Clarification on some things

[Johnny Hive X]

Hey! I was here a few months ago asking questions about BP before I purchased. Well now I have the money to buy everything I need, but I'm still somewhat confused on what to get to set up a tank. Here's what I'm planning on getting:

(1) 20L Tank (glass terrarium with screen sliding/locking lid)
(2) UTH - one for the cool side and one for the warm side
(1) water dish - medium size
(1) package of Reptile Bark substrate
(1) tank decoration - I'm liking the look of the wood pieces
(2) plastic leaf tank decorations
(2) identical hides - the plain black ones from Reptile Basics seem to be where I'm heading

Now, I know I need a something to measure temperature and humidity levels, but I'm confused as to what exactly I need. I've heard the term rheostat, but am confused as to what it does/how to use one. I was reading that I need two clamp lights as well (one for daytime light/one for nighttime light) and a good way to manage all of it is a power strip with timer settings.

Now, do I need MULTIPLE thermometers/humidity gauges? Do I need multiple Rheostats?

I plan on doing the aluminum foil treatment to the lid to keep in warmth but I need to know if I need to leave holes for the two lights and ventilation.

If someone could help me out with clarifying the problems I'm having with understand measuring/sustaining temperatures and humidity.

Thanks!

[LadyOhh]

Rheostat/Thermostat measure the temps in your setup.

It would be nice if you could get two...

One for the hot side, one for the cool side.

It is MUCH MORE IMPORTANT to have one for the hot side, however, unless you live in Alaska and need to monitor your cold side as being too cold.

Since you will have a UTH on your cool side as well (any particular reason why?), yes, get two.

You don't need light for your snake, but only for whatever you need. I'd opt for one lamp for when you choose to have it on..

[mainbutter]

a rheostat is basically a light dimmer. I picked up one at a large hardware store(Menards) and it plugs into a wall socket, and then you can plug your electrical device into the rheostat. Mine is a sliding light dimmer type.

I have a thermometer/hygrometer combo that measure the ambient air temp/humidity levels, and I have an infrared thermometer gun for measuring substrate temps.

Yes you need to leave holes for the lights and ventilation.

hope that helps

[herpguy311]

I have a setup using a 20l and the foil and tape on top to keep in heat and humidity. I aslo implemented the do it yourself humifier, which can be found here:
http://ball-pythons.net/modules/Sect...warticle&id=53

If you are going to use a light on top, just cut a circle through the tape/foil and place the light there. BE SURE to put the light on a dimmer so it doesnt get too hot in the enclosure. You can modify the diy humidifier a bit where you have two hoses going into the tank and that will provide your snake with enough fresh humid air where you dont need the ventelation areas cut on each side at the top. As far as measuring temps, get at least two digital thermometers, one on the hot and one on the cool side, and if your budget allows it, get a digital temp/humidity device to place in the center. I would also consider getting a temp gun. They are VERY USEFUL! Just letting you know what is working for me!

[Johnny Hive X]

So, I need 1 thermometer and 1 rheostat? The rheostat just controls the thermometer or controls the UTH?

I thought I needed 2 UTH to keep the cool side at a consistent temp and one on the warm side to keep it slightly higher? Do I only need 1 UTH (which I would put on the warm side)?

[herpguy311]

I would get two rheostats, or dimmers. Aslo two therms. One to control the output of the UTH and one to control the output of the above tank light if you will be using one of those. If you havent already bought your dome fixture, you can find one with a dimmer built in. With an UTH and a heat source above, your cool end should be fine. Place the above tank light over towards the end with the UTH, and once you have your top covered, the temps on the cool side will be fine.

[Johnny Hive X]

Alright, so I'm getting:

(1) UTH
(1) Clamp lamp
(2) Thermometers [1 under warm hide; 1 under cool hide]
(2) Rheostats [1 controls UTH; 1 controls clamp lamp]

What do I need to measure humidity? And where do I put it?

[LadyOhh]

Yes, Rheostats are dimmers that can control the output of electricity to what you are using. (I clumped it in there with thermostats, sorry)

I wouls suggest getting a thermostat instead of a rheostat, considering the fact that if you don't have a way to determine what the temps are for the UTH, what would be the purpose of adjusting the temps?

Get a thermostat for the UTH, and a rheostat for the lamp.

[Johnny Hive X]

OK... Now I understand. Thank you.

[scales owner]

I have these for my temp and Hum.

http://pet.imageg.net/graphics/produ...761646t400.jpg

Hope this helps!