Ball Python setup

[Jotun]

I have decided to purchase a ball python and I was wondering what the proper set up would be and an apporiximate amount that the entire setup would cost. I read that a 30L is enough to comfortably keep an adult ball and i was wondering if that was true. Any help would be... helpful :)

[Dom]

First of all .. u probably mean a 30 gallon and not litters .. It probably is enough but I would suggest or even highly recomend at least a 50 gallon tank for an adult ball..

lets see .. 50 gallon tanks .. 100- 150 ( or less to free if u know where to get them!) or even build it yourself for a quarter of the price!

Cypres mulch or other ... 20$ give or take ..

Hide (s) .. free .. be innovative

Water bowl .. free unless u want to pay 5$ for a nice one!

Heat .. hmm tough one .. depends on what u get .. This could vary form about 40$ to 100$..
.. Id suggest Either or human heat pad (20$) or one for a pet shop ones (a good 40 - 60$) and an over head heat lamp of some sort (20 to 60 depending on what u buy..

Hope taht helps ...

Take care
Dom

[Linds]

I am assuming you mean a 30L aquarium, in which case that is too small for an adult ball. A 30 gal aquarium on the other hand is sufficient space. Many people (myself included) also prefer to use rubbermaids, and the snakes do very well in these (though they arent much to look at).

For substrate, papertowels or newspaper are best, but you can also use other substrates such as shredded aspen or Carefresh.

Whatever the enclosure type you decide on, be sure to have 2 adequate hides, a large water dish, and a proper thermal gradient ( 78/80 - 90/92), bottom heat methods are the best way to heat, IMO, for terrestrial species. Heat tape/UTH/Heat Mat are good, but avoid using a human heat pad. These are a fire risk as they were not designed to be left on 24/7 (though many people have used these with much success over the years, some people's collections and homes have gone up in flames as a result).

As for the cost of your setup all depends on which way you choose to go. If you the functional method it can be $30, if you choose to go the decorative naturalistic route it can be as much as $200...

Good luck! :thumbsup:

[corr]

I think Jotun might mean a 30 gallon Long. Which, of course, would be sufficient. This tank measures 36". A 30T (Tall) measures 24" (not sufficient IMHO).

[Jotun]

yeah sorry at the pet store we use 30L to designate a 30 gallon long, and H to designate high. Just became a habit I guess :)

[Dom]

As for the heat pads, a lot of them or sold with a safety devices that automatically turn off after a while . adn back on after cooling .. All mine are heat pads but One is a human heat pad and I have never had a problem in years .. and know no one I know who has some has had any either with it but you are right Linds .. If u can stay away from it .. defently..

As for is it sufficient .. 30 gallons is really small to me .. I would say no.. but thats only the way I think .. willl the snakes be bothered by it .. hmm Probably not so I guess Yes It is sufficinet although He will defenetly be more happy in a 50 gallon .. (lol - I am giving hime human feelings .. like if he cares!)

Personally .. I alwasy try to stay away form replying these kinda post bc there are so many right ways of doing it and so many diff. opppinions and hate going against other ppls oppinion or vice verca.. but I guess thats what u get in the forums..

Anywasy best of luck to you
Dom

[corr]

Here is a 50 gallon (36x18x18) for reference. I had it built for $80 Canadian. I agree Dom, while much smaller cages are adequate, 50s are better... lots of room to roam around if they choose. Of course, this doesn't work for someone keeping dozens of animals.

http://features.aaquaria.com/gallery/albums/album24/aad.jpg

[Dom]

Nice cage Corr..

I love the tubing Idea! I think I might set up some underground tunnels for some of my snakes..

Size of the cage really depends .. I have 10 snakes and the 50 gallon is my smallest enclosure .. all of mine are from 76 to 250 gallon...

who made it for you?? that really is cheap for that cage? Love that front door?

[corr]

I got it through a local (Strathroy) pet shop. The owner is Carl but I don't know who actually builds them. Yeah, they are cheap and all built to customer specs. The majority have the sliding style screen tops. I requested a door in front instead. Much easier access but a little limiting for the size of decorations you can put in. The next one I get will have the sliding top too, and maybe not as tall.

Cheers

[Jotun]

Ok, for the Ball will I need a substrate heater and lamp heater? Also I found this great piece of drift wood for the snake but it's made of cedar. Will it harm the ball or a cali king snake? Thanks again

[jason h]

>>>>>>NO CEDAR!!!!>>>>never use cedar for any herp.

[Jotun]

yessir :)

[Yve]

You didn't mention if you were buying a hatchling or an adult so I'll just add a few more things here.....
If its a hatchling, it is better to house it in a 10gallon to start with. This helps them feel more secure and reduce stress of a new environment. It will acclimate nicely and can stay in this size for 6 months(I'm gauging this on my ball pythons growth rate).
Since its a temporary enclosure a rubbermaid is good enough(less the $10). Using clay flower pots and bases(glazed) for hide boxes & water dishes is really cheap and looks nice. Newspaper is great substrate and heh...I never pay for it, just pick up left overs at work and the trusty penny saver!
The main cost is heating, thermostat, and finally a permanent appropriately sized enclosure(but that depends on how fancy you wish to get).

[Jotun]

Thanks for all of the help! Now does anyone know where I can find a stand that will support two 30 long gallon tanks with substrate heaters and heat lamps?

[backdraft1320]

WE LIKE TO START AT "HOME DEPOT" FOR STANDS .
CHECK EVERY WHERE YOU'LL PROB. FIND ONE CHEAP AT A YARD SALE. OR MAKE ONE IF YOU CAN.
HOPE THIS HELPS GOOD LUCK!

[Bill]

how much is the cheapest python is

[Lisa]

we have our royals in a 50G front opening from reptilia.... i wouldn't worry about having too much space, if you have a big space just put in more hides, makes for better gradient.

[Kathy]

My ball is currently in a 10 gal flipped on its side (so there is more floor space and it opens frontways instead of on top). I got her in June and she will be moving into a 33gal after christmas. I have to wait because the locking screen lid for the 33gal is coming with Santa on the 25th :)
I think I will have the 33gal on its side as well, I like having the front opening tank and my BP seems less stressed whenever I open the tank to change her water or fix something that she has knocked over. Also then I can put the lights on the top without melting the plastic frame (which I have done a few times) and it helps keep the heat in (heat rises, after all).
I use newspaper as substrait cause its easy to clean and its cheap. She also has some large rocks and overturned terracotta pots (like, 89 cents at home depot cant go wrong, just be careful when making the access holes, ive broken my fair share of pots in half hehe)