Rescue BP-Tank setup

[ThyTempest]

Hey everyone,

It looks as though I will be able to get the rescue that I mentioned in other posts. I have 2 (3)tanks available, which if one will work, it saves me the money of having to buy one. The first is I think a 20 long, but maybe only a 15, I didnt use the dimensions to calc the volume. It measures 24" x 12" x 12". The second is 30" x 18" high and 12" wide. There is also a very large 90 gallon, but that would I think be way to big for my BP. I dont have an exactly length, but I would say around 3 feet. I think the bigger tank mentioned would work, but I wanted to get some input.

Thanks

[sweety314]

I haven't seen your other posts, but the 30x18 would be good for a sub- to small adult. If your rescue is a really small snake, then even the 24x12x12 would be pretty big. Recommended length at least equal to 1/2 snake's length, but more floor space is better for a larger snake, even tho they (balls) spend most of their time in hides.

My adults are in 42qt. sweater boxes or 30g breeder. My sub-adult is in a 20g long breeder, just fine. Just be sure to keep the lid covered to contain heat and humidity. Tanks take more maintenance work to keep them the right temp and humidity, but it IS doable. 5 of mine are in tanks.

[ThyTempest]

The rescue looks to be around 3 feet. so lets call it 36". I thought the rule of thumb was L + W of tank>L of snake. If that is true, then those two numbers would be equal, or pretty close to it. With that said, would it be better to get the bigger tank set-up to save the hassle of having to set-up pretty soon as the snake outgrows the other enclosure? Also, because the bigger tank is 6" higher, humidity will probably be more of an issue, so I am a little worried about putting the new snake in the smaller tank, then getting the big one set-up quick enough(I would be using the same UTH, hides, etc)

I guess my question is, since the snake is probably going to outgrown the smaller tank quickly, should I just step it up to the slightly bigger one now so I dont have to deal with 2 tank set-ups.

Btw, we are pretty sure it is a boy now. The tail shape and very prominent spurs.

Also, where is the best place to get uth, hides, water bowl etc. I didnt know if petco/regular petstore was okay, or if there are better brands or cheaper prices online.

[ThyTempest]

Apparently I cant edit anymore,

What are the good brands for...
hides
bowls
UTH
(types, not brand here) substrate
I hear a lot of cyprus and newspaper, but since I am looking to make it realistic, the newspaper is probably not going to be my first choice. Are there any other nice looking substrates, particular that may help keep humid, since it will probably be the higher glass tank. Thanks

Also, I dont think we have a good lid for the tanks, but I am not 100% sure. If not, is there a good way to make one custom, or would it be possible to find one to fit these tanks.

I found a reptitemp 500R thermostat online for about 25 bucks. Is this good or should I go with the dimmer until i can get a herpstat or helix?

[sweety314]

Your best and most reliable means of sexing your ball python is with either popping, or probing. Tail and spurs isn't the way to do it with balls.

Getting into your questions....

Hides? Brands don't matter. Don't even need petstore stuff, if you don't want to. Helping the snake feel secure is the key. Logs aren't effective. I've got black, to-go salad dishes w/cut-outs for the babies, I've used margarine tubs and lids for the sub adults. For the very small and when my balls were hatchlings that I bought, I have a bunch of the rodent "igloos". My adults are under the plastic dog bowls with holes melted in them. Some ppl use the drip pans to ceramic planters, but I didn't want to take the chance of cracking them when putting a hole in them. Also rubber feeder pans. Baby corns are under the 1/2 coconut shells that were given to us, but Crystal the LTR uses nukeable soup containers that I've blackened w/permanent marker to make them darker.

For my smaller boas, I cut a cat litter box in half, and added a hole on one end, tucking them along the back or end of the tank.

Main point, secure and identical for both hides.

Bowls...Anything HEAVY so they can't tip it over and is easy to clean and sanitize is good

UTH? Most will recommend flexwatt. U can get it in different sizes. For a little extra U can buy it "plug and play". I've got Flexwatt AND the Ultra Therm (made in Scotland). I like those two brands best. I also have the EctoTherm and ZooMed ones. They're all on t-stats or (the UltraTherm) rheostat.

If you want natural bedding, I'd recommend either the aspen (but for humidity issues, Bed-a-Beast type bedding would probably be best). I've mixed the B-a-B with the aspen at about 50/50, 60(a)/40(b-a-b) to help boost the humidity in the tank. If U cover your screen lid (using clips to keep it securely attached) with saran wrap, leaving only a couple small spots for ventilation, you'll be able to control temp and humidity better.

U can set up your larger tank. If he feels insecure and won't eat, even w/the two identical hides (one cold side, one warm) then you can ball up newspaper for cover, gradually removing it piece by piece.