Reptile & Amphibian Forums

as everyone probly knows im looking to get a male columbian ret tail boa.(baby or juvie(3-4 ft) (at the pa narbc show for my 16th bday next november.

i have a extra 30 gallon breeder tank in my basement from when i fist got my bearded dragon.
how long will that last me? i know i will need a bigger cage im looking at a boaphile(bc everyone says the great).

for the boa phile what is A BETTER HEATING FLEX WATT or in cage heating?
i will also be getting the little light for inside so i can see him(gunna be on a timer)

i know alot of breeders us newspaper, but like like my cages to have a natural look so what would be a good substrate.

also who is a good breeder to look for at the pa narbc show, i dont like buying off line bc i never get to see the animal.

thanks so much tom and

i just got the boa manual froma long wait from a library bc wasnt in out system, and i didnt thin it would get me in trouble,
i couldnt stop reading a forgot to do my chores so im was in trouble.

thanks again
tom
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~TOM~
NO guts!,NO glory!,NO girls! ~LACROSSE RULES!~

1.1 bearded dragons
1.0 black rough neck monitor
0.1 ball python

Hello-

Q1) i have a extra 30 gallon breeder tank in my basement from when i fist got my bearded dragon.
how long will that last me?
a1) For a baby a 30 breeder(36x18x12) would last a common boa up to its 2nd or 3rd year. Some dwarf boas that stay under 4 feet, might be able to live in a 30 BR longer. Make sure to use a 5 percent solution of bleach to disinfect the cage before you put a boa in it. If you plan on keeping the boa in a cold basement, forget about it as cold ambient(air) temps will kill a boa.

Q2)i know i will need a bigger cage im looking at a boaphile(bc everyone says the great). A2) Yes, Great cage.

Q3) for the boa phile what is A BETTER HEATING FLEX WATT or in cage heating?
A3) I have Vision cages but my buddy swears by Boaphile. Boaphile cages come with optional thermostats and heat tape installed. I don't think they are made with a heat shrowd(for basking lamp) but accomadate flourscent lights. With my Visions, I run them with 24 hour heat tape on a thermostat with a basking lamp to mimic seasonality.

Q4) i know alot of breeders us newspaper, but like like my cages to have a natural look so what would be a good substrate.
A4) I'm using aspen mixed with spagnum for humidity. Newspaper makes cleaning easier but is lame.

Keep reading the Boa Manual, then read it 30 more times and you'll be set.

Good Luck-
Matt Schubarth
Pet Nebula