I'm having trouble preparing for a BP.

Hey · 07-22-13, 10:01 PM

Hi,

I'm looking into getting a Ball Python as my second pet snake. I've had a Corn Snake for the last 3-4 years, so I know the basics of snake keeping at least. I've been doing some researching (okay, mostly browsing various forums and reading care sheets), so I think I know the basics, but I've had trouble getting a suitable setup ready, and what kind of supplies I'd prefer. I have a 10 gallon tank, an UTH (which runs the length of the side), and a CHE with a Zilla temperature controller, bedding, hides, water dish, thermo/hygrometer. I realize that this stuff isn't exactly the most appropiate. My idea at the time was using the heat pad to get a good ambient temperature, and the CHE would create a hot spot, but I'm not sure of this setup, and whether it would work, or what would work. My room's temperature is lower than the ideal cool end temps for Balls, so I think I'd have to heat both ends differently, but I'm really not quite sure what I am doing. I could really use some help.

SnakeyJay · 07-23-13, 03:23 AM

The che will control ambient temp n hotspot itself.. 10gallon is a very small space to have 2 heating devices mate so I'd take out the matt.. You'll struggle to keep a cold end otherwise..

The che should heat the cold end a bit and keep it within the required parameters.

Lankyrob · 07-23-13, 04:07 AM

If its a ten gallon tank then using a che will suck every drop of humidity out of the tank.

If you really want to prepare for the best home for your snake then use a tub or a viv not a tank, everything will be MUCH easier then.

Mikoh4792 · 07-23-13, 04:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lankyrob

If its a ten gallon tank then using a che will suck every drop of humidity out of the tank.

If you really want to prepare for the best home for your snake then use a tub or a viv not a tank, everything will be MUCH easier then.

Basically this. On my 10 gallon tanks I only use a fluorescent light on top and use an under tank heater. The light alone will dry out the tank very quickly. I would say the undertank heater is sufficient for summer time and if it gets cold in your area in the winter you can supplement the heat with a CHE and something to cover the screen top.

Hey · 07-23-13, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lankyrob

If its a ten gallon tank then using a che will suck every drop of humidity out of the tank.

If you really want to prepare for the best home for your snake then use a tub or a viv not a tank, everything will be MUCH easier then.

Would a tub have a proper temperature gradient with only an under tank heater?

Terranaut · 07-23-13, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hey

Would a tub have a proper temperature gradient with only an under tank heater?

That would depend on many variables. For a royal the tub is an infinately better option than a ten gallon aquarium.
I would buy a tub and set it all up. Uth on the bottom to one side. Air holes in the sides not the top, add substrate like reptibark or cypress , 2hides ,a water bowl and give it a day or 2 to level out. Then check it for humidity and temps. If they are off, fix it.
Get a tub with a good solid snap locking top.
Once you get the husbandry spot on then get a royal.
I have given this advice to many but few actually listen. You will save a world of frustration by using this method.

Concept9 · 07-23-13, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terranaut

That would depend on many variables. For a royal the tub is an infinately better option than a ten gallon aquarium.
I would buy a tub and set it all up. Uth on the bottom to one side. Air holes in the sides not the top, add substrate like reptibark or cypress , 2hides ,a water bowl and give it a day or 2 to level out. Then check it for humidity and temps. If they are off, fix it.
Get a tub with a good solid snap locking top.
Once you get the husbandry spot on then get a royal.
I have given this advice to many but few actually listen. You will save a world of frustration by using this method.

I listened and it works.

Orangeville-20130618-00195_zps64de4732.jpg

Hey · 07-23-13, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terranaut

That would depend on many variables. For a royal the tub is an infinately better option than a ten gallon aquarium.
I would buy a tub and set it all up. Uth on the bottom to one side. Air holes in the sides not the top, add substrate like reptibark or cypress , 2hides ,a water bowl and give it a day or 2 to level out. Then check it for humidity and temps. If they are off, fix it.
Get a tub with a good solid snap locking top.
Once you get the husbandry spot on then get a royal.
I have given this advice to many but few actually listen. You will save a world of frustration by using this method.

Would Aspen work? What do you use to place the ventilation holes? I bought a Herpstat to use for a heat mat, and it has a probe to measure the temps. Should this be placed outside or inside the tub? My Corn also has one, and I have the probe inside of his warm hide. Could I place different size holes to accomodate temp/stat probes? What size tub would you recommend for a snake up to two feet in length?

Concept9 · 07-23-13, 02:27 PM

Substrata will depend a little on what your house humidity is at.

If you have high humidity, try aspen. If you have low humidity try Cyprus mulch or repti-Bark.

I used a 1/4" drill and eye balled them. Some people use the little round soldering iron and melt the holes in.

Temp prob should be put inside on top the substrate where the BP is going to be.

I made separate hole for my prob to enter near where I was placing it.

I have my 2ft BP in a 48l Sterilite tube. As long as the snake has room to stretch out is fine.

But as said above. Build your tube first, test it for a couple days before putting the snake in.

Hey · 07-26-13, 11:23 AM

UTH's don't heat the air temperatures, right? Won't the side not heated by the UTH be room temperature (which is too cold for the Ball)?

Terranaut · 07-26-13, 11:40 AM

Sorry I missed this for a couple days. A uth will heat the air a bit. What is your house temp?

Mikoh4792 · 07-26-13, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hey

UTH's don't heat the air temperatures, right? Won't the side not heated by the UTH be room temperature (which is too cold for the Ball)?

If you are using just a 10 gallon tank, an undertank heater should be sufficient. Especially if you cover the screen top.

Right now I am using a fluoresecent fixture to light the enclosure and right now(summertime) I have to keep a close eye so that the enclosure doesn't over heat.

Hey · 07-26-13, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terranaut

Sorry I missed this for a couple days. A uth will heat the air a bit. What is your house temp?

About 75, give or take a couple in the summer, but it cools down to 60 in the winter months.

Mikoh4792 · 07-26-13, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hey

About 75, give or take a couple in the summer, but it cools down to 60 in the winter months.

75 is fine. In the winter I would either heat the room or have a low wattage bulb for ambient air temps(25-40 watt) is all you will need for a tank as small as 10 gallons.

Terranaut · 07-26-13, 03:27 PM

My wife would move out at 60º.
Heat the room to 7?º. This will balance everything out same as summer.