Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello all!

Continuing in my quest of preparing my ball python enclosure...

I think I've decided to go with the Vision model #322 as opposed to a glass aquarium. Just a few questions about that.

First of all, is there any certain brand of untertank heater that you would recommend for use with the Vision cages? I'm assuming there's a slot for the UTH inside the back of the Vision systems?

Secondly, do I have to worry about a young (hatchling) BP crawling out the space between the two sliding glass panels? I've heard there is a lock available for the cages. Does this prevent escapes and/or entry by children, etc?

Finally, I found this substrate available and was wondering if you could give me any advice regarding it. I'm aware of the advantages of using newspaper as a substrate, but this will be a display setup.

Thanks so much for any guidance you could give me as I continue my research!!

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::i believe in joy > http://www.winds.org/nekomi/hope.html

::my homepage > http://www.winds.org/nekomi

I'm not sure about the model 322, but I have a couple of the 211 visions, and there is no "Slot" for the heat pad. But the base is raised a bit and accomadates a heat pad just fine. Any brand of UTH will do, but be sure to use a reostat(SP?) or thermostat with it to regulate temp. (You can find these at any of the reptile supply places. Check the classifeids for store adds)

Unless the 322 model is considerably different than the 211, then you don't need to worry about a baby ball squeezing between the glass panes. I don't even think a baby corn could do it........well maybe, they are pretty slick escape artists...but not a ball python. I have the lock on mine because I like the secuirty of knowing the cage will not be opened on "accident" by the kids or left partially open when I am rushing after feeding. It was only an extra $7 and worth it to me.

Thats a nice looking substrate. I've never used anything like it before. It says for amphibians.......this may retain too much moisture for a ball. It also looks like it would be a pain to clean. Aspen or Cypruss mulch both work for display cages. One of my display cages has "repti-bark" (again, check the classifieds) it was pricey to fill the large display tank, but it looks very nice.

Good luck!

I would suggest Cyprus or Aspen chip substrate. I use Aspen and it works great. That moss leads me to believe it retains too much moisture for the snakes and would lead to "belly rot" and from what I have read, you don't want that.

Aspen mulch works great... allows for quick clean-ups... absorbs liquids... has almost no smell... even lets snake burrow if they choose. It only has to be changed once every 6mnths if you are using such a large cage for a young BP. All-in-all I have spent $5 on a bag of Aspen that will last me a year and looks GREAT in a display cage. I should be getting a digi-cam in a few days and will post some pics. GOOD LUCK!
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-Iman

1.1 Balls
0.1 Boa (BCI)
0.0 Experience
100.0 % LOVE

Hope it helps...