sorry for posting lots of threades, its just that i'm still new at caring for a ball and i want to make sure i'm taking the right steps. is this a good setup for his cage ?
thx
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This is his cage (20 gallon tank)
zawakees
Jun 17, 2003 12:58 AM
Replies (4)
VoodooDragon
Jun 17, 2003 10:02 AM
Very nice setup. Just one problem, but not a big deal kinda mistake.
Get real thermometers. I got a couple at a hardware store for $1.99 each. Those aquarium ones aren't very accurate.
You need:
1 for the cool side (air temps)
1 for the warm side (air temps)
1 to lay on the bottom of the cage, above the under tank heater (UTH) to measure belly temps (VERY important - I had a snake die because a UTH shorted out and got WAY too hot). Should be around 85-90, depending on the snake.
That's all. Nice hides and decor, tho.
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-Irish
My Snakes
Oilfan94
Jun 17, 2003 10:27 AM
That’s what I was going to say. Very nice set up but...You need to measure the temperature right where the snake is...on the ground. 85-90 on the warm side and 70-75 on the cool side would be good.
Do you have any heat besides the lamp? Is the lamp on all the time? You should give the snake a dark period of 10-12 hours each night. But the snake should still have access to a heat source.
You should have a secondary source of heat that does not produce light. I find that the best way to heat a tank for a snake is to use an Under Tank Heater. You can get them in pet stores. You will need to control the heat from the UTH ~ THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT! They will get too hot and burn or kill your snake. The easy/cheap way to do this is with a rheostat (lamp dimmer). I found some great ones at Ikea. You can spend some more money and get a really good way to control the heater with a thermostat. Check out herp supply web sites for the best prices on these.
Once you can control and measure the temps right on the floor of the tank and give the snake a day/night period...then he should settle in and start to eat. You will have a hard time getting him to start eating if he is stressed because of his environment.
Good Luck and keep us updated.
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Turtlegirl
Jun 17, 2003 05:43 PM
Great looking setup! 
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-Lauren
ASK
Jun 20, 2003 06:04 PM
good setup but when he gets bigger he will need a bigger tank just a fyi
