opinions on supplies for Royal Python enclosure..

[LLinz]

So I'm slowly working on upgrading my royal's viv, I looked at pet stores and decided that there's no way in hell I'll be paying those prices! I'm going to get everything online (herpsupplies.com) to save some cash, and I was wondering about what brand and model of heat gun, humidity gauge, thermostat and CHE to get. I'm working on a tight budget, but I still want to get the highest quality and long lasting, accurate equipment possible!
I know a lot of people on here have lots of experience, so I'd really appreciate the opinions! Thanks!

[infernalis]

Just a heads up, You really should have included royal python in your title, so our resident BP gurus would know to read your question.

I fixed it for you.

[LLinz]

Ok, thanks!

[mykee]

First of all, heard wonderful things about this one: Pro Exotics :: Temp Guns ::... (http://www.proexotics.com/store/product.php?productid=16211&cat=0&page=0&featured=Y)
As for the best (IMO) one-two punch for heat source and thermo; Flexwatt with a Herpstat.
As for a CHE, assuming your keeping your ball python in a fish cage, a CHE will only dry out your already dry air even more.
Use the money from the CHE and pick yourself up a hand towel, use it to drape over your 70-80% of the screen top of the tank.

Aim for 60% humidity all the time, increased to 90%+ when in shed.
A warm side of 90-95 degrees, a cool side of 80-82 degrees and an ambient air temp or 80-ish.
You'll be fine.

[LLinz]

I do have him in a glass tank, but I will be getting some wood and building around it to keep in heat and humidity. And I cover up 80% of the mesh top for the same reasons. The reason I want to go with a CHE is that I have a medium sized UTH and 2 infareds with a basking light on during the day to increase heat on the warm side. With all those lamps and UTH, his tank stays at 85-87 but I want to keep it consistant.

[sickvenom]

If you are going to build around your tank, why not just build a new wood cage. Save the glass for your fish. Your temps are ok already. How are your temps not consistent right now? Does your room temp fluctuate?

[Lankyrob]

The hottest part of the tan kshould be 91f, i agree that building a wooden enclosure would be good. I have all wooden vivariums for my reptiles, i also use che for all my snakes, havent found them affecting the humidity adversely. Tho if you use one you MUST have it guarded so the snake cant get to it and it MUST be thermostatted.

[LLinz]

Ambiant temps go from 80-85 usually, my house is pretty warm, but i want to keep it consistant. I'm thinking about building a new tank, just not sure yet.

[LLinz]

I will be getting the CHE, theromostat, guard, and heat gun all at once when I figure out which types are best to get

[sickvenom]

i don't believe there are huge differences in the various ches, heat guns or guards. for a thermostat, i would also recommend the herpstat made by spyder robotics. i would also recommend flexwatt instead of a che, as mykee stated. it will cost less up front and in the long run as you won't have to replace it as often - if ever.

[LLinz]

And for humidity gauges, the pet store I get my rats from said that he used to carry a brand that didn't work well, so what kind does work well? Gonna do some major ebay shopping today..

[Lankyrob]

Digital ones generally are going to be better, dial ones can become inconsistent over time.

[sickvenom]

And for humidity gauges, the pet store I get my rats from said that he used to carry a brand that didn't work well, so what kind does work well? Gonna do some major ebay shopping today..

spyder robotics.

[LLinz]

Spyder robotics is wayyy to expensive for me!

[sickvenom]

Spyder robotics is wayyy to expensive for me!

Zilla Terrarium Hygrometer Thermometer at PETCO (http://www.petco.com/product/109795/Zilla-Terrarium-Hygrometer-Thermometer.aspx)

[LLinz]

Perrrrrfect! I searched for that model on ebay and got it for $15 :) amazing how much cheaper reptile supplies is on ebay compared to in pet stores.

[sickvenom]

Perrrrrfect! I searched for that model on ebay and got it for $15 :) amazing how much cheaper reptile supplies is on ebay compared to in pet stores.

caveat - you can return a faulty product to a store, with a receipt. not always the case on ebay.

[LLinz]

True. By the way, my Sneezy just ate another rat :D every two weeks and I've had him.. 4 weeks? I think. He hasn't refused a rat for me yet :)

[LLinz]

What kind of thermostat should I get? I need a cheapish reliable one for the bigger UTH that I just got

[mykee]

Herpstat, for the eighth time in this thread I think? It's worth the money and will save you worries in the long run.

[Ch^4]

I like Johnson Controls A419 t-stats. Just my HO.

[LLinz]

Yeah, would be fantastic if I had the money but I don't.