Getting ready to set up the new tank...

[Charles8088]

After thoroughly reading the Glass Tank setup sticky, I think I've hammered down most of the info I need. Just a few questions I have...

Keep in mind, this is using a glass tank... just not decided if going with a 20 long, or something larger.

TOP LID: Using a screen lid, the post says to use foil. What if instead of foil I use either a piece of Plexiglas, or more likely a clear sheet of vinyl, shaped to fit the top of the lid, with appropriate holes. I think it might hold humidity better. And, I think it would look a little cleaner than foil, if done correctly.

OVERHEAD HEAT: CHE vs. red infrared... is one recommended over the other? Or, is it personal preference? And, on that note, how many watts might be good for a 20L? Room where the ball would be probably ranges between 68-72.

DAY/NIGHT LIGHTS: I would like to have LED lights on a timer. Is LED ok, or is regular bulbs preferred? And, for the look, for the night cycle, would a moonlight stress the snake in anyway?

TEMP PROBES: For probe inside the tank, hot glue gun has been suggested. How about silicon? Would be way before the snake becomes a resident, so would have time to dry and the odor to disappear. Is ok? And, for that in-tank probe over the UTH area, should the probe be on the glass, covered with the aspen bedding? or, should it stick out of the bedding?

Thanks in advance.

[CALM Pythons]

You got things rollin
1st.. I have a 30 long 48"x12"x12" i use for quarantine and its great.. I have Duraplex Plexiglass from lowes over the screened lid. The reason I say Dura Plex is because when you lift a 48" long lid it bends and flexes, if you get the cheap plexi it will snap.. This was $19.99 for like 42" and I got it cut to (2) peices so a RHP can sit ontop of one side (Hot side) and the Plexi fits 11" wide inside the metal frame. I drilled 4 holes im the Plexi (dont push let drill work) and put small small bolts and nuts threw the screen hole.. Make sure holes are 1" in or it cam split the Plexi. It works perfect.. After all your not throwing the lid around anyway. Instead of a RHP ($100) you can leave 1/3 open for a CHE.. Which you also asked about. A CHE will last longer, is more efficient, and I don't like to worry about Night/Day lights ect.. The snakes prefur dark anyways... As far as lights to see, id go with a LED strip.. You can use Hot glue (I use DAP bath & kitchen Silicone).
The LED are what most of us are ordering in our PVC enclosures. They look good and its better to only use them when you want to look at your snake or clean.. As they rather not have a spot light on them of course.
Last the Probe.. You want the probe on the glass and you want the substrate paper thin in the Hot spot so your measuring the hottest part of glass and snake is getting the full 88-91 basking temp..
i used Silicone also for the probe and over the wire in a couple places to keep it from being pulled. Let it dry for 3-4 hours (use a good amount to hold the probe and wire) so the smell is gone.. Spray some glass cleaner and it will help with the smell after it dries...
I think i touched all your questions.

[Charles8088]

The 30L you're using, same footprint as the 55... which I originally was going to use. So, will most likely do the 20L. This way, I can learn a bit on regulating everything, learn how the snakes act and re-act in the tank and environment, and just "overall" get some experience under my belt. I do not intend on staying in the 20L. Whether I go with a larger tank or a PVC enclosure, I'll hopefully feel more confident in the choice I make then. Right now, especially with a smaller snake, it wouldn't seem right to spend all the money and not know what I'm doing.

Thanks for the input.

[CALM Pythons]

On a side note.. If you already have the tank disregard this.. If not, keep in mind after a screend lid $20, plexy glass $20 and anything else to make a glass tank work $$$ you can get a professional pvc AP T-8 for $150. No need for any baloney to keep humidity in or other things to cob job a glass tank to work. All you need is your heat for a t8 & your ready to go. Fyi
http://www.apcages.com/home/

[Charles8088]

Good point. I think it would be close. I'm actually noticing the T8 dimensions now. Didn't realize it was a 48x24 footprint. That thing is like a 90 gallon equivalent. WOW! Might be a little too big for my intended space.

$150 for THAT size is actually fairly cheap... compared to the other PVC enclosures. Guess that's why its so popular.

[tttaylorrr]

just chiming in: once your baby is no longer baby size i highly recommend looking into a T8. bought mine after Yellow outgrew his 20g and i freakin' love it.
okay, ignore me now. 😛

[BR8080]

On a side note.. If you already have the tank disregard this.. If not, keep in mind after a screend lid $20, plexy glass $20 and anything else to make a glass tank work $$$ you can get a professional pvc AP T-8 for $150. No need for any baloney to keep humidity in or other things to cob job a glass tank to work. All you need is your heat for a t8 & your ready to go. Fyi
http://www.apcages.com/home/

I was going to suggest the same thing as I have started with a 20L (per the reptile guy I got the snake from) and quickly realized a PVC enclosure was the way to go for controlling the humidity and heat. As other members have stated you can go with a LED strip and use it for viewing and cleaning as ambient room lighting is adequate. ONE of the nice things about the AP enclosures is the channel they route for the LED strip can be done in either 8 or 10mm and is "wedge shaped" according to Ali (AWESOME customer service by the way) and I imagine that means it's like a dovetail so the strip fits in securely.

I have 3 T10's on order with RHP's (Pro Products) and 2 additional snakes coming. Picking 1 up in the next week or two and the 2nd is being made at this time LOL

Whatever you decide we all wish you the best and will be here to offer our suggestions but YOU have to make the best decision for you and your snake(s).

[CALM Pythons]

Good point. I think it would be close. I'm actually noticing the T8 dimensions now. Didn't realize it was a 48x24 footprint. That thing is like a 90 gallon equivalent. WOW! Might be a little too big for my intended space.

$150 for THAT size is actually fairly cheap... compared to the other PVC enclosures. Guess that's why its so popular.

Yeah its crazy cheap. Has glass sliding doors and all. AP installs (inset) LED's for $40 all the way across in a strip. Also if you want a Divider to make it 2 enclosures (24"x24"x12" each) its $20 and goes in and comes out easy. You can house 2 Balls if you wanted. Also these snakes spend most time in their hide and a T8 is fine for a young ball. I have a 4 month old & a 7 month old in that size and they love to use the space at night to explore. During the day they sleep. So think about it for a bit.. I finally got the 30L set up correct but I also have more money, time and aggravation in it than was worth it. IMO

[Slither Seeker]

Yeah its crazy cheap. Has glass sliding doors and all. AP installs (inset) LED's for $40 all the way across in a strip. Also if you want a Divider to make it 2 enclosures (24"x24"x12" each) its $20 and goes in and comes out easy. You can house 2 Balls if you wanted. Also these snakes spend most time in their hide and a T8 is fine for a young ball. I have a 4 month old & a 7 month old in that size and they love to use the space at night to explore. During the day they sleep. So think about it for a bit.. I finally got the 30L set up correct but I also have more money, time and aggravation in it than was worth it. IMO

how do you heat your T8, is Flexwatt enough? do they make an insulated version or is it good enough out of the box?