Posted by:
pinelandsghost
at Fri Oct 30 21:47:59 2009 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by pinelandsghost ]
Posted by: KevinM
There is nothing worse in the world than a cage that cannot get clean.
I even quit putting natural stones in my cages as shed aids due to having to scrub when pooped on, and some never getting the stains out. If I cant pitch it, I dont want it!!
you can get a really large cage for alot less than buying a reptile specialty cage.
Good luck!!
Kevin I agree. I stopped putting wood and stones in my tanks to prevent harboring parasites. I've got a new routine now for dealing with drift wood and stone or what I use now for shedding rubs, bricks.
Scrubing has it limits and can't rearch into some spaces.
So acting like Tim Alen from "Home Improvement" I get extreme and use a gas powerwasher to blast the wood and stone outside. 
It reaches into the crevaces and gets all the poo from the snakes and the slime from the treefrogs we have also.
Wait, I'm not done...
Then while its still wet if it'll fit in the microwave I nuke it!
Steamed up and way to hot to touch I doubt a mite or other parasite stands a chance!
Bricks microwave up very well.
If it is to big for the microwave it goes into the oven long enough to steam it boiling hot but not so long that it dries completely and burns.
Boiling water can be carefully poured over bigger pieces.
I never transfer anything from one setup to another without cleaning and sterilizing it in this way.
This all may seem extreme but it is really easy compared to trying to beat a disease back once its gotten a foot hold into your collection.
I've been there and will never let it happen again.
As for getting one of the expensive vision cage setups or a huge 125 gal tank, I've gotten mine for free or dirt cheap by haunting the want ads, craigslist.
Huge fish tanks can be had cheap. There are two 55 gal tanks for $30 right now by me.
Be patient, keep watching the listings and jump when you see a deal. Your snake is still small so I'm sure you'll see a bargan tank before you will really need it.
Lastly check with the bean farm about heat tape and follow their reconmendations to set it up safely.
Mike
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RE: I agree, gotta keep it clean!! - pinelandsghost, Fri Oct 30 21:47:59 2009