Star Gazing?? Help ASAP

[josh.conover9]

She has one. The problem I'm facing with that though is the bedding doesn't allow much under tank heat, but I just put a small layer on that side.

[franks]

These photos are not of a snake star gazing. I agree with Mikoh that she is trying to get closer to the heat. My pythons rest their heads on things too. Here's a quick bullet list addressing your questions.

Size: I think it looks like she can use a bigger tank. Especially if she is your only snake, it doesn't hurt to give her something with more room in it.

Humidity: you can try putting a bag of moist sphagnum moss in there- that will help your humidity a bit. Also, if you are having humidity problems you should ditch the light fixture and completely cover the top of the enclosure. You can use plywood, plexiglass, or simply use saran wrap to wrap the screen top up.

Heating: first off your heat (as well as your humidity) should be measured digitally. The analog gages do not properly portray your husbandry. A heat matt on a temperature device control should be sufficient. If it is not you may need a bigger heat matt. The bigger heat matt have more power and put off more heat. You can buy a lamp dimmer at a hardware store to set and control temps for around $7. Once you have it accurately dialed in it will hold for you.

[aaron_cg]

Definitely use belly heat for bps. And I would take out the aspen and put it on Cypress Mulch. Cheaper and hold humidity better.

Also, when using a fish tank, I would over three sides of it. Can be done using some tape and construction paper or I personally have some pink sheets of foam that I have used. Helps the snake feel more secure.

[josh.conover9]

Thank you Frank's. I do have digital thermometers and a digital humidity gauge. As far as cage size goes what size would be good for her? She is my first python, but I do have other reptiles, but, buying a bigger cage will be no issue. I will most definitely take your advice as I am only looking to gain knowledge about ball pythons and keep mine in the best conditions.

[Chris72]

+1 for what Frank recommends.

Also, when setting up your temps:
>you want to put probs (from a little $7 digital thermometer) under the hides.
>if you are using a dimmer us MUST have a thermometer probe over each heat source. (You should know, daily, that you are delivering proper heat)
> please consider a cheap thermostat rather than a dimmer. (Hydro Farm has 1 under $40)
>under the hot hide I would use 93.
>under the cool side I would use 83.

Your 50%RH is good. You should get a cheap digital meter from amazon that shows RH% of the room so you know if the room is drying up....that you'll want to give an extra spritz or two a day. When your animal goes into shed grab your spray bottle and spritz it down twice daily.


I couldn't tell from the pics but I'm guessing the screen top is not covered with anything??

(If not, we need to fix that also)


C.

[josh.conover9]

The screen top was off there I believe. I keep a wet towel on top at all times never gets dry now that I know she is okay. What size tank do you think is proper for her? And thank you all for your help!

[Mikoh4792]

With a glass tank use both heat pads AND a heat lamp. I can not see how you will keep ambient temps of around 80F with just a heat pad when you say your cold side is 75F.

All heat sources must be controlled individually with a thermostat.

[josh.conover9]

I never said it was 75 on the cool side...I said it get no lower than 75 degrees in the tank at night....hot side is around 90 never lower though. And I still need help with tank size anyone?

[Chris72]

Originally Posted by josh.conover9

I never said it was 75 on the cool side...I said it get no lower than 75 degrees in the tank at night....hot side is around 90 never lower though. And I still need help with tank size anyone?

This is why you need thermostats (not dimmers).

With thermostats the temp would be the same day / night...

(And you wouldn't need to constantly be screwing with it to keep it right.)

Buy two of these to go with the 2x UTH Amazon.com : Hydrofarm MTPRTC Digital Thermostat For Heat Mats : Plant Germination Heating Mats : Patio, Lawn & Garden


Size of enclosure to keep her in, into adulthood:

PVC Enclosure - 2ft x2ft x1ft black with clear PVC door on hinges with locks. Holds humidity and heat well. (Around 180 new)

Tub: SteriLite tub about 16inches x 40 x 8in. Cheap, very comfortable for your animal, easy to clean. Holds heat and humidity very well. (Remember to drill some holes)

You can do a fish tank but it's going to be a challenge to keep heat and humidity right. It's just not the right enclosure.

[josh.conover9]

OKay thank you for our advice I will buy them asap.

[Mikoh4792]

Originally Posted by josh.conover9

I never said it was 75 on the cool side...I said it get no lower than 75 degrees in the tank at night....hot side is around 90 never lower though. And I still need help with tank size anyone?

That's because you are using a heat lamp. When you use a heat pad alone it will be much harder to maintain ambient temps inside the enclosure.

If you are looking to get a permanent enclosure I would get one with a floorspace of around 3x2 or 4x2(preferably the latter). If you are willing to get a bigger enclosure later down the road, the sizes mentioned by Chris are fine.

[Chris72]

Originally Posted by Mikoh4792

That's because you are using a heat lamp. When you use a heat pad alone it will be much harder to maintain ambient temps inside the enclosure.

If you are looking to get a permanent enclosure I would get one with a floorspace of around 3x2 or 4x2(preferably the latter). If you are willing to get a bigger enclosure later down the road, the sizes mentioned by Chris are fine.

Oh...ya'.... Also with the heat lamp:

They burn off humidity, which is hard to control in a fish tank anyway*

* (unless you have fish in your fish tank, then you can put a light over it and hold 100% humidity no problemo).

[Mikoh4792]

Originally Posted by Chris72

* (unless you have fish in your fish tank, then you can put a light over it and hold 100% humidity no problemo).

^ lol pretty much