Just Satrting

[flhtcu92]

Hello all I'm new to the snake world and have a lot of questions.
I have not got a snake yet but am deciding either on a Ball Python or a Red Tail Boa. One question is are they Red Tail Boas or Columbian Boas?
I will be using a 55gal tank to start with and making my own cover and so on.
What should I use for heat and lighting? What is the best to use. I know I can go to a pet store and find out the info but know it may be better to ask the people that actually have them. I know most places just want to sell you any and everything they can weather you need it or even if it is good for the snake. I'm 43 and have never owned a snake but have many different pets and fish. I love animals. I'm also very tight with my money and like making things myself. I know by the time you buy all the material to make something it may cost more but most of the time I get what I use to make it free so you can't beat that price .
Like I said I could use any and all advise I can get so feal free to give all you know on the types of snakes I want and the use of the tank and how to set it up.

Rich

[Reticsrule]

well first of all, welcome to the hobby

i have two boas and i have worked with many ball pythons. they are both easy to care for and dont require many special needs. balls tend to be very inactive and dont move much. boas are a little more active, but not so much that you cant control them. as you may already know, boas grow to larger sizes than balls do. boas can get anywhere from 5-9 feet depending on the sex (males are smaller) and balls can get anywhere from 3-5 feet (males are also smaller).

red tailed boas are different than colombian boas. red tailed boas (Boa Constrictor Constrictor) are much more expensive and less common than Colombian (or common) boas (Boa Constrictor Imperator). should you choose to get a boa, you will most likely be getting a colombian.

as for heating and lighting it really depends on your personal preference. you can heat your cage with either light bulbs or an under tank heat source. if youre using lights you have to make sure that the bulb has something covering it so that the snake doesnt burn itself on it. if you are using an uth source you have to make sure that it is not going to be too hot to burn your snake as well.

on a side note i would advise you AGAINST buying your snake from a pet store. the animals are usually over priced and not extremely healthy. your best bet is to find a local reptile show near you and buy your snake from a breeder. this way you can ask him any questions you may have and the snake will most likely be less expensive and healthier.

good luck