what to do?

[carbn8]

So I posted earlier this week that I got my first bp. I couldnt be happier, but can she? so she is roughlt 3 ft long and a bit on the skinny side. But that is not my delima. She is currently in a 50 gal tank with a 100watt inferred bulb as well as a UTh. Now when I got her the tank and heat lamp and heat pad came with her. The guy i got her from didnt have them regualted at all. So once I got her home I put both the UTH and the Heat lamp on reostats. I then got everything set to proper temps. Im monitoring them with an indoor/outdoor temp/hygo as well as a temp gun.

I have 2 question. First I have a hot spot temp of 88-91 but since the tank is so large it gradually goes down from there. At the end furthest from the hot spot it stays anywhere between 75-78. So I have noticed that the she prefers the cold end to the hot end. not to say she doesnt use the hot end. so my question is can an animal become accostomed to lower temps and prefer them? I ask only because, like I said, the previouse owner had no regualatoons on the heat.

My next question is would I, as well as her, be better of swithching to a tub setup? I my ambient temps stay right around 72 in my house. Just to be safe I would use two UTHs a one set at 90 and one covering the remainder of the tank and set at 80ish. would this benifit me in any way or should i continue using my current setup.

P.S. any suggestions or advice will be greatly apreciated. If im doing something please tell me, tactfully if you could.

[NH93]

75-78F for one end should be fine. With a lamp and a UTH (both regulated) the only big issue I can see is it being dry in there. If it is dry, less chance of a respiratory illness with lower temperatures.

If you notice she prefers the cool end anyhow, shouldn't be an issue in my opinion. Others might disagree, though. It's when your setup drops below 75F (including at night) or on a regular besis that is an issue.

I think as long as you've got the heat gradient where it should be, you're alright. I have never used tubs so I can't speak for them. I have used glass tanks (but my largest was a 30 gal) and PVC. I think you can make just about anything work, really. Many people use the glass tanks and love them - others not so much. I really loved mine. To combat the dryness I used moss hides. I actually found glass easier ot heat than PVC for the ball python.

Best of luck!

[carbn8]

thank you for your opnion! beleive it or not my humididty stays between 54% and 62%. I also on the coast less than a 1/4 mile from the beach. So im sure that has a lot to do with it. I have ordered some flexwatt to increase the are of the hot spot. Again the previous owner had a used a 6"x 4" UTH. I would really like to increase the cool temp closer to 80. Im terrifyed of and RI developing.

[NH93]

You also don't want to make it too hot in there either. But 75F at 62% humidity is questionable as well. Just make sure you are accurately measuring temps. For the hot spot, where you do have your probe placed?
Generally speaking, many people place the thermostat probe on the outside of the glass (in between the UTH and vive - in the middle) and another probed thermometer directly on the glass on the side of the vive - secured in place by something, usually dried hot glue and agian in the middle of the UTH.

If you are using rheostats I strongly suggest you use thermostats as they keep the temperature to a certain degree (or within a range), rather than having to constantly check and adjust the rheostat based on changes in your home environment. Rheostats only dim the output of electricity to the UTH, they don't control for temperature variation in the outside environment. Thermostats are set at specific temperatures.

It may also be more appropriate to have two light domes - either red bulbs or strictly heat emitting bulbs, so they will not be turned off at night - of lower wattages than one with a huge wattage. This way you will have less severity among your temperature throughout the vive, but can still maintain that heat gradient.

[carbn8]

So I have the probe under the substrate(news paper) in the middle of the UTH. I know this is far from ideal. The prior owner assured me that the setup was perfect. When I arrived to pick her up, he then explained that i didnt need a thermostat and that if she got to hot she would move. I new this was false and added the restats as soon as I got her home. the reostats are not permanent, I will be ordering a thermostat friday. I also have to feet of flexwatt on its way now. Again Im also using a heat gun to measure temps.

As far as adding another dome goes, would I place both next to each other? Or would I want them on either end?

[don15681]

a tub is much better for your snake than a tank. the snake might be seeking the cool end as it feels more secure there. I would clutter it up a lot. snakes feel more secure with less height. also put a hide on both ends too.

[carbn8]

I was starting to think the same. It just seems easier in the long run. Thanks again.

Sent from my SCH-S720C using Tapatalk 2

[Slim]

A tub will also be easier to clean completely on a regular basis.

[NH93]

To each their own I prefer visual vives myself, but if you do get a tub I know it saves room (for more snakes... hehe). If you'd like to sell your glass stuff to someone starting out, make sure to let them know about the *proper* set up, and places to go for info - LIKE HERE!

[Navaro]

There's absolutely no evidence to support that a tub, is "better" for your snake over a tank.

A tank is more finicky to setup, but can be regulated well when setup correctly with the snake in mind. You should always put the snakes security and well being over any desire for "looks" but that said, there's no reason why your tank can't look great, and be a fantastic well regulated home for your ball python.