My first vivarium questions

[grantlapaz]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[sirtalis]

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

[jjhill001]

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.

[David VB]

Bioactive FTW Lamp on top of screen lid is doable yes.

[grantlapaz]

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!!

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)

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!!

[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?

[eminart]

Are you measuring air temperature or surface temperature? How long have you had it set up? It takes quite a while to get the temps stabilized because the substrate has to warm up. Don't worry about opening the top. If you get the temps right, opening the top isn't going to matter, as long as you aren't leaving the top off for hours or something. Any heat lost will be quickly regained.

[grantlapaz]

Originally Posted by eminart

Are you measuring air temperature or surface temperature? How long have you had it set up? It takes quite a while to get the temps stabilized because the substrate has to warm up. Don't worry about opening the top. If you get the temps right, opening the top isn't going to matter, as long as you aren't leaving the top off for hours or something. Any heat lost will be quickly regained.

I'm measuring what the temp is on the surface, and it's been very slowly climbing (up to 91.6 by now.) It's been plugged up for I'd guess about 5 hours by now. Glad to see it's probably me just being worried. I'm going to have to wait for next week sometime to get the snake, so I guess i'll just work out the kinks with the setup until then. I have to get the humidity up some but I figure that wont be too hard. Thanks for all your help so far, wouldnt be this far without you!!