Does this kit have everything I need?

[marionsclan]

The Reptisafe is for amphibians only, according to the description. You can always try to sell it on Ebay and scan Craig's List for the basics that you need like:

- Substrate (deep enough for the snake to burrow in)
- 2 Thermostats (one for cold and one for warm area)
- Hygrometer (to check humidity)
- Water dish (one for each area and big enough for the snake to submerge)
- Two hides (Plumbing pipes, paper towel rolls work great)
- Heating pad or heating lamp (depending on your set up and size of tank)
- And asking lots of questions in here.

Good luck!

[youngster]

Thanks. But when you say thermostats do you mean actual thermostats to control the heat or thermometers to check the heat? And for another hide you said plumbing pipes can I just use pvc pipes? I have some extra from building a ski rail.

[Lankyrob]

Originally Posted by marionsclan

The Reptisafe is for amphibians only, according to the description. You can always try to sell it on Ebay and scan Craig's List for the basics that you need like:

- Substrate (deep enough for the snake to burrow in)
- 2 Thermostats (one for cold and one for warm area)
- Hygrometer (to check humidity)
- Water dish (one for each area and big enough for the snake to submerge)
- Two hides (Plumbing pipes, paper towel rolls work great)
- Heating pad or heating lamp (depending on your set up and size of tank)
- And asking lots of questions in here.

Good luck!

I assume you mean two temp guages rather than two thermostats?

In trrms of cleaning hands before and after handling we use babywipes. They are convenient as can be left next to the vivarium and means we dont have to walk into the kitchen to wash up befoe opening the next viv.

[infernalis]

Originally Posted by youngster

Thanks. But when you say thermostats do you mean actual thermostats to control the heat or thermometers to check the heat? And for another hide you said plumbing pipes can I just use pvc pipes? I have some extra from building a ski rail.

PVC pipe works great, cut some pices and sand off the rough edges.

[shaunyboy]

Originally Posted by infernalis

You can buy everything in that kit for $10 with a little shopping.

i was just about to suggest pricing things individually as it would work out cheaper over here that way.

i stopped using aspen substrate as i found it too dusty as have other carpet enthusiasts i have spoken to.

in some cases it caused mild respiritory problems,we put down to the amount of dust the aspen contained

re cleaing hands
over here we use a gell hand sanitiser,you squirt it on rub it in and your hands are pretty sterile

re thermostat
a thermostats is a MUST as its the piece of equiptment that controls the amount of heat your snake requires

imo more importantly it will stop you overheaing and cooking your snake

so a thermostat,thermometer,2 hides,some fake plants,a water bowl,a heat mat and some branches if its a semi arboreal or arboreal species you plan on keeping.


re hides
you could always MAKE hides and save some cash

i use plastic washing up basins,plant pots,washed out plastic butter tubs for hatchlings,etc

just remember to smooth off the edges of any holes you cut in homemade hides and they do a great job

re substrate
i and a lot of other people use old daily newspapers,makes for easy cleaning and no dust or chance of picking up mites.

re fake plants
they will give your snake a bit of security by providing cover where it will feel safe

a secure stress free snake will eat a lot better than a stressed snake

i wish you well when you get your new snakes,remember to post pictures once its settled in and eating regularily

i've found its best to always give your snake a week to settle in before offering food

i also would reccomend you do not handle the snake unless neccesary until its eating regular

i'm sure your going to love snake keeping,its a rewarding hobby

cheers shaun

[youngster]

but if you use newspaper for a substrate the herp wouldn't be able to dig, is that a big deal?

[stephanbakir]

Newspaper is the chosen substrate for many reptile owners, make sure you use the ones whose ink doesn't run easilly because then you get inky herps and no1 likes those.

[vendettaseve]

Originally Posted by youngster

but if you use newspaper for a substrate the herp wouldn't be able to dig, is that a big deal?

that really depends on your herps. Corn snakes are like 5 year olds, they will have fun on pretty much anything you put them in. Now if you were getting a snake that has burrowing in its genetics etc, not being able to would cause tons of stress.

[youngster]

alright thanks a lot everyone. I'll just use newspaper then