Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've just ordered a new tank for my ball python.

Ball python is a male of 3 feet / 600 grams.

Tank is going to be 32" by 13" by 16", with a hood with a tube light for aquariums, I am going to remove an opening in the hood (meant to be used to feed the fish) and put a screen net.

Then I am going to elevate tank by around 1/4 of an inch and fit a heat mat on one side plugged into a thermostat.

As a substrate I think i will opt for a carpet.

some questions:

will the lighting tube meant for aquariums be suitable for a ball python or will i need to buy something more appropriate or remove it altogeher?

is the size of the tank good enough for a male ball python?

is the setup good overall?

Thanks
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1.0 Python regius
0.1 Zamenis situla

For starters, you don't need a light at all with ball pythons. They are Nocturnal and do not require UVA or UVB light. You can have it on there for viewing, but it probably won't do you much good because they won't come out of their hide during the day. Make sure to turn it off at night for aobut 12 hours.

Next, the size of your tank should be ok for an adult male ball python. However, the aquarium hood is not one of the best choices for a top, unless you can secure it tightly on all sides. Most Balls will try to get out and if not secure, will do so.

Also, don't use carpet. I went through that phase myself and fould out quick, it's a BAD idea. Bad for Humidity. Almost impossible to keep clean sterile. It becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. Go with Coconut husks or cypress. I personally use cypress. Heat mat with thermostat is right on. Make sure it get's warm enough though. Don't forget hides and water and you should be ok.

How old is he? The reason I ask is a 3ft adult male should weigh more than 600 grams. My adult male is just over 3ft and weighs about 1300 grams and he is by no means fat. He's acutally a little thin.

According to the petstore he's a 2008 baby, so between a 1 year and 1 1/2 years...

yeah i'll try and make the hood as safe as possible, with clips and weights on top.
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OH ok. That sounds good for his size.

if you wash the carpet well every time there's a poop on it there shouldn't be a problem with bacteria though...

at least the same as with other substrates..
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1.0 Python regius
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You are really going to want something you can spot clean for when he poops, squeezes a mouse to hard, maybe decides to regurgitate a mouse, etc. Also, I tried using carpet with kingsnakes. While trying to keep the humidity right for shedding it usually molds and goes nasty. Rarely does "washing it good" get rid of the mold sufficiently. Aspen, cypress, unprinted newspaper, or carefresh (this is a kind of fluffy bedding they sell for mice, called Carefresh here it might be something else where you are). Avoid any pines or cedars as the oils in these can cause harm to the snake.
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1.1 ball pythons
1.1 kingsnakes
0.1 crazy cat
?.? ASFs
1.0 husband

I agree. I'm just talking from experience. Oh and everytime it urates, spills water, etc. And it breaks down pretty quick in the wash. I tried it and found it to be too big of a hassle. I go with Cypress. Great humidity, no mold, easy to spot clean, cheap(at least for me).

I'm on coconut husk, primarily because it holds humidity like a sponge and is incredibly cheap and easy to spot clean. The only downside is that its messy, so I don't feed on it. Ever since I started using it I've had 100% perfect sheds, eyecaps and all.

I'm from Malta (a small island underneath Italy) so low humidity is never a problem here... it's always in the 60 - 80 % range (and sometimes even up to 100%!).

I'll give the carpets a try, after all experimentation and trial & error is essential in this kind of hobby.
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I agree. Trial and error is a big part of anything worth doing. I just happened to go through the same thing about 4 months ago. I was just trying to help. Good luck!!!

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"What's more wise: To learn from your mistakes or to learn from others???" - someone who should have been wiser

yep, and thanks for that. For now I'm using newspaper, we'll see from there.
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Is Zoo Med Eco Earth Coconut Fiber Reptile Bedding OK?
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It works great!!!

Mulch is okay but it drys out in a short period of time. Aspen is best for me, but pine shavings works well too. Newspaper is free and works well. Whatever you use, just keep an eye on your animals and their behavior will tell you what you need to know!