Ball python what do I need?

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canadian.fish

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Mar 16, 2012
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ontario
So going to venture into ball pythons. I've been doing my research and know that's what I want. The only thing I can not find is the actually proper size heating matt and proper ballast and heat bulb. So if any one can help me out it would be great. The snake will be in my 33 gal 36x18 tank


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Thanks for the guide. I actually already read that and im actually going to be getting it from him. But still there is no info on wattage and size of heat sources il need to maintain the 80-90 degree heat. So I don't want to go out and buy a pad and light that will be to big and fry him or one that's too small so I freeze him.


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Get one of these thermostats: Hydrofarm Digital Thermostat. They're meant for plant heat mats, but they work better & are cheaper than the low-end "On/Off" style reptile thermostats. I used one when I had nonvenomous terrestrial snakes, and it worked great for me.

As for the heat pad & housing method, I wouldn't bother using an aquarium as they're not cut out for housing most snakes, including ball pythons; they don't retain heat & humidity very well which leads to a variety of issues. Depending on what you go with for housing, you'll just need a heat pad that covers ⅓ of the bottom of the enclosure & can maintain a hot spot of 90-96°F; heat bulbs are unnecessary as are any other form of lighting.
 
keep it simple. No heat lamp- seriously, it is overkill and unless you use a fluorescent then you WILL cook your snake. 20 gallon critter cage/ aquarium with sani chip, reptibark, or eco earth substrate. Small heating pad, hide box, & water bowl big enough for the snake to soak in.

I think an aquarium is fine for a BP. Just make sure the lid is secure. The humidity will be kept up by the open water bowl.
 
Try an ABS hide box or even a sizable cork bark depending on what look you are going for. Get a generously sized water bowl on the cool end of the cage. A lot of people will recommend 2 hides (on both hot & cool sides) as ball pythons utilize their hides well.

I recommend a Zoo Med heat pad - it's the best heat pad out there IMO and it will also have a temperature guide for a ball python right on the back. I can also recommend the above-mentioned Hydrofarm Digital Thermostat (despite always being 1-2 degrees off) as it is the best bang for the buck you will get indeed. It should come out to about $40 including shipping from the American Amazon site. A thermostat is a necessity if you care about your snake's well-being.

You may experience bad sheds if you keep it in an aquarium, but a good sized water bowl does do wonders. If needed you can cover a part of the top ventilation to keep the humidity in accordingly. A simple sterile tub set up (although not the most aesthetically pleasing option) is actually your best bet.
 
Thanks for all the help!! Way better to actually ask and get real life tips than read all the Internet stuff that always go against each other. So as of now I have a nice plastic rock hide from pet store I am using a sheet of Astros turf for the substrate since I have three pieces I can change through and a nice size Pyrex bowl for water dish. U will be picking up a zoo med heating pad that will be about 12 inches by 12 my mesh lid il cover up half of It with a piece of plywood to keep humidity. So pretty much il need to invest in another hide for the cool side and move the dish to the middle.

Thanks again for all the great help!


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Don't use astro turf. Get a real substrate.
 
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