my first snake!!

[LLinz]

So I finally got my first snake, a 3-4 year old 4 foot ball python. He's a great snake, he ate with no problem a week after I brought him home ( he came with the tank, heaters, everything. There is so much conflicting information about care of these critters!! I'm just looking for some advice. He seems to be doing great, very curious and a sweetheart to handle.
He is in a 3.5 L 22 H 22 W glass tank, with an under tank heat pad thingy, he has a 75 W infared heat lamp, another 100(I think) W infared heat lamp, and a 75 W 'basking lamp', the 2 infareds stay on 24/7 and I turn the basking lamp on during the day to bump up the heat.
With all those lamps, his warm side stays at 80 degrees, should I get some heat tape for the warm side as well??
Also, is paper towel the best substrate? He has some wood stuff (not sure what its called) now, but I want to gut the tank, give it a good cleaning, and get whatever substrate is best for him! I heard astro turf is a great option, but would like feed back.
Here is a pic of his set up, any pointers, suggestions, info would be greatly appreciated! I want to give him the best environment possible! Thanks in advanve!!

[infernalis]

http://www.thamfriends.com/mat.jpg

[sickvenom]

if you have a heat pad, then you don't need heat tape as well. it's one or the other. i wouldn't use turf or paper towels. looks like you have some type of wood shavings or mulch, i would stick with that as you will need moderate humidity for balls. some will say to put a hide on both the cool and hot ends of your cage. i'm not a fan of using fish tanks for reptiles, so i would pain the back and sides of your tank. it will look better and it will give your ball more privacy.

[LLinz]

What's shown in the picture is how I bought him, so I'm getting ideas, and advice from this forum, and then will start modifications. Should I be trying to bump up the temperatures a bit? The warm side is steady at 80, so I want it a bit warmer I think.

[sickvenom]

82-85 on the hot side, basking spot around 90, humidity around 60%. your heat pad may not be big enough. it should cover roughly 1/3 of the bottom of your tank.

[LLinz]

His hide on the warm side above the heat pad is where he hangs out most of the day, so that makes sense. I want to make the best home for him possible, so I appreciate all the info!

[sickvenom]

you really shouldn't need 3 lights and a heat pad to try and heat a ball enclosure. that's just not efficient at all. i think part of the problem is your screen top. not only is it difficult to hold in heat, but you'll have issues keeping the humidity up. another reason why i hate glass tanks for herps. i know you got it in the package deal, so it's not your fault. you might want to try and cover part of the screen top to keep heat and humidity locked inside. if you have a large enough heat pad, you should be able to just use that with your basking lamp during the day, then just your heat pad at night. depending on your house's ambient temp, of course.

[LLinz]

I am planning on building around the glass to hold heat better. I've read that they need UV lights, but I've also read that they don't. Maybe I've been reading too much, as all the information I've read conflicts with other info, all from seemingly reliable sources!!

[sickvenom]

snakes don't need uv.

[SnakeyJay]

I am planning on building around the glass to hold heat better. I've read that they need UV lights, but I've also read that they don't. Maybe I've been reading too much, as all the information I've read conflicts with other info, all from seemingly reliable sources!!

Theres alot of info that looks genuine but is complete nonsense out there.. People write care sheets and info pages when they really dont have a clue... Another reason why I prefer to use a forum where you can debate the issues and seek good advice.

[Lankyrob]

Just posted a response on your "Welcome" thread....