Heating a custom enclosure

[Ptindy]

Hello. I'm making a custom enclosure for my ball python and a couple other snakes i'm wanting to get. I was wondering, if I use head pads, zoo med, or exoterra, where do i mount these. Under the enclosure floor? Or on the floor under the substrate? The floor will be wood. I'm assuming I need a rheostat for this but which works best? And what kind of heating device would be best for a JCP? UTH or a basking light? Thanks in advance.

MJP

[Bartman]

For a jcp I would think a basking light since they spend most their time in the tree's so they wont get much use out of heat from the ground. Correct me if im wrong


You can mount one of those silver electric boxes to the roof to support a fixture and presto..
Heres a pic of what I did for my enclosure
http://www.ssnakess.com/photopost/data/500/1953fixture.JPG

[Ptindy]

messed up post here

[Ptindy]

Hey bart, thanks for the reply. They wont burn themselves on a exposed lightbulb like that? Is the incadesent necessary? I know breeders like to use them but what about just personal enjoyment?

[Bartman]

Yea, that tank was for a sav so the burning issue wasnt one. But you would forsure need to figure out how to screen it in. With some sort of screen box or something you could mount around it.

As for the incadesent bulb...unless it says the snake needs it to gain d3 then do it. If not you dont need it, but it does make the tank look much nicer. Lights everything up. That would be up to you. From what I understand most snakes dont need em.

[Mark]

another method is to use a radient heat panel. Similar to the light but you won't burn your snake or have to make a guard for the bulb. They are quick and easy to install and do a very good job heating.

[jjnnbns]

My JCPs use UTHs as they are not strictly arboreal. In fact, I see them on the ground (dont actually see them as they are in their hides) during the day, and cruising the branches at night.

Definitely get a dimmer of some sort for the uth. I use exoterra and a simple lamp dimmer from Walmart with no problems.

I also mount mine below the actual floor (out of the cage) in case the rheostat fails, you have a longer period before the surface inside is too hot for the snake, the wood takes a while to heat...

Good luck on the building!

[Ptindy]

Thanks for the help guys, I'll let ya know how it goes!