Should I set my tank up ahead of time

[acournyer13]

So I am planning on buying a baby ball python at a reptile expo at the end of August. I was wondering if I should buy all the supplies and set up my tank like a week before I go to make sure that everything is running smoothly. Or should I wait until the expo where I'm planning on buying my snake to see if I can get better deals there?

[Eric Alan]

So I am planning on buying a baby ball python at a reptile expo at the end of August. I was wondering if I should buy all the supplies and set up my tank like a week before I go to make sure that everything is running smoothly. Or should I wait until the expo where I'm planning on buying my snake to see if I can get better deals there?

Is the possibility of saving a couple dollars at the show worth risking not being ready to properly house your animal once you get home with it?

I highly recommend having your enclosure up and running before you go. It gives you a chance to trouble-shoot any husbandry concerns without the risk of putting your new arrival's health in danger right out of the gate. I personally have any new enclosures I'm not familiar with up and running for at least two weeks before I am confident they are where they need to be. Even if I purchase another of an enclosure style I already own, I run it for a week or so just to be sure. I do tend to be a little bit over the top about these kinds of things, but it has served me well so far!

Also, to the site!

[acournyer13]

Is the possibility of saving a couple dollars at the show worth risking not being ready to properly house your animal once you get home with it?

I highly recommend having your enclosure up and running before you go. It gives you a chance to trouble-shoot any husbandry concerns without the risk of putting your new arrival's health in danger right out of the gate. I personally have any new enclosures I'm not familiar with up and running for at least two weeks before I am confident they are where they need to be. Even if I purchase another of an enclosure style I already own, I run it for a week or so just to be sure. I do tend to be a little bit over the top about these kinds of things, but it has served me well so far!

Also, to the site!

Thank you for the advice! That what I was leanine towards, but I wasn't sure if I was being ridiculous.

[Scottywelsh]

Definitely. Less stress for you and your snake that way and much safer.
Good Luck

[stickyalvinroll]

Go on amazon most of the time it's even cheaper than shows.

[bcr229]

I would. I wouldn't get a tank though, for an adult I'd get one of these since they're cheaper and hold humidity better:
http://www.lowes.com/pd/Hefty-100-Qu...g-Lid/50150118

Add a UTH + thermostat for heat, some substrate, hides, digital thermometer/hygrometer, temp gun, and water bowls, and you're done.

For a baby just get a smaller tub.

[JodanOrNoDan]

I would. I wouldn't get a tank though, for an adult I'd get one of these since they're cheaper and hold humidity better:
http://www.lowes.com/pd/Hefty-100-Qu...g-Lid/50150118

Add a UTH + thermostat for heat, some substrate, hides, digital thermometer/hygrometer, temp gun, and water bowls, and you're done.

For a baby just get a smaller tub.

I agree with bcr. Tubs are just easier. When you use a tank you tend to turn a low maintenance pet and turn it into a high one. If your prize form over function though a tank can work but I definitely would set it up early.