i'm ignorant

[yz9890]

I would suggest that if it's at all possible (keeping it a surprise), to have the enclosure setup and working right before getting the BP. That way you can work out the kinks getting the humidity, ambients, and hotspot temps right. Then all you do is put the BP in and it should be good to go.

I just read that in one of the threads you guys sent me to. that shouldn't be a problem.

I was a little concerned about attaching an electric heat pad to a plastic tub but apparently that's not an issue as long as it has a thermostat.

gobs of good info.

[RetiredJedi]

I was a little concerned about attaching an electric heat pad to a plastic tub but apparently that's not an issue as long as it has a thermostat.

Yes the thermostat will stop it from getting too hot. You could also get a one of these Ultratherm heatpads:
http://www.reptilebasics.com/ultratherm-heat-pads

They STILL NEED A THERMOSTAT but are low wattage and the site says they are perfect for tubs. I used one before I got my rack and loved it!

[Evenstar]

Yes the thermostat will stop it from getting too hot. You could also get a one of these Ultratherm heatpads:
http://www.reptilebasics.com/ultratherm-heat-pads

They STILL NEED A THERMOSTAT but are low wattage and the site says they are perfect for tubs. I used one before I got my rack and loved it!

Ultratherm's are the only ones I use and they are terrific!! Don't know if it's already been mentioned, but a good thermostat is not only a must, but a good quality one is worth its weight in gold. If you can swing it, I'd recommend a Herpstat or Vivarium Electronics. They are not cheap, but as I said, they are worth it - more accurate and better made and will last your BP's lifetime. You can get Herpstats from Spyder Robotics and Vivarium Electronics from Reptile Basics along with lots of other good-quality supplies (Ultratherm's are there too).

If those are a little too much for the budget, Hydrofarm t-stats are about $30 off Amazon. Many of us use one or two of those as a back up and it'll work ok for a single snake.

Everything else has already been said, but I'd like add that I hope you continue to frequent the forum! You'll never stop learning and we're always ready to help! As you've already found, there's tons of good info here! I'd also suggest that your son join as well. There are many children here and we keep the forums pretty well rated G and it's heavily moderated. We're usually a very good, clean group!

.......Don't anyone shame me now! Slim, I'm talking to you.... LoL! JK.......

[Druzy]

Just like everyone else has been stating do your research.
Once when you purchase the snake you will quickly learn that everyday is a learning process.
At least for me it is!
Best of luck!

[(James)]

Hey, I live in Louisville. I get everything from Pet's Galore on Grinstead Drive. He breeds all of his own stuff and he's very knowledgeable and helpful. Hope that helps, congratulations on your new future family member.

[Slim]

Slim, I'm talking to you.... LoL! JK.......

I keep it G rated in the open Forums....G rated on the European scale

[Evenstar]

I keep it G rated in the open Forums....G rated on the European scale

[yz9890]

one of the above recommended threads mentioned a $30 thermostat. I plan on doing a tub with an 11x11 or 7x11 pad under it. is there a reliable thermostat for a small, low watt pad that won't break my piggy bank? cheapest I've seen so far online is $75.

and a recommended entry level digital thermometer that will do both sides of the tub? (2 leads I guess). I've read a few opinions that temp guns are better. does it matter?

decent digital or analog humidity gauge?

Thanks.

[Skittles1101]

one of the above recommended threads mentioned a $30 thermostat. I plan on doing a tub with an 11x11 or 7x11 pad under it. is there a reliable thermostat for a small, low watt pad that won't break my piggy bank? cheapest I've seen so far online is $75.

and a recommended entry level digital thermometer that will do both sides of the tub? (2 leads I guess). I've read a few opinions that temp guns are better. does it matter?

decent digital or analog humidity gauge?

Thanks.

Here's the $30 thermostat http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-MTPR...4920589&sr=8-1

Although they've been shown to not be highly accurate, a lot of people use Accuright thermometer/hygrometers. I think it's +/- 5 which isn't horrible but isn't the greatest. Highly accurate ones cost a lot of money, so people (including myself) generally settle for these. It will read both sides as it has two probes. They can also be found at Walmart or Home Depot and the sorts. http://www.amazon.com/Chaney-Instrum...1&sr=8-1-spell

I wouldn't go with analog...

Congrats though and welcome to the forum! Not sure if anyone warned you, but don't be surprised if you become addicted. I had ALL intentions of only getting one ball python...it never works that way lol.

[yz9890]

perfect. thx.