Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Here's an example of a polypropylene cage setup - here for a yearling N. Mexican Pine Snake (Pituophis deppei jani). This was put together before I acquired the snake, and after reading up on (1) the snakes natural environmental requirements and (2) how to meet those needs with a good enclosure (e.g. these articles at anapsid.org).

Since this photo was taken, the lamp has been elevated using a more secure (and more attractive) metal stand. Though not visible, there's a screen vent cut into the lid, held secure with some flat L brackets from the hardware store (melted holes for screws and wingnuts). The four clamps are for added security and - like using two thermometers - are probably overkill. Better safe than sorry

The hides are now 2 modified flower pot bases (one above a heat pad, and one on the cool end) with some pieces of cardboard spanning the two hides for added terrain. Heat pad is on a Herpstat ND thermostat. I currently use aspen over paper (and over the hides) for substrate. Finally, a cleaned, baked branch and a store-bought fake vine for something more to climb on.

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I like that the lamp is raised up, and I like the screen support you have there, nice idea.

If the setup does not have a temperature controller, you would do well to add one. Those $45 ON/OFF controllers are just fine for this setup.

The clamps might be overkill, but pituophis can push pretty hard on a lid, so having those clamps is not a bad thing at all.

Some folks might tell you to use a heat pad instead. While I do agree that heat pads are effective and use less energy to do the same thing, care must be taken with heat pads to keep the surface temperature from getting too warm. Not hard to do with a temperature controller, but still, the overhead heat leaves room for error. If your setup is working well for the snake, no need to change. Just add the controller if you don't have it already.
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Mark

One step ahead of you - it's mentioned towards the end there

"Heat pad is on a Herpstat ND thermostat."

-Paul

I wish they would make these tubs crystal clear plastic not opaque esp in the bigger sizes..

You can easily see your snake but clear plastic would go a long way. I emailed a few companies suggesting it and mentioned that in reptile keepers along they woud make a fortune .

Either way did you drill the holes in side ?

Thanks

>>I wish they would make these tubs crystal clear plastic not opaque esp in the bigger sizes..

Look into Cambro, crystal clear accurate sizes and durable for a centuries use...

My next rack will be sized for Cambro tubs.
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Jeremy Payne
JB Reptile

1.0 Snow "Kahl"
0.2 Triple Het Moonglow "Kahl"
0.1 Orange Tail Hypo Het Leopard
1.0 Ghost
0.1 DH Ghost
1.1 "Kahl" Albino
1.0.2 Hypomelenistic
1.3 Pastel Hypo
0.1 Anerthrystic
0.0.2 Normal

0.0.2 Morelia Viridis
1.1 Morelia Clastolepis

I looked into Cambro and your right they are crystal clear infact clearer than glass but the biggest size isn't even close to a 20 gallon.

I was looking for 20 gallon size more or less or bigger for sand boas . They don't need that big but I like room .

Thanks

>>I looked into Cambro and your right they are crystal clear infact clearer than glass but the biggest size isn't even close to a 20 gallon.
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>>I was looking for 20 gallon size more or less or bigger for sand boas . They don't need that big but I like room .
>>
>>Thanks

That's correct the largest is 22 gal product# 182615CW
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Jeremy Payne
JB Reptile

1.0 Snow "Kahl"
0.2 Triple Het Moonglow "Kahl"
0.1 Orange Tail Hypo Het Leopard
1.0 Ghost
0.1 DH Ghost
1.1 "Kahl" Albino
1.0.2 Hypomelenistic
1.3 Pastel Hypo
0.1 Anerthrystic
0.0.2 Normal

0.0.2 Morelia Viridis
1.1 Morelia Clastolepis