Newbie getting set up for a BP

[skueppers]

My kids (10 and 12) really want a ball python, and I think it sounds like a fine idea. So in a few weeks, I'm planning to take them to a Repticon event near where we live. While the main mission there is to learn more about ball pythons and caring for them, there is of course the possibility that we will be tempted to return home with a ball python...

So with that in mind, I feel a need to get a reasonable home together for a snake we don't yet have. I understand that it's important to get the temperature and humidity right, and that it may take some time to do that.

I already own a standard 10 gallon aquarium (20x10x12 inches) that I used to use to house fish (I'm an experienced fishkeeper). Would that be a reasonable enclosure for a young ball python? Or do I need something else?

My thought, based on what I've read here, is to get an under-tank heater with a thermostat, a screen top (with something to keep it fastened -- clips?), a heat lamp, some aspen bedding, and a thermometer. I figure that if we do wind up with a ball python at the event, we can always pick up something for it to hide in and an appropriate water dish based on the recommendations of the breeder.

Is this a reasonable plan, or should I be doing something else? Budget is whatever it needs to be to create a good environment for the snake.

Thanks so much for your advice!

[keebs]

I personally wouldn't use a tank that was previously used to house fish... but that's just me.

If you are getting a baby ball python I'd start out with a 15qt locking lid sterilite or rubbermaid bin with holes drilled in it, you can get these at target or walmart for under 10$. Go on amazon and look for a jumpstart thermostat, get one of those and hook it up to an under tank heat mat. Stick the probe directly onto the heat mat and shove the whole shebang under the rubbermaid container, and let it heat up to about 90-92F. That's your hotspot. Make sure the cool side is around the mid 70s. Toss in bedding of your choice whether that be aspen or paper towel or cypress or coco fiber is up to you, but coco fiber and cypress hold humidity more. Chuck in a good size water bowl and two hides, one on the hot side and one on the cool side, and monitor temps with a temp gun for a few days. make sure you also have a digital thermometer/hygrometer in the bin as well, don't rely solely on the jumpstart thermostat to give you an accurate reading.

Generally plastic/PVC is better at keeping humidity in. Glass looks pretty and it can be worked with but it generally isn't the best player when it comes to humidity and maintaining temps.

i know 15qt sounds small but it's not for a baby. they need security, not aesthetics, and tend to like smaller spaces. plus it's easy to upgrade as the snake grows.

Breeders at shows generally (from my experience) aren't going to want to talk to you about how to set up a tank/enclosure if you're completely new to the hobby, the tables selling the accouterments are more likely to want to walk you through that as they're the ones selling everything you need, but some breeders do give out care sheets.

If your budget is "whatever" IMHO its better to start out with a simple, cheap and effective setup and invest the money in a really cool looking morph that you and your family will love

good luck!

[bcr229]

A ball python will outgrow a ten gallon tank quickly. Also fish tanks are for fish. A tank will require a lot of equipment, expense, and maintenance to house a snake that needs high humidity and a temperature gradient between 80-90*F.

Since you are starting from scratch, I'd suggest getting a latchbox-style Sterilite or Hefty tub, an under-tank heater, and a thermostat to start. I prefer newspaper or cypress over aspen, as aspen molds quickly in high humidity environments. The melamine pet dishes from the Dollar Tree/Dollar Store work fine since they're pretty much undumpable.

For hides you can get the plastic ones from Reptile Basics or make your own. I'd suggest staying away from wood due to molding issues.

[skueppers]

Thanks for the quick responses!

I should probably clarify that the tank was last used to house fish at least a decade ago. So not anytime recently.

Interesting that plastic tubs are preferred. Sounds like I need to make a trip to Target.

[jmcrook]

Sounds like you're off to a good start. I'd personally go with maybe cypress mulch or coconut husk mulch just because they hold humidity better than aspen without getting moldy, though there are plenty of keepers that use aspen with no issues. If going with a screen top you'll probably want to cover most of it to keep humidity in. There's a number of threads on here with suggestions as to how you might cover it. You'll want 2 hides, one warm side one cool side and also I'd recommend a digital thermometer with a wired probe like an Acurite or something similar. That will read your hot spot from the wired probe, cool side from the body of the thermometer as well as humidity. Try to get the enclosure up and running for a little while prior to getting your BP so you can play around with getting temps and humidity and such all dialed in ahead of time. That's all if you're set on using your glass tank. They are trickier to maintain than a plastic enclosure but it can be done. The other suggestions of using a tub are very good options as well for sure and less costly than modifying a glass tank in the long run.


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[Zincubus]

For what it's worth .... I'd go with your original idea of using the tank - at least you'll be a me to see it in all it's glory instead of having to take the lid off a Rub/ Tub and scare the little blighter to have a look at it - even then - after you've lifted the hide off it after its darted out if sight for safety - you'll be looking DOWN on it and missing the beautiful face from the side . Glass Vivs are amazing so you can keep a look out for one of those in a few months ....

Your tank will suffice for a while providing you get a small hatching .... you can give it security by sticking black paper on the two sides and back but leave the front glass clear so you can keep looking at it ( throughout the days ) . Also put lots of branches in there and get some cheap , fake silk plants / foliage fro the local bargain shop ...


Just my take on the matter . I detest RUBS and all my TWENTY snakes are in lovely vivariums ( vivs ).

Regards from the UK