First timer enclosure questions

[TalonNC]

I'm trying to get my first enclosure setup for my first snake(bp) that i plan to get this weekend.... right now I have

20gal 30x12x12 tank
Bag of reptibark substrate
Vented top with clasps

I'm picking up two hides, water bowl, thermometers for humidity and heat today.

My question is about heating

I really want to go with zoomed heating pad, with BPs is it Required I have an overhead heating lamp? Or will the Heating pad suffice?

I plan on having the enclosure in my bedroom across my dresser. I'm really trying. To avoid a headlamp in my bedroom if possible.

Is there anything else I'm missing before i attempt to purchase a young ball this weekend?

[Jenn_06]

i would avoid headlamps they can dry out your cage, get a zoomed but you still need to get a thermostat so the heating pad does not get too hot.


here you can get some cheap ones Thermometers, Thermostats, and Timers (http://lllreptile.com/store/catalog/reptile-supplies/thermometers-thermostats-and-timers/)

[Lankyrob]

If you do go for a lamp then Ceramic Heating Elements are bulbs that give off heat but no light.

[TalonNC]

dumb question:

The ZooMed heating pad goes underneath the substrate, correct?

[Lankyrob]

I dont use heatmats so will let someone else confirm this but i believe they should be OUTSIDE of the enclosure rather than in with the snake.

[TalonNC]

good thing i asked that dumb question then...heheh...:crazy:

found my answer here...

http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/general-enclosure-discussion/87489-just-bought-zoo-med-under-tank-heater.html

[Jenn_06]

so you know now it goes outside the cage.

[TalonNC]

yep ZooMed will come with feet to raise tank.... let Pad heat the hot side...
and cool side should take care of itself....i'll have to find a thermostat that will control the pad though so i'm gonna be hunting for that...

want to get everything up and running tonight so tank has a few days to get temp and humidity right....before getting him/her

[TalonNC]

I just bought a the following from PetSmart

Half Log Hide
Large Soaker water dish (Ceramic?) (think i got it too big)
Medium Cave Hide (Ceramic?)
ZooMed Heat pad
Thermometer and Hydrometer

Question...i know i need to clean these things prior purchasing my BP.

What is best....Bleach and water? or some kinda special solution i should be looking for....?

Still looking for a thermostat with an outlet to control the heatpad

[TalonNC]

I just bought a the following from PetSmart

Half Log Hide
Large Soaker water dish (Ceramic?) (think i got it too big)
Medium Cave Hide (Ceramic?)
ZooMed Heat pad
Thermometer and Hydrometer

Question...i know i need to clean these things prior purchasing my BP.

What is best....Bleach and water? or some kinda special solution i should be looking for....?

Still looking for a thermostat with an outlet to control the heatpad

Also since I'm using a glass tank... Should I look at covering the back and side glass so that it doesn't feel so open to the rest of the room?

[Gungirl]

Also since I'm using a glass tank... Should I look at covering the back and side glass so that it doesn't feel so open to the rest of the room?

Yes always a great way to help them feel more secure..

[Lankyrob]

With the new stuff coming in to the house i tend to put them in a sink and then use a kettle of boiling water to cover them - once the water has cooled wash them off and put them in the tank.

[TalonNC]

http://i1111.photobucket.com/albums/h476/talonnc1/2011-08-04_22-52-07_316.jpg

I think i got too big of a water bowl....but oh well...i'm still looking for something to cover the vented top...and i think i'll drap something over it to cover the back and sides...

i had a bag of substrate....but after reading the bag and reading the Ball Python FAQ...the 100% Fir Bark might not of been good...so i did paper towels...still got 3 days to get everything ready..

i got a zoomed heatpad under the right hide....doesn't seem to be heating fast tho...so i'll check it....need to find thermostat with outlet ...

[LLinz]

Looks good! A big water bowl is good because he can soak in it. My BP loves branches and fake greenery to climb in and drag around his tank :P
Zoo med makes a good cheap thermostat. I got mine on petsandponds.com. Cheaper then per stores and fast shipping. Great to see that you are perfecting your enclosure before u get the snake!