someone who seems to like reptiles a lot maybe a rack system is a good choice, if you plan on getting more bps.

[wolfy-hound]

Bamboo is a good idea. Sturdy. Keeping everything in pots with substrate between for looks will make it easy to clean and easy to rotate plants in and out so the plants survive and you don't end up replacing them.

[Evenstar]

Pothos is another good choice. It stands up really well to crushing and will grow in low or no light and in just about any soil.