Checklist

[REM955]

I set up an appointment to have the cage (AP-T20 w/ stand) delivered to my unit tomorrow at noon. It will likely be a while before I get the snake (Woma Python), but I do want to make certain I have everything ready now that I have the main accessory.
Here's what I have so far:

Power Strip
Snake Hook
Feeding Tongs
3 Hides
Newspaper
Water Dish
Herpstat2
Radiant Heat Panel (Coming w/ Cage)
Package of Aspen Chips from TractorSupply (Shout out to NCHornet and others)
Provent-A-Mite
Bioshield?

I do have to go get a plastic container for cleaning time and drill some small holes for it.
Also some outlets I need to re-cover. And the reptile shop I got the supplies from have a Herp Vet reference.

What else?
Digital scale?

[bigsnakegirl785]

Temp gun, thermometers, a scale, and a hygrometer would all also be useful. Thermometers and hygrometers would need to be digital, with probes.

[REM955]

Oh. Forgot about the temp gun. Already got one. And the Herpstat comes with a temperature probe.
Hygrometer - Anything in particular?

[bigsnakegirl785]

I would still get thermometers, to double check your temperatures and calibrate your thermostat as needed. Not all thermostats read exact temperatures, their readings are +/- 2-3 degrees.

Nah, not really. If you get one that can't be calibrated, like the $15 ZooMed ones, just keep in mind they're disposable. Once the readings are off, you'll need to get a new one. A new battery can help, but hygrometers need regular calibrating.

[REM955]

Cage thus far. Still have to paint the walls nearby before moving it into the spot and maybe get another hide and the hygrometer.
You were saying that the temp gun doesn't work as well as the actual thermometer? Mom might still have one of the old mercury ones, but eh... maybe stick with chemical.

[bigsnakegirl785]

No, you would just do best having both a temp gun and a thermometer, temp guns only measure surface temps and thermometers measure air temperatures.

[chairman]

A temp gun can be used to read ambient temperatures by reading the surface temperature of water that has been in the enclosure long enough to reach "room temperature" ie enclosure temperature.

[bigsnakegirl785]

A temp gun can be used to read ambient temperatures by reading the surface temperature of water that has been in the enclosure long enough to reach "room temperature" ie enclosure temperature.

Except you're not reading the surface of the water, you're reading the surface of the bowl.

[chairman]

If you are implying that the temp guns will read the temperature of the bowl through the water then you're incorrect. The temp guns will read the surface of the water. If you're saying that the surface temperature of the bowl and water will be equal then you're correct, at an equilibrium temperature the ambient air temp will equal the water temp which should equal the bowl temp. The only thing that can throw off the accuracy of using the surface temperature of water to determine enclosure temperature is conducting heat directly to the bowl from a source other than the air, such as placing the bowl in contact with a UTH.

[bigsnakegirl785]

If you are implying that the temp guns will read the temperature of the bowl through the water then you're incorrect. The temp guns will read the surface of the water. If you're saying that the surface temperature of the bowl and water will be equal then you're correct, at an equilibrium temperature the ambient air temp will equal the water temp which should equal the bowl temp. The only thing that can throw off the accuracy of using the surface temperature of water to determine enclosure temperature is conducting heat directly to the bowl from a source other than the air, such as placing the bowl in contact with a UTH.

The laser will read through clear objects, such as glass or water. Except it also bounces off glass.

Whether or not that's true, you STILL need multiple forms of measuring temps to be sure everything is reading correctly. You still need temp guns, thermometers, and thermostats. Each one combined will let you know if all parts are reading within parameters.