Please help with heat n light for my new tank (pics)

stkkts · 07-29-03, 07:30 PM

OK, I built this out of an old dresser. Its not complete yet, but I wanted to get opinions from some people before I continued

this is the tank its 15" deep x 25" wide x 32" high.
I am going to put climbing items in there too. I know Balls arent typically arboreal snakes, but i know my guy will make use of this entire tank.

here you can see where his hide is, and his water dish is. I plan on sinking the waterdish so it actually sits flush with floor. both the floor and the level his hide is on will be covered in linoleum flooring.

If you think it would be better, I could move the hide up one level, so its closer to the heat source.

here you can see the hood he has on his current aquarium tank. I was just going to cut a whole in the top, sink the hood in, protect it with screen, and have that be it.

My question is: Will this be enough to keep his tank warm, and the humidity right at both the daytime and nighttime? I dont have experience with UTH's or heat tape. I like the convenience of the lights, but also want something that is best for the snake. This will allow him to bask, or hide in cooler areas.

What does everyone think?

Please give me some advice.
Thanks

Invictus · 07-29-03, 10:08 PM

What are you locking those front doors with? I don't see anything.

Other than that it's a great idea man... great way to make use out of old furniture.

stkkts · 07-29-03, 11:33 PM

well I have two of those hook latch type things. one for the top, one for the bottom. Do you think that will be sufficient, or do you recommend something more secure?
I know ball pythons can be quite the escape artists. I had him get out once and found him wrapped around a hanger amongst my shirts.

Also, I am really most interested to hear some opinions on the lighting and heating. Would one high wattage light bulb keep that tank warm enough during the day?

Should I move the hide up one level so its closer to the heat source?

Thank you for the compliment. The only downside is although it is old furniture.....I was kind of using it

so now im not sure where im gonna put my socks....I guess I could just throw them on the floor with the rest of my clothes.

Big Mike · 07-30-03, 08:32 AM

That looks great.

Here is my 2 cents...It should be sealed with some sort of wood sealant to protect against moisture. I don't know if a bulb would work or not. You should have a hide that will be at 80-85 deg and one that is cooler than that. It would be easy to just put in a UTH under one of the shelves where a hide could go.

Be sure to post pics when it's done.