building questions

[kreaturekeeper]

Hi there, I know there is lots of info on building your own terrarium on here and I have read through a lot of articles that help but I think I need a bit more specific info for what I am looking for. I hope no one minds if this seams repetitive :S
My bp is in a 20gl Zilla terrarium. 30" long, 12" wide, 12" tall. Screen top
I use a under tank heat mat on one side and ceramic dome lights for day and night correct temperatures. I live in Canada so its a tad chillier here.. especially in the winter, so I have to use a fairly high wattage bulb. As you can imagine keeping humidity in is difficult and requires diligent misting.
This has all been doable but as she is growing I am looking into an upgrade :)
My father who is retired (and clearly bored because he only barely tolerates snakes) has offered to help me build one for Kahlil. Instead of simply buying a bigger version of what i have and having the same problems.
So here are a few of my questions...
Would wood be more suitable on three sides to keep heat and humidity in?
For the top of the enclosure.. If I use wood for that too, how do I heat my tank? I want to avoid a screen top, as that's where I lose most my humidity
same for the bottom. If I use glass I can use the same heat mat I have now. But how do I have belly heat if I have a wood bottom?

Sorry if these are silly questions haha but I really want to cover all my bases before building!
Thanks everyone in advance :)

[Gungirl]

I would build an all wooden viv with only a plexi- glass door front. Use an Radiant heat panel to get your hot spot and ambient temps right. This will allow for your humidity to stay up also. Here is what I use and I love it. http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/enclosure-reptile-room-showcase/88383-building-another-1-thought-i-would-share.html I did use flexwatt in my first one but I have unhooked it and moved the Radiant heat panel to the hot side and with only the 1 heat source it is working great. I will not be putting flexwatt in any others that we build.

[kreaturekeeper]

I definitely like the look of your tank gungirl! that is what I had in mind. So the Flexwatt you talked about (never heard that before) Is what you show in that one picture under the substrate? Why did you unhook it? Was it because it was too hot with the RHP?
Like i said my house is freezing haha and i maybe would need that extra...
Is the RHP adjustable in temperature? And what do you do for night temperatures? Mine drop slightly even with my night ceramic heat bulb.
sorry for all the questions! haha
but thank you for your help!

[Gungirl]

I definitely like the look of your tank gungirl! that is what I had in mind.Thanks So the Flexwatt you talked about (never heard that before) Is what you show in that one picture under the substrate? Yes Why did you unhook it? Was it because it was too hot with the RHP? After playing around with settings on my thermostats I decided I just didn't need it. My house is normally around 65f and my Radiant heat panel kept the hot spot good as well as the ambient temp.
Like i said my house is freezing haha and i maybe would need that extra...
Is the RHP adjustable in temperature? Always use a thermostat to control your temps.And what do you do for night temperatures? I leave my temps alone at night, no reason to offer a night drop. Mine drop slightly even with my night ceramic heat bulb.
sorry for all the questions! haha
but thank you for your help!

Always happy to help.

[Lankyrob]

I have wooden vivs for all my snakes, i use ceramic heat bulbs in them to provide both belly heat and ambient air temps - just make sure they are well guarded so that the snake cant get to the bulb!! :)

[kreaturekeeper]

sorry I took so long to respond! thanks for the reply lankyrob! I think I will try and use a radiant heat panel if I can. I looked them up and see that they don't kill the humidity as bad a ceramic bulbs.
So now a new question! What would you guys suggest in size for a full grown ball python?
I want her to be able to stay in it for life and not need to upgrade again. Also what wattage of radiant heat panel (I see there is a quite large variety) would be suitable for this new bigger terrarium?
I am planning on building in the summer and want to get all my info strait :)
Thanks again everyone! and I wont take so long to respond this time :b

[Lankyrob]

Personally i went for a 4x2x2 foot viv for my Ball, he went in it from about 14 weeks old and will live there for life. AS a young snake they need LOTS of hidey places tho so that they arent scared of being exposed. I covered around 90% of the floorspace with hides and large pieces of bark etc so the snake could thermoregulate without coming into the open.

In regard to the size of RHP i have no idea as never used one :)

[Gungirl]

I built a 4'L x 2'D x 18' T and used a 40 watt RHP. It is made out of 3/4" oak and holds the heat well.

[dudesteve151]

Am i correct in saying that one type of wood is bad for snakes becuse of the oils in the wood? Just somehting I remembered.

[Gungirl]

Am i correct in saying that one type of wood is bad for snakes becuse of the oils in the wood? Just somehting I remembered.

Pine and cedar are not good but if they have been kiln dried they are safe. Once they are Kiln dried all the oils are removed and it can no longer harm your animal. I still like to avoid those woods and I prefer the look of others more anyways.

[kreaturekeeper]

Thanks guys! this helped a lot :)
Im not worried that she will feel insecure as she is getting bigger and needs an upgrade. But ill be sure to fill it in lots anyay
If I have more questions (which I probably will as i get building haha) I know where to come!