How much ventilation do I need?

LespaceSerpent · 02-12-16, 11:03 AM

I am modifying a 10 gallon glass tank for my ball python by screwing a pice of plexiglass to the bottom of the screen lid to help keep the humidity/temperature up. My question is how much ventilation do I need in it for my ball python and how would I organize it I guess?

I'm going to be getting a CHE for the tank that I'll have mounted to aim at the side

**Minkness** · 02-12-16, 11:20 AM

Hey there! Sorry I forgot to take pics for you last night. Got home late.

Anyway, here are my modifications that I made for my crested gecko tanks. The little one holds babies, the bigger one holds females, one of which decided she wanted her pic taken a few times lol.

LespaceSerpent · 02-12-16, 11:24 AM

Ooh loving the candy skull tape for sure. And does the duct tape really work? If I can find a cheaper option than acrylic I'm all for it

**Minkness** · 02-12-16, 11:35 AM

I haven't had an issue with it and I have been using it for years. The only thing is not to let it get hot (like set a lamp directly over it) because the glue will melt. That's what also got me putting my CHE to the side for my others. I generally have to change out the tape I use for the hinges once a year because of the added movement causes the glue to break down and peal off, but that takes 5 minutes lol. The velcro I use has been on the tanks for 3 years without any show of wear or tear and are still solidly glued in place, even with all the tugging I do on it when opening a tank.

**Minkness** · 02-12-16, 11:39 AM

Oh, also, if you just cover the rim of a lid in duct tape, it helps with resistance and makes closing the lid quieter as well. Just something I stubmled on my accedent while playibg with it lol. Duct tape really is a VERY versatile tool!

LespaceSerpent · 02-12-16, 11:40 AM

That is awesome. Thank you for all your help I really appreciate you replying to all my worryings ;u;

**Minkness** · 02-12-16, 11:45 AM

Not at all! You're questions are legit! Also, I'm more of a DIY on a budget and crafty, so I don't mind sharing my unconventional ways lol

LespaceSerpent · 02-12-16, 02:27 PM

What do you think? I got some space duct tape and cut holes for ventilation and for the clips. I used a coat hanee to make a stand for his lamp

**Minkness** · 02-12-16, 02:32 PM

Looks good to me! It will be better when you get a CHE and a larger tank when needed. =)

LespaceSerpent · 02-12-16, 02:46 PM

Thanks k you! And yeah the CHE is supposed to be here early next week

LespaceSerpent · 02-13-16, 01:21 PM

I have a question is the way that the lamp is mounted now okay for the che? Like I said in the other thread I've never used one so I worry I'll hurt butterscotch with it

chairman · 02-16-16, 04:58 PM

CHEs are very heavy and create a lot more heat than a bulb of the same wattage. I'd say that your current setup would be a bit of a fire hazard with a CHE. You'll want a stronger support and to move it away from the wall, it may heat the paint up enough to scorch it or start a fire.

**Minkness** · 02-16-16, 05:05 PM

What Chairman said.

=)

Albert Clark · 02-16-16, 06:58 PM

Why don't you consider purchasing a "versa top" for a 10 gallon tank? They are a folding glass top that fits perfectly into the top of the tank. It comes with a rigid plastic attachment that you can put your ventilation holes into. When I had glass enclosures they are what I used. Helps with your ambient temps and your humidity percentage. Sold at Petland, Petco, and Petsmart.

LespaceSerpent · 02-16-16, 07:45 PM

I've never heard of those before but I will check them out. Thank you for the advice! And also thanks to you guys about the che. I might flip his cage so that I can keep the light on the same side but use a clamp on my dresser (obviously so that it wouldn't be resting on it or anything)