New to site and BP.. have some questions..

[twinklestar]

Good point. My house temp is pretty constant (A/C is set to 78 and most likely will be used thru September, sigh...) so that's not a concern. FWIW I really like the VT100's but the OP is concerned about cost...

Its not so much the cost, its more that I have to wait til I get paid wed.. I want to get what I need that is the best quality... I did read the care sheet and it really helped, I will have to read it a few more times to retain ALL the info in it along with getting books, and to answer a question, I have ReptiBark in the bottom..One thing I did read is that I should do a FULL tank clean every 6months or so, got it off the internet, is this true or will it just stress Twinkle out? I also wouldn't mind getting something to cover the back and one or both sides on the tank.. What would be the best thing to use and would I put it on the inside or outside of the tank? I'm thinking the outside just so it wont mess with the atmosphere of the tank.. I really do appreciate all the feedback I'm getting, I really do just want to have the best environment for Twinkle that she can have...

[Kaorte]

Its not so much the cost, its more that I have to wait til I get paid wed.. I want to get what I need that is the best quality... I did read the care sheet and it really helped, I will have to read it a few more times to retain ALL the info in it along with getting books, and to answer a question, I have ReptiBark in the bottom..One thing I did read is that I should do a FULL tank clean every 6months or so, got it off the internet, is this true or will it just stress Twinkle out? I also wouldn't mind getting something to cover the back and one or both sides on the tank.. What would be the best thing to use and would I put it on the inside or outside of the tank? I'm thinking the outside just so it wont mess with the atmosphere of the tank.. I really do appreciate all the feedback I'm getting, I really do just want to have the best environment for Twinkle that she can have...

I would change out all the substrate and wash the entire enclosure and cage furniture a little more often than twice a year... Maybe every other month at the least.

I use foam core board to cover the back and sides of my tanks. you can find it at most craft stores and even at many drug stores.

[BHReptiles]

Its not so much the cost, its more that I have to wait til I get paid wed.. I want to get what I need that is the best quality... I did read the care sheet and it really helped, I will have to read it a few more times to retain ALL the info in it along with getting books, and to answer a question, I have ReptiBark in the bottom..One thing I did read is that I should do a FULL tank clean every 6months or so, got it off the internet, is this true or will it just stress Twinkle out? I also wouldn't mind getting something to cover the back and one or both sides on the tank.. What would be the best thing to use and would I put it on the inside or outside of the tank? I'm thinking the outside just so it wont mess with the atmosphere of the tank.. I really do appreciate all the feedback I'm getting, I really do just want to have the best environment for Twinkle that she can have...

I agree with what Kaorte said. I have one display tank (most of my animals are in racks) and I usually do a full clean out every 6-8 weeks. However, I spot clean when I see that there's been a mess made (it houses a corn snake so that's usually once a week).

As for what to cover, black construction paper, cardbaoard, or even a fancy backdrop work well. They can go on the outside of the tank. For my display tank, I have a forest scene that "blacks out" my corn's cage (not that she needs it...but it's for decoration). I have a BP in quarantine that's REALLY skittish so I have all 4 sides covered in cardboard to give him a little extra security. It seems to be doing the trick.

As for thermostats, if you can afford it, a Herpstat (even the cheapest Herpstat at $100) is well worth it! There's another model called Vivarium Electronics that's also pretty good. Those you can get from Reptile Basics and the cheapest one is $85. However, both those are considered some of the best thermostats you can buy. Although they are pricey, they are awesome! I have a Herpstat 2 and I love mine.