Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've had lizards since I was a lil kid, a Chamelian, a Swift and a couple of Iguana's, and I currently have a Nile Monitor. I've been wanting a snake for quite some time, so I did my research and I am getting a Snow Corn hatchling.
Here's what the set-up is. 10 gal tank (he'll get the monitors 60 gallon terrarium when the monitor outgrows it), aspen chips, one of those hammock/water dish things, a hide in the hot side made out of bricks so it can double as a basking rock, a hide on the cold end, a branch for climbing, lockable screen top, and a 60w black light w/ dimmer control. I also got one of those digital thermometers w/ humidity sensors from walley world.
I got two questions, will the black light damage his eyes? I know on my monitor as well as us humans it's not good for the eyes, but snakes eyes are different. Also about what % of humidity is optimum, I live in the desert so the indoor humidity is a lil low?
I'm pretty excited about the new addition to my family. thanks

-Nick

Welcome to the corn world! I have always preferred my herps without legs, but I too have enjoyed some bearded dragons in the past, so I know it's fun to get into new aspects of this great hobby.

As to your questions, no the black light won't harm your corn, but I wouldn't have it on too often, simply because of the effects it can have on human eyes (as you noted). Corns have great looks under black light, so enjoy it!

The humidity factor will be a bit of a "feel your own way" affair, I'm afraid. Different corns require different humidity levels, and you won't really know for certain how yours is faring until it is time to shed. If your corn has any trouble at all, you can build it a humidity hide (a hide made out of whatever [I use old margarine tubs with a hole cut into the lid] stuffed with damp paper towels). The hide increases the overall humidity of the tank, but it alows for a super-saturation locale, should your corn need it to shed.

Finally, just this one word of advice. Make SURE that whatever tank you use it escape proof. I don't mean difficult to escape...I mean escape PROOF! Corns are escape artists without compare, and if your tank has a 1/4" gap in it somewhere, it s not a question of "if" your baby corn will escape, but rather "when" it will happen. It is no fun looking for a lost corn, so just take the necessary precautions ahead of time.

Good luck with your new corn!
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Darin Chappell
Hillbilly Herps
PO Box 254
Rogersville, MO 65742

Thanks for the reply, I'll definitely escape proof the tank.