Questions on setting up my tank..

[shelby9189]

Ok im fixing to just try and set up my tank for a snake and if and when I get one just to kinda make sure I set it up right. Does the heat pad go outside under the tankl or inside? I have a heat lamp with the infer(spell check lol) red light in it do I leave it on 24/7 inthe middle of the tank? I have the logs in there as hides can I get new better hides and leave logs in there? And I am using a rectangular tubaware dish is that ok for water and soaking? Do I need to put a towel over half of the lid to help with humidity? I do have a thermometer with 2 temp readings and humidity reading. Got it at WM like someone said they did in onw of my other posts. If im forgetting anything that you notice please let me know.

Thank you so much!

[BHReptiles]

The heat pad needs to go UNDER the tank and cover about 1/3 of the tank. That NEEDS to be hooked up to a thermostat. I would recommend either a Herpstat or if that is not in your price range, then go with something like this: http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-MTPR.../dp/B000NZZG3S

As for the heat lamp, since BPs aren't really basking animals, you don't need the heat lamp unless the ambient temperature (aka air temp) is too low. That heat lamp will suck out the humidity and it will be REALLY difficult to keep it humid enough in the enclosure, especially if you live in a dry climate. If you really want to use the heat lamp, make sure you cover most of the lid with aluminum foil or a damp towel. As for how long to leave it on, since it's really not necessary, it doesn't matter how long you leave it on. Now, you'll need to keep in mind that if you do use the heat lamp, it will generate a lot of heat. I have one for a corn snake in my bedroom at home and my room is always 82+ degrees in there and I only run my lamp from 7am-7pm.

The water dish doesn't need to be big since BPs shouldn't soak. If they do soak, they probably have mites. You only need a small water dish.

As for the hides, the log hides do not offer enough security for a BP. You need something that is snug on them. Half of my tubs on my rack are using old butter-containers, glove/tissue boxes, etc. I just cut a hole in them. You want something that is inclosed with only one way in or out. A lot of people use the black hides from companies like Reptile Basics. I just use whatever I have around my house. The snakes don't seem to care! Try to have two identical hides - one on the hot side one on the cold. This will encourage them to thermoregulate and not choose their favorite hide over thermoregulating.

I hope that helps you a little bit.

[shelby9189]

Ok thank you. I did get the thermostat from amazon its on its way to my house lol. OK and I asked about the heat lamp cuz its a 55 gal tank. and its in my living room.. and I live in texas right now its kinda cool where im at and it is always kinda humid. And I will def get another water dish and I have plenty of plastic bowls or ill go to dollar store and get some cheap ones and put holes in.. will make sure they are the same. thanks

[The Serpent Merchant]

If the air temp in the cage drops below 75 an infrared heat lamp can be used 24/7 to increase the air temperature.

[shelby9189]

ok my living room stay prob at 70 degrees or around there

[The Serpent Merchant]

I would go with a low wattage IR bulb then (50 watts) either on a thermostat, or a lamp dimmer to maintain the air temperature around 80 degrees.

[shelby9189]

Ok. I'll go buy a dimmer for the light

[RestlessRobie]

Having used tanks for a while I will give you a couple more tips Cover 3 sides with some type of background I use aquariumbackground from petco. Also you may want to cover the top with either tin foil or I use Plexiglass purchased from Home Depot or a local hardware store and cut it to fit. I also cut several holes in it to allow for air flow and my heat lamp. So when it is all done it looks kinda like this.



And here is a pic of the plexi cover I made



Hope this helps you out and feel free to ask if you have any questions

[BHReptiles]

Ok thank you. I did get the thermostat from amazon its on its way to my house lol. OK and I asked about the heat lamp cuz its a 55 gal tank. and its in my living room.. and I live in texas right now its kinda cool where im at and it is always kinda humid. And I will def get another water dish and I have plenty of plastic bowls or ill go to dollar store and get some cheap ones and put holes in.. will make sure they are the same. thanks

I live in southern Texas, outside Houston, so I understand it ALWAYS being humid! It's nice because it does keep the humidity around 50% all the time. I only need to mist when my snakes are in shed. However, I'm not sure what the humidity will be like once you add the heat lamp. But I definitely agree that it will be needed if you keep your house at 70*. Also, since you said you have a 55 gal aquarium, how big is your snake? That's probably way too big for an adult and way to big for a baby. Make sure you clutter it up with fake plants (You can keep the logs in there to take up space if you want) that you can buy from craft stores or Walmart. This will help the snake to feel more secure when it needs to move around the enclosure.

[shelby9189]

gah. that helps a lot thank you.. i have the mesh cover with clips so just cover the cold side with tin foil?