Thinking about a BRB - Advice?

[arpowell]

Hey all, I'm thinking about getting a Brazilian Rainbow Boa at a local expo this weekend. I've had a 70 qt tub set up for a while now to test things out and I just have a few questions to make sure my setup is correct.

First - I've read that there's no such thing as humidity that's too high for these snakes, especially hatchlings. I just want to confirm that's true! I've got the tub set up with cypress mulch substrate, a humid hide, a small water dish on the warm end, and a big water dish on the cool end. I've been able to keep the humidity right around 99% all week, and I've noticed condensation forming on the sides of the tub. I know these guys like it really wet, but I'm kinda worried about scale rot issues. Should I make a few more ventilation holes?

Next, I have a few questions about heating. I've got the tub set up with a heat mat on a thermostat set to 85. I know these snakes can be really sensitive to warm temperatures, but even with the heat mat and pretty thin substrate I'm only reading ambient temps at 75 on the warm end and at room temp on the cool end. I know hatchlings especially will burrow to reach the hot spot if they need to, and I know that overheating can be a big concern with these snakes, so am I good with just the heat mat? If I need to raise the ambient temp, I'm thinking about a low-watt ceramic heat emitter on a lamp stand above the tub. What's the best way to get the tub to the right temperature in your experience? I've heard so many horror stories of new BRB owners overheating their snakes that I'm a little paranoid, haha.

Thank you all for any advice!! These have been my dream snakes for years and I'm just over the moon thinking I might be getting one soon.