Beginniner

[Kayla90]

So I've started a list of the things I'll need to buy before I getting a snake, and I was wondering if anyone could recommend the best place to buy them at would be. (In Canada for online or Toronto for a store)
Also I've been trying to estimate how much it may all cost over all so if any of the prices look wrong just let me know.
For the tank, I plan to get a BP and was wondering what size exactly will it need, to begin with and later after growing?

Equip:
- Tank
- Heaters
- Thermometer ($15-25)
- Feeding Tools
- Hide-Outs ($20)
- Watering ($10-15)
- Substrates

[ilovemypets1988]

30 - 40 gallon tank or a 4ft x 2ft x 2ft vivarium size wise.

depend on what you are looking for tbh,

basic setup = 150-200

really nice setup = 250 - 400

please note that these prices are only approximates or guides but they are something to go on.

for a bp, you need:

tank or viv.
heating (different people prefer different ways of heating).
water bowl.
2 x hides.
thermostat.
2 x thermometers (1 at each end of the tank).
substrate.
hook.
tweezers or tongs to feed with.
plants (artificial is best)

hope this helps

[KD35WIN.AS.ONE]

Walmart has a good $10 probe thermometer called AcuRite.

[SnakeyJay]

Definately dont forget the thermostat...

[Kayla90]

Yea that does help thanks :)
I think I'm trying and buy some of the stuff on the nice side, just so it can be comfortable.. but some of it will probably just be starter stuff as well..

[ilovemypets1988]

well basic setup would be: substrate, heating, stat, 2 thermometers, 2 hides and a water bowl.

a nice setup would be: same as above, plus; branches, artificial plants, a background and a few other small bits and pieces.

just to let you know lol

[Lankyrob]

I would go with a vivarium rather than an aquarium as it will be easier to keep the humidity up, just look through the threads on here from people asking how to improve humidity, all are kept in aquariums. Not saying aquariums are majorly bad but with a wooden or plastic viv it is easier to keep humidity.

You can go straight for an adult sized viv (we did) as long as you ensure there are PLENTY of hidey places. We covered about 90% of the floor space for our bp to hide under.

[Kayla90]

Oh okay, and what's the difference between a vivarium and aquarium?

I was also thinking, if I got the adult sized one right away, could I some how block of some of it so that the snake would only be in a smaller space of it until he starts getting bigger?

[stephanbakir]

Buy your BP from Mykee! :P

[Kayla90]

lol well so far I plan to I've yet to find anyone closer, and everyone gives him awesome reviews so I see no reasons not to when the time comes

[Lankyrob]

Aquarium are made of glass and for fish, vivarium are made of wood or heavyduty plastic and designed for reptiles.

[Kayla90]

Ahh okay, then why do some people end up going with aquarium's instead? It does make more sense to buy the one designed for them.. lol

[Gungirl]

Ahh okay, then why do some people end up going with aquarium's instead? It does make more sense to buy the one designed for them.. lol

You can get Aquariums cheap and a lot of people already have an old one on hand... other than that just lack of knowledge I think

[marionsclan]

I went with an aquarium because of lack of knowledge, but I made it work for my python by covering the top and only left room for the heat lamp and putting in a large water bowl and an under tank heater. Also, my substrate is coconut fiber which retains moisture well. I mist every other day, except when in shed, and all that keeps my humidity at about 50%. Now, if you need higher humidity that stays steady then you will need a viv for sure, but BPs are a bit flexible when it comes to humidity.

I've looked around Craig's list and got a 55 gal aquarium for free. I went to Walmart to get some thermometers, a heat bulb, and a deflective light shield from the automotive section. For hides I've got a plastic bucket turned over and a hole cut in as well as several plumbing/pvc pipes from the Thrift Store. So, I've paid less than $65 for my setup. That's the route to go when you're on a budget or you want to make sure that you have plenty of money left in case you run into problems with the snake.

13612

[mykee]

Keep in mind that ball pythons are a solitary creature and do poorly in habitats set up as "display" cages.
Ideally (for the snake, not you) you will need:

A Rubbermaid #2218 (shoebox size for a hatchling; 7"X4.5"X14") $4.00
One roll of paper towels as substrate (three sheets thick) $1.00
A few deli containers (8 or 16 Oz. is good with a large hole in the lid to enter and drink) $ free
One foot of 4" heat tape and an extension cord $7.00
A good thermostat (Helix or Herpstat) $90-$120
An up-turned plastic flower pot base ($1.00 at Wal-Mart)
Total: $103-$123.

Also, congratulations on doing your research PRIOR to your animal purchase.
Very responsible.