So, with my inexplicable loss of two clutches this year and a general overall failure for many of my pythons to develop follicles into eggs this season-I have been searching for a reason (any).
Earlier in the season my water stopped running and I needed to have my well pump replaced (640ft deep).
As part of the well replacement I had to directly flush the lines for several days to remove any sediment stirred up during the process.
My water normally has 20X the recommended EPA 'acceptable' level of arsenic in it for drinking.
I have a big filtration tank in my basement to fix this, and after I re-established the connection to my filtration system-post replacement flush....I was wary that the level of arsenic may have spiked and oversaturated the system (as it is approaching the time period to replace the filter media). I know that what you don't know can hurt you...My gf and I have been cooking and drinking with Spring Water (just in case). I have so many animals that aside from the cats...it is not feasible to use Spring Water for all of them (including the snakes).
I had my water tested:
As I suspected: arsenic has been getting through my filtration system.
While it is only 4X a recommended dosage to a human-I am uncertain what impact it has to a smaller ball python: given that the water in the snake bowls evaporate and reduce over time: they may be getting a much higher dose...
After getting several quotes to replace the arsenic media: ranging from $1K-$2.2K (which is a disturbingly huge distribution). I am having it replaced next week, but, I think the damage is done for the breeding season...
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