Lamps...What to do?

Abby · 10-08-12, 01:25 PM

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) 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

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.

Rheostat for controlling the temp on the UTH - ReptiTemp® Rheostat

20-long Critter Cage (basically just the tank and the sliding screen top) - Zilla - Where Reptiles Rule » Critter Cage | Products

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.

mykee · 10-08-12, 03:14 PM

Quote:

"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

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snakefood

I think that was the reasoning for buying the kit, not the snake. Your sentiment is still correct though

Ditto on both accounts.

Abby · 10-08-12, 03:44 PM

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!!

Abby · 10-08-12, 03:53 PM

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. 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.

Abby · 10-08-12, 11:29 PM

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.

Abby · 10-09-12, 04:58 AM

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?