Buying Start Up Supplies and Tank Size

[Brandon Nance]

I tried to search for this but couldn't find anything. But I was wondering a good place to buy the start up supplies for keeping a BP. I was looking at Petco and they seem a bit pricey and would like to try and save what I could. Also, the guy at Petco (who seems to be know about snakes actually) suggested their 40 gal breeder tank which they have on sale for $40. I know that is a bit big for a baby but was wondering if I made sure to fill it with lots of hides and cover if that would be ok or if I should go ahead and buy it but use a small plastic tub for now till they grow into it? I am trying to figure this all out before I get a BP and get all my supplies first. I am reading as much as I can and have ordered a couple of books as well. Thanks for all of you that help out us newbies to take care of this wonderful animal!

[The Serpent Merchant]

A 40 gallon isn't the best idea. If you are getting a hatchling a 10 - 20 gallon would be far more appropriate. Even for adults I wouldn't suggest a 40 gallon. They are impossible to maintain heat and humidity in.

If the room that you are going to keep the snake in stays around 75 then I would suggest a tub. If it gets colder than that a 10 or 20 gallon tank with an infrared heat lamp will be better.

If you go the tub route you will need a tub, a heating pad, a thermostat, 1or 2 hides, a water dish, and a probed thermometer.

Heating pad: http://m.petsmart.com/mt/www.petsmar...ductId=2752652

Thermostat (3 options depending on budget. Stay away from the junk sold in pet stores):

Budget: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000NZZG3S

Mid-Range: http://www.reptilebasics.com/ranco-etc-111000-pre-wired

Best: http://spyderrobotics.com/home/products.html

Hides: http://www.reptilebasics.com/hide-boxes

Water dish: http://www.reptilebasics.com/small-water-bowl

Probed thermometer: you can get this thermometer/hygrometer from Walmart for $12. It measures 2 temperatures and humidity. (The probe will go on the floor of the tub directly over the UTH, and the unit will sit on the cool side)



If you go the tank route you will need a 10-20 gallon tank, a screen top, clips for the screen top, a heat lamp fixture, an infrared heat bulb, a probed thermometer, 2 hides, a water dish, and a humidity retaining substrate.

Heat lamp fixture: http://m.petsmart.com/mt/www.petsmar...ductId=3569157

Infrared heat bulb: http://m.petsmart.com/mt/www.petsmar...uctId=11147193