View Full Version : Lamps...What to do?
I'm so excited! I just brought home my first snake; a hatchling ball python!
As it was the cheapest option, and the worker at the store suggested it, I bought the "Deluxe Snake Kit." I've done my research, however, I've always been a tad bit confused with lighting/heating and lamps. This kit (Zilla - Where Reptiles Rule » Deluxe Snake Kit | Products (http://www.zilla-rules.com/products/deluxe-snake-kit.htm)) came with two lamps and two bulbs; a "day blue light" and a "night black heat" bulb. I want to get this right so although everything else is setup in the tank, I have not placed the lamps or used them yet. Where should they be located on top of the tank, which light do I use when, how long do I leave the lights on, and is there any other information you can give me regarding the lamps? I'm just a little overwhelmed and I would appreciate if someone could sort this out for me! Thank you!
(A quick response would be wonderful, I don't want the snake to be without lights for long, if he needs it...)
Gungirl
10-08-12, 01:31 PM
That set up is not good at all for ball pythons.... He does need the heat but Do not use the lights at all as they will dry out the air and cause nothing but problems for you and your ball python. Get an under the tank heat mat and a thermostat. Place the heat mat on one side of the tank so that you get a hot and cool side. Leave it on all the time! here is a link to a great care sheet to help you out more... Housing FAQs (http://www.strictlyballs.ca/housingfaq.htm)
StudentoReptile
10-08-12, 01:36 PM
Personally, I hate those boxed kits for snakes, ESPECIALLY for ball pythons. I prefer undertank heat pads (UTHs) myself, which provide belly heat. Think about it; this is where the snake is spending most of its time...on the ground. I have yet to see one of these box kits (from any brand) include a UTH (some still offer heat rocks, which are a big no-no!).
What I would do is take the whole thing back, and just buy the following:
Undertank heat pad (Medium Size) - ReptiTherm® U.T.H. (http://www.zoomed.com/db/products/EntryDetail.php?EntryID=113&DatabaseID=2&SearchID=1&SearchContext=YTo3OntzOjg6IlNlYXJjaElEIjtzOjE6IjEi O3M6MTA6IkRhdGFiYXNlSUQiO3M6MToiMiI7czo3OiJLZXl3b3 JkIjtzOjI2OiJIZWF0aW5nL1RoZXJtb3N0YXRzL0dhdWdlcyI7 czoxNToiUHJvZHVjdENhdGVnb3J5IjtzOjc6IkhlYXRpbmciO3 M6NzoiSGVhZGluZyI7czo5OiJUZXJyYXJpdW0iO3M6ODoiU2Vh cmNoX3giO3M6MToiMCI7czo4OiJTZWFyY2hfeSI7czoxOiIwIj t9)
Rheostat for controlling the temp on the UTH - ReptiTemp® Rheostat (http://www.zoomed.com/db/products/EntryDetail.php?EntryID=123&DatabaseID=2&SearchID=1&SearchContext=YTo1OntzOjQ6IlBhZ2UiO3M6MToiMSI7czo4 OiJTZWFyY2hJRCI7czoxOiIxIjtzOjEwOiJEYXRhYmFzZUlEIj tzOjE6IjIiO3M6NzoiSGVhZGluZyI7czo5OiJUZXJyYXJpdW0i O3M6MTU6IlByb2R1Y3RDYXRlZ29yeSI7czo3OiJIZWF0aW5nIj t9)
20-long Critter Cage (basically just the tank and the sliding screen top) - Zilla - Where Reptiles Rule » Critter Cage | Products (http://www.zilla-rules.com/products/critter-cages.htm)
Snakefood
10-08-12, 02:41 PM
I have an UTH set (by thermostat) to 90, then I also have a CHE set to 80 (vet says to keep ambient air temps at 80), and here it only gets there naturally in the hieght of summer. it does create some minor humidity issues, so I do spray but also keep a permanent humid hide in the enclosure just in case. Both of my BP's are happy healthy, great feeders and shedders, and I have set the 3rd viv up in the same manner for the one I am waiting to bring home.
"As it was the cheapest option"
Wrong reason to get ANY snake....
