My first vivarium questions

grantlapaz · 06-03-15, 04:47 PM

The man who helped me out with getting my first setup reccomended these two beddings.

After I got home I realized that these two probably weren't enough for a 40 gal. He really knew what he was talking about when he gave me all the options, but am I missing something?

It really doesn't seem like these two will be enough for my tank, so just wanted to check here before I try it. Thanks for reading

EDIT: Wanted to add on that the snake I am going to have is a young ball python.

eminart · 06-03-15, 07:53 PM

If it's not enough, go to Home Depot and buy a $3 bag of uncolored CYPRESS mulch and mix that in.

It can be used alone, but it's maybe not as pretty as the reptile specific beddings.

grantlapaz · 06-03-15, 08:56 PM

Thanks a bunch eminart - I put them both in and was very pleasantly surprised as it filled up about 1 1/2 inches. Will definately need extra to fill it more, or at least for cleaning up.

I'm going to have a bunch of other random questions as time goes on, so I'll keep updating this thread.

Question 2: The heat lamp I got doesnt have enough room to clamp on to the edge of the top of the tank, so will it be alright sitting on the wire screen lid? It seems somewhat sturdy, but bends a little when I sit it on top.

(Sorry for bad quality, didnt have much lighting and was using ipod camera for ease, should of brought out the d7100)

Thanks for the help

sirtalis · 06-03-15, 09:12 PM

Just use dirt from your backyard, it's free, and works better than any store bought substrate, I recently bought moss from petsmart but it turned out to be some dyed cotton, woven like moss or something, completely unnatural, and way overpriced.

grantlapaz · 06-03-15, 09:16 PM

Ok thanks for the info sirtalis, wouldnt of thought of that!! Would that not bring in bugs/mites?

I dont think I'd buy much (besides tanks on sale) from petco/smart as they are way overpriced. The "jungle mix" substrate/moss was 8.99 so I didnt think that was too bad.

sirtalis · 06-03-15, 09:39 PM

Monitor Lizard Forums - Bio Active Soil
Lol that's why you would put it in the cage, not many people use this method, but personally I think the benefits outweigh the risks.

grantlapaz · 06-03-15, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sirtalis

Monitor Lizard Forums - Bio Active Soil
Lol that's why you would put it in the cage, not many people use this method, but personally I think the benefits outweigh the risks.

VERY interesting concept. Do you know if it works well with Ball Pythons, or just snakes in general?

sirtalis · 06-03-15, 10:02 PM

Here's a member who uses it on his ball python
http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/pytho...e-updates.html

and here's my geckos cage
http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/enclo...enclosure.html

grantlapaz · 06-04-15, 07:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sirtalis

Here's a member who uses it on his ball python
http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/pytho...e-updates.html

Thanks for the info!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by David VB

Bioactive FTW

Lamp on top of screen lid is doable yes.

Ok thanks for clearing this up. Today is the day that I get him/her! (possibly)

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjhill001

Is this your first snake ever? I only ask because it's probably best to just get it feeding and healthy before going into advanced stuff like bioactive substrates. They aren't that hard of concepts but it does take extra attention that I think should be spent getting your basic husbandry down before going off experimenting things.

Yes, this is my first snake ever, closest I've ever come to owning one was a first grade class pet.

Ty for the tip!!

jjhill001 · 06-04-15, 01:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grantlapaz

VERY interesting concept. Do you know if it works well with Ball Pythons, or just snakes in general?

Is this your first snake ever? I only ask because it's probably best to just get it feeding and healthy before going into advanced stuff like bioactive substrates. They aren't that hard of concepts but it does take extra attention that I think should be spent getting your basic husbandry down before going off experimenting things.

sirtalis · 06-03-15, 10:07 PM

This summer i plan on getting a snake and will definitely be going the bioactive route

David VB · 06-04-15, 03:41 AM

Bioactive FTW

Lamp on top of screen lid is doable yes.

grantlapaz · 06-04-15, 12:29 PM

Ok, so I got the heating set up - Fluker's 8.5 inch "clamp lamp" with a ceramic infared heat emitter and it's topping off at 89.7 degrees. This is a bit low, correct? If so, what can I do to raise the temps?

I've covered the top of the tank, so no heat is escaping that way.

EDIT: Just checked and saw that it's up to 90.4°. I just have a feeling that when I open the tank for any reason, heat will escape and dramatically lower the temp. Any ideas?

jjhill001 · 06-04-15, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grantlapaz

Ok, so I got the heating set up - Fluker's 8.5 inch "clamp lamp" with a ceramic infared heat emitter and it's topping off at 89.7 degrees. This is a bit low, correct? If so, what can I do to raise the temps?

I've covered the top of the tank, so no heat is escaping that way.

EDIT: Just checked and saw that it's up to 90.4°. I just have a feeling that when I open the tank for any reason, heat will escape and dramatically lower the temp. Any ideas?

If the overall temperature of the enclosure is in the 90's than it's too hot.

grantlapaz · 06-04-15, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eminart

So, you're getting a BP, right? Are you getting a "normal"? Who is the breeder?

Yes, 99% sure it's just a normal ball. I wasn't told the name of the breeder, pretty sure its a woman though if that helps any.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjhill001

If the overall temperature of the enclosure is in the 90's than it's too hot.

It's 92.5 on the surface on the hot side. will check the cool side now.