New BP tank advice

[Bogertophis]

It's a 16" tall tank, not super high, but maybe enough to accomplish what you're describing, I'll have to think about it. I'd almost certainly have to raise the heat lamp since he'd be a lot closer when on top (rely more on the UTH for temp regulation under the hide), which is not a big deal. I like the idea (sounds like a weekend project), but it also seems harder to do surface temperature measurements under the 2/3 hide, more where the UTH is. Maybe I could cut an access hole or a small door on hinges where I could temporarily open up and test temps.

Can the cool hide also be the humid one, or should that be on the warm side? Or does it matter?

Humid hides should be on the cool side, or mid-way at most. The heat (UTH esp.) will dry it out fast.

16" high is plenty- you'd want a platform "hide" that's about 4-5" tall- that leaves you about 11-12" above that. (include space for depth of substrate, & remember BPs like low ceilings)

Heat lamp- is it regulated? You could plug it into a lamp dimmer (aka "rheostat")- any hardware store has them- you can buy an extension cord with a dimmer already installed too, if you want. (or run it with a t-stat)

When I had a large boa, I built my own simple "giant hide" for her- out of pre-sanded light weight pine shelving- your basic rectangle with a tile board top. First though, I coated (waterproofed) the wood- you'll want to do that, otherwise wood absorbs moisture, odors, pathogens & mold. I'm not a carpenter, trust me, but I'm long-time friends w/ a hammer & nails. I make my own tank tops too- not the clothing kind! I think snake-keeping is more fun with some creativity & customizing. But like I said, or tried to, you'd want more of a "2nd story" platform, as it would be too big to feel cozy for a BP & you'd want one or more actual hides under it.

As for temps, yes, it can get a little complicated- you'd want this fully set up (furnished) & running for at least a week to fully stabilize before taking temps under hides, etc- then more time to make adjustments.

And for anyone that doesn't know, providing ample hiding places for snakes doesn't mean you'll hardly ever see your pet. Most snakes feel safer & get more active, not less, when they know they have safe places nearby. A "2nd story" for about 2/3 of a tank is a great way to give more room for a snake to move around, rather than just a longer, bigger tank with all the "wasted air space". This "buys time" if you know your pet will out-grow the current arrangement too.

Most of my snakes are rat snakes- they like climbing branches, so taller tanks aren't a waste of space for them at all. Just depends on what species you're keeping.