My wife's first snake, Sidney

[Kiljosh]

Haha I guess your right man

[Norm66]

I understand that aquariums are not ideal homes for snakes but this is what we're able to use right now until I can design and build a permanent solution.

I didn't type all this before, but I guess I have to now...

There is a UTH on there and only one bulb burns at a time (though the pic does show both on there was no snake in it as we were testing to see what was necessary; it was over 100 deg F on the hot side with both) to keep the temp up (daytime white night red obviously). We're using suspenders and a belt because our house stays pretty chilly in the winter. Current situation is 80 and 90 deg F cool and hot sides respectively.

A little over half the top is covered (foil as a vapor barrier and a pillow case for a bit of insulation) and we're spraying water on the substrate to keep humidity up (monitored by a digital thermo/hygro-meter to keep it around 50% so far, his sheds will tell us whether we're too low or not.

I just went through all this with my carpet python enclosure a couple weeks ago (and really just got it right last week) so I was able to nail it down pretty quickly with this one. The biggest difference was that the shorter tank (20L vs. 20T) meant the bulbs heated the whole thing up a lot quicker.

So I think we've got all the main points taken care though I'm open to suggestions as to improvements.

[Gungirl]

I think you are doing good with what you have. As long as you keep an eye on temps and humidity you should be ok. I would cover 3 sides of the tank with something though to offer security to your new BP. I also tend to keep my humidity at 60% for my bp not 50%. I see a lot of people complaining about eye dents and what not due to low humidity so be careful with that one.

[Norm66]

Yes! That's the one thing I forgot to do. I have the stuff to paint 3 sides left over from painting the back of my 3 (fish) aquariums. I definitely want to do that for the snake cages.

60% huh? I think I might be confusing carpets and balls now. I can boost it up to 60% no problem. Thanks for that.

[millertime89]

I probably wouldn't paint it, just cover it with something.

[Lankyrob]

I keep my BP at 55-60 normal and 65-70 when in shed - perfect sheds every time. Sounds like you are doing everything right so far

[Aaron_S]

If you want suggestions on how to improve I would just not use a fish cage. I did read you'll eventually get something better but why go through all this trouble to "make do" when maybe you can hold off bringing the snake home? Could the place you're getting it from hold off for a week until you get a permanent solution?

Also, how is that tank held up with styrofoam and a heatpad underneath? Is it just the corners held up?

[Norm66]

Never mind. Gotta love block lists.

[KORBIN5895]

Originally Posted by Norm66

Never mind. Gotta love block lists.

??????

@Aaron_s
Are you a happy person? I understand that you have several years experience with BPs but is of possible for you to say something nice? Or at least say it in a nicer way? You always seem grating and condescending. Not just in this thread but most other threads you have posted on lately have been pretty negative. Now it could just be me and if it is sorry.

[mattchibi]

Originally Posted by millertime89

I probably wouldn't paint it, just cover it with something.

X2 Cover it with black construction paper and double sided tape.

Another suggestion I have is after you cover those three sides, get some corrugated cardboard (or Im sure someone can tell you an even better insulator) and tape one layer to each of the three sides you've blacked out. Then tape a layer of newspaper on top to secure it. This will help keep temps a bit better in a glass tank. Good luck

[Norm66]

Oops, 'Ignore List' is what I meant. I was stuck in Facebook terminology but the effect is the same.

Last thing I'll say about the recent unpleasantness is that I don't mind being told I'm wrong but I do kind of insist on someone being at least somewhat diplomatic, if polite is just out of the question, about it.

Matt, I actually have some styrofoam insulation I was thinking about using but honestly right now with the temps pretty warm outside it's keeping the cool side down around 80 that I'm having trouble with. I've uncovered part of the top and removed the pillowcase from the top entirely and now have a nice 91-81 gradient from right to left. When the colder weather comes (soon most likely) that will likely change and I'll be insulating for sure.

Thanks for the input, I appreciate it.

[Aaron_S]

You people are ridiculous. I actually gave suggestions to help and I only asked more questions to help better the situation. They weren't rhetorical. I really wanted to know the answers! Apparently I'm not allowed to ask for further information.

[Jay]

Originally Posted by Aaron_S

You people are ridiculous. I actually gave suggestions to help and I only asked more questions to help better the situation. They weren't rhetorical. I really wanted to know the answers! Apparently I'm not allowed to ask for further information.

Aaron maybe try adding smiley faces to your posts

What did he say wrong:s he wasn't even
Blunt. I think they just hold a vendetta on you.

[Jay]

I would have to agree on the point he made about holding of untill you're able to take proper care, instead of sub standard, or with the logic "it's fine for now"

[Norm66]

It doesn't do any good ignoring someone if someone else quotes their post in my thread.

Jay, point out what is sub-standard about the care this snake is receiving. The snake's needs are being met. There is a proper thermal gradient, hides, humidity etc. It's not like I'm keeping the damn thing in a plastic grocery bag on the front porch and prodding it with a stick every time I walk by. The snake is fine. I'll say it again: the snake's needs are being met.