newbie to BP

[bdehlin]

I currently have my newly aquired ball python in a 60 gallon glass aquarium that used to hold 2 bearded dragons. The tank has been divided into to parts using plexiglass and silicone caulk. The BP's side has a UTH and a 150 watt ceramic above keeping the temp perfect. I live in AZ and there is no humidity here. The tank is currently around 20-25% humidity and I need to get it up. I was looking at a timed misting system or a fogger. Any thoughts?

[xdeus]

If you get temps right without the ceramic heater, it would probably help with the humidity. You didn't mention what you had on top of the tank? If possible, try to seal most of the top with an acrylic sheet or something similar to keep the humidity in. A large water bowl and a humid hide should help as well. A misting system or fogger might provide too much humidity, and may cause more problems than the low humidity.

Good luck!

[Shelby]

Welcome.

That ceramic heat emitter is sucking whatever humidity you have in there right out. You shouldn't have to use a bulb.. just an under tank heater with a thermostat on it to make sure it doesn't get too hot. Warm side temps should be 92-94, cool side 82-84.

Consider making a humid hiding spot for your snake. Do a search on here and you're sure to come up with several threads. Basically it's a plastic container with a hole cut in the side that is partially filled with moist sphagnum moss so that the snake can enter at will. Humidity should be at 50-60% normally. Another thing you can do is cover most of the screen lid of the tank with saran wrap, contact paper, or something else to keep humidity in.

A BP will never need a tank as big as a 60 gallon. 30 gallon is the biggest you'd ever need.. many of us here use rubbermaid/sterilite plastic tubs instead of glass tanks because they hold heat and humidity much better. If you snake is a baby, the smaller the cage is, the more secure they will feel. A 10 gallon tank is plenty big for a young BP.

Keep in mind that the first week after you get your new snake, you should not hold it, but leave it alone as much as possible.. I know it's hard!

You may want to take a look at our care sheet here, it's got a lot of great info: http://www.ball-pythons.net/modules....warticle&id=52

[bdehlin]

Problem with the UTH is the fact that up here in Bellemont, AZ temps at night drop to below 20 degrees. The only way I have been able to keep the temp is with the ceramic heater. The BP is in a 60 gallon that has been split in two using plexiglass. The BP gets 35 gallons and the Rosy Boa gets 25. I also am using a crushed walnut substrate but am thinking about switching to the reptibark from zoo med. Would this help my problem in conjunction with covering some of the screen top?

[Shelby]

The reptibark is pretty good at holding humidity I think. I'd put a humid hide in there. It'll help your snake shed well too.