Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Ok i am going to use newspaper for the bottom and i was wondering with the UTH how many layers do you use? Like how many sheets between the snake and the bottom of the tank? Also what do you recomend using for the basking spot? I want to use something that will generate light so that it can light up my room during the day. So pretty much what would be a good bulb to use. I will be housing my BP in a 10 gallon he will be just a baby.
Thanks for any suggestions and info
Paul

Hi,
The setup sounds good to me, although most on here will say that a 10 gallon is too small. I did just what you are going to do about 6 months ago with my ball, although I used a snake carpet. I have a large dome lamp which I bought at walmart that I like because it has a 15' cord (most are so dang short that you have to use an extention cord) and was only around $6.00. I use a 100 watt lamp because my room is generally cooler than snakes like, if yours is warmer you could use a 60 watt. Just put a thermometer under the basking spot and it should be 85-90 degrees Farenheight. I have a water bowl big enough for him to soak in at the cool end, and two hiding boxes at either end. If you haven't already bought the 10 gallon or can return it I'd recommend you get a 20 gallon long tank. It will house your snake for a long time, and makes it easy to have a variation of temps so your snake can choose what he likes better. It's harder to do in a 10 gallon, and there isn't much room for big hides and water bowls and cool branches, rocks, etc. As far as how many layers, I would just take, say, the classified section, and cut it to fit the bottom (about 10-15 layers) although you only need probably five. You can also find a picture of a snake in the paper and put that on top so he feels at home (just kidding).

Hope this helps,
Taylor

>>Ok i am going to use newspaper for the bottom and i was wondering with the UTH how many layers do you use? Like how many sheets between the snake and the bottom of the tank? Also what do you recomend using for the basking spot? I want to use something that will generate light so that it can light up my room during the day. So pretty much what would be a good bulb to use. I will be housing my BP in a 10 gallon he will be just a baby.
>>Thanks for any suggestions and info
>>Paul

In a 10 gal I would really, REALLY want an accurate thermometer moved to all the locations to check temps as it is so easy to cook your snake in one. A twenty long would be easier to regulate but more stress for a little guy. What I found easiest for my baby BP was a sterlite box about 15X12X6 deep with a 4" flexwatt run across one end and on a medium high shelf in my heated room. For the not obsessed normal person I would think a sterlite box ( a lot less than a tank and top that you will be outgrowing in months)with a heat pad under 1/4 or 1/3 of it either hooked to a rheostat or wired through a dimmer switch. Kept in a 75 or so degree room that will do well. If you have cooler houses you may want to try the pad and light bulb overhead at day but be very sure you don't cook your little one. Also, don't bother with the high priced Zoo Med Bulbs etc. You can use a 25cent household 40watt. No special lights needed. If, when you move to a larger enclosure you could try the reflective flood bulbs that have good heat output. But most of the time the cheapos are fine.
-----
Sonya