Posted by:
jarskie
at Fri Apr 21 01:29:58 2006 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by jarskie ]
First off, welcome to the ball python world! You now have "the ball python bug" and I'm sorry to say, it doesn't go away without a lot of theropy... All that to say,
Glass Cages:
Glass cages are not too bad to work with in the south. I live in Houston, so our humidity here is really high. I am assuming that where ever you live, humidity is not much of a problem either.
There are two major down sides to glass tanks:
1.) They do not effectivly hold humidity, without any modifications done at least.
2.) Heat transfer is poor at best, again, without any modifications done.
There are ways around these problems, at least ones that I have found to work for a tank I keep. To regulate the humidity levels, assuming your using a screen lid, you can place something on a portion of the screen lid. Some use masonite (can get this at home depot, lowes, etc.) others use expanded pvc. From what I can tell, they all do the same thing (pros, any suggestions here). You can also use wide water dishs that will increase the surface area of the water to help raise the moisture level in the air. Lastly, you can use cypress mulch which holds humidity very well.
As far as the problems with heat transfer, a good thermostat, a temp gun, and checking your under tank heater is vital. Okay, I guess a temp gun is vital, but personally I am a temp gun nut.. The first under tank heater I had was just a sticky pet store type. The problem with these types of UTH's when used on a glass cage is that there is almost zero heat transfer. This meaning that the heat is only right above the UTH, and no real heat gradiant. Just a hot spot and a cold spot, with nothing in between. To get around this problem, I attached a 12"x12" tile to the sticky mat, giving it a much better gradiant. This is also useful if you are going to be changing around tanks and UTH's, as the usual sticky type mats are a "one shot, one kill" product. Once you stick them to a tank, you really can't ever use them again.. With the tile attached to it, you can move it how ever you want. You will also want to be able to regulate the temp of the UTH, rheostat, or a t-stat. Do your research on this, as t-stat/rheostat failures have claimed the lives of many snakes, not to mention houses burning down due to electrical fires.
Now, all that being said, glass cages are only one route. I only have one glass tank (aside from a dart from tank I am currently building!!), and the rest are all in sterilite tubs in a rack. A rack can be made, as others have suggested. They can be purchased, or the tubs can simply be stacked one on top of each other. Stacking is pretty much a royal pain in the butt, but it can be done.
It sounds like your planning on a small collection, and with a pair of hets, are probably going to expect babies some where in the future. I currently have a small collection (for now, hehe) of 8 bp's. Since I could not go out and buy every snake I wanted, I want to grow into my collection. Thus, I designed my set up with expansion in mind. If this is your case, glass tanks may not be the way to go. On the other hand, if your getting 05's or 06's, it might be a while before you have any young-ins to worry about and glass would be okay. Do your research, weight your options, and then do more research!!
Good luck, I hope this helps,
~Johnny
Pros, any thing I forgot?
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RE: Ball python set-up breakdown - jarskie, Fri Apr 21 01:29:58 2006