Snakefood
10-08-12, 03:15 PM
I think that was the reasoning for buying the kit, not the snake. Your sentiment is still correct though
StudentoReptile
10-08-12, 03:23 PM
I think that was the reasoning for buying the kit, not the snake. Your sentiment is still correct though
Ditto on both accounts.
Thanks guys. :) I just meant that the kit was cheaper than buying all of those items separate. If I would have known it was not practical for a ball python, I would have gotten something different. The store worker also suggested it and said it would be great.
But I went out and bought a undertank heating pad and I'm setting it up right now. I'm putting it on one side of the tank, under the tank.
Snakefood
10-08-12, 03:49 PM
awesome, dont listen to the store empoyees, they are full of misinformation. I laugh at what they say ALL THE TIME!!! most of the time they dont know any more than the tag on the front of the tank says. they're not trained, they're just min wage workers. There are exceptions but they are few and far between!!
See, I love all animals but I'm more of an expert on birds, so I get what you mean. When I hear them trying to inform people on birds, I generally end up laughing, too. I should have probably asked you guys first about buying supplies. I'll make do with what I have and if I need anything else I'll buy it. I only want the best for the snake. :)
Ivalynfyre
10-08-12, 04:26 PM
Get a thermostat ASAP, like one of these (http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-MTPRTC-Digital-Thermostat-Heat/dp/B000NZZG3S). Don't want your snake getting burned.
Snakefood
10-08-12, 04:44 PM
yes the thermostat is imperative, rheo-stats or lamp dimmers will do for now, but because they are operated manually, you have to be there checking all the time. a good thermostat is the best, you can set the temps and walk away. use an additional probe thermometer to back-up the thermostat probe as a fail-safe.
So that thermostat you linked me to will work with the heating pad I've bought?
StudentoReptile
10-09-12, 02:50 AM
Yes. It will.
I've got the heating pad, and I plan to get a thermostat, is that all I need to maintain the right temperature and stuff? What about humidity?
If you dont have digital gauges you need them. for humidity you can cover 3/4 or the top with a damp towel adjust accordingly you can use a spray bottle and spray the inside of the tank down a 3 or 4 times a day or a bigger water bowl can help or you can put a small dish of water (in addition to your regular bowl) on the hot side.
That's great, thanks!
What about this "Humidifying Spray Tropical Mist" stuff that came with my kit? Should I use that at all?
Im not familiar with the product but what i would probably do is when you notice your ball getting ready to shed I would help increase the humidity with that cause youll want additional humidity then
Gungirl
10-09-12, 06:26 AM
Use water not chemical crap.. I would steer away from anything like that stuff.
StudentoReptile
10-09-12, 07:27 AM
Cover the top with saran wrap or a damp towel.
Snakefood
10-09-12, 08:35 AM
I have permanent humid hides in my BP;s viv's, they love them and give me PERFECT one peice sheds!!
what do you use in your humid hide??
Snakefood
10-09-12, 09:14 AM
vermiculite and moss
When you think about all the useless crap that was likely included in the Starter Kit you bought, and not including the things you will need, you didn't make out too well after all. You shouldl have found us BEFORE you spent your money and nto after.
Kettennatter
10-09-12, 10:19 AM
When you think about all the useless crap that was likely included in the Starter Kit you bought, and not including the things you will need, you didn't make out too well after all. You shouldl have found us BEFORE you spent your money and nto after.
I'm sure she is by now painfully aware of that.
Yeah I am. It was my mistake and I'm dealing with it, no need to be rude...
You thought THAT was rude?
Stick around sweetheart...
Snakefood
10-09-12, 11:19 AM
You thought THAT was rude?
Stick around sweetheart...
You should hear the opinions he keeps to himself!!!! LOL!!!:shocked:
Kettennatter
10-09-12, 11:24 AM
At the same time there is no need to restate the obvious since the OP is taking corrective action. She got bad advice from a pet store and is taking the feedback here constructively.
Absolutely, and kudos to her for that.
rmfsnakes32
10-09-12, 12:42 PM
I hope you didnt get roped into buying the snake from the pet store! They are notoriously unhealthy!
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