Enclosure and heating questions

[aeronautica86]

For starters I'm new to snakes so this is going to be my first one (I'm planning on getting a ball python).

My plan is to get a cage and all accessories, get everything ready and make sure the temperature/humidity situation is working properly and then get the snake and put it in the cage.

I'm looking at this cage : http://www.reptic-plastics.com/products.php?id=2

My question is mostly about how to heat the tank properly. What I want to do is have a system that maintains daytime temps of around 92 F and 82 F at opposite end of the cage and automatically drops the temps to around 75 F at night (are these good temps?).

I'm guessing I'll need two heating devices on opposite ends of the cage, and under tank heater and a ceramic heating bulb. I also plan on using a fluorescent light during the day by the way.

What kind of devices do I need to achieve this? Basically I want a system that I don't have to mess with everyday, that automatically sets both heaters at the desired temps during the day and automatically drops the temps down at night.

Any suggestions?


ps I also looked at boaphile cages as they also have options to add all of the heating/lighting elements but it sounds like it takes a long time (3-5 weeks) for them to build and ship your order - any comments on those cages?

[mykee]

From what I hear, Reptic-plastics are a great choice for your new snake.
Heat: One heat source, over the hot spot. 90-95.
You do not need to drop the temps at night unless you are brumating for breeding. Otherwise, same temps day and night.
Ceramic bulb, not necessary. The undertank heat source (UTH, heat tape ) is more than sufficient.
Fluourescent light, also not necessary, it'll only bother them in trying to spend the days sleeping. A room with a window is ample.

That said, I would go (as many of us do) with a simple rubbermaid, heat tape and a Helix thermostat. It'll cost you 1/10th the price of a big fancy snake enclosure and easier to maintain proper husbandry.
Either way, good luck.

[aeronautica86]

Well, not having to adjust temps at night certainly makes things alot easier.

So if I have an UTH for the hot spot (set at 90 - 95), will it provide enough heat to keep the other side of the tank at the appropriate temperature (lower 80's)?

Also, what should I do about a water bowl? Should I place it on the hot spot so more evaporates (more humidity) or will it be fine on the other end? Is this a big enough water bowl: http://www.herpsupplies.com/product.cfm?id=SZMWD50, will that be big enough for the snake to get in completely and soak?

Is one set of vents enough or should I order it with a second pair of vents?

[Reticsrule]

i strrongly agree with mykee about using a rubbermaid. they are so much easier and cheaper than the big fancy cages(considering you dont have a huge snake to house). with a ball python a rubbermaid will probably last its whole life. i have my young female boa in a rubbermaid with only a human heating pad for a heat source and it seems to work well. for a water dish and hides i would just you simple tubberware containers and things found around your house rather than making it fancy. im not %100 sure but i dont think ball pythons soak very often and i know they dont need high humidity so you can have a fairly small water dish(just make sure it is always full) if your using a rubbermaid you can just drill a few 1/8" holes in the lid for ventilation. good luck!

[backdraft1320]

If your prepared to spend that much on an enclosure thats an exellent choice.
I would use a UTH with flourescent and a dogdish from walmart for watering there always upgradable and cheap, I keep mine on the warm side. Dont forget the hide I use the half log style.and aspen bedding Good luck

[aeronautica86]

Wow, this thread came back from nowhere, and at quite a peculiar time. The reason I say this is that I just placed my order for my Boaphile cage today!

I got their 322D cage (36 x 24 x 17.5) with the undertank heating option, black hinges, keyed locks and flourescent light; came out to $290 shipped, and I can't wait till its here so I can set everything up and order my snake.

I really would prefer to use one of those rock look-a-like style water bowls and hides like these:

http://www.herpsupplies.com/images/hagen/pt2854.jpg
http://www.herpsupplies.com/images///SZMWD50/SZMWD50.jpg

Does anyone know if these are big enough for a full grown BP and if not, if there are any like this that are big enough? The hide above is 11" x 11" x 5", and the water bowl is 10" across and 2" deep.

[backdraft1320]

My bowl is 3" x 8" and im getting ready for a bigger one my BP is about six months old

[boa+python]

is a 4ft x 2ft x 2ft cage to big for a young ball python, cause i wanna make one of these so that it can be in one cage 4 ever, i will be providing all of its needs, im just wondering if it is a little big