HELP! dont know what to get for a heating pad for my boa!

[FishGirl94]

Hey again mfk, slightly frustrated, im new to snakes, one important thing i havent been able to find much info about is HEATING. i've just been told "oh, heating pad..." well yes, thanks for the advice, but i dont know what size or wattage i would need to keep about a 90gal tank hot enough for a brazilian rainbow boa, so if anyone knows i would greatly appreciate it. thank youu! also wondering roughly what the cost would be

 

[eric88]

Im not sure if its allowed to post another forum (sorry in advanced if so) but herpcenter.com is full of good info and members.

 

[younggalaxy]

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=zoo+med+heat+pads

Under the first link:

[TABLE="width: 100%"]
[TR]
[TD="class: Verdana10pxBlack, bgcolor: #E0DFE3, align: left"]Item Number: RH-6[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="class: Verdana10pxBlack, align: left"]Size: LG[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="class: Verdana10pxBlack, align: left"]Dimension: 8" x 18" (20x45cm)[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="class: Verdana10pxBlack, align: left"]Wattage: 24
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="class: Verdana10pxBlack, align: left"]Gal Size/Color: 50-60[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

EDIT: I really don't think you should be using a glass tank if you are worried about HEATING, as (I repeat) glass tanks have a problem retaining heat.

If I were you:

http://www.reptilebasics.com/80-watt-radiant-heat-panel
^
I would install one of these on top of a PVC tank.

P.S. Give them what they want, not what you want.

 

[FishGirl94]

Thanks guys, not using a glass tank(getting a proper tank) and im not worried about what i want at all, thats why im taking my time to ask people with exerience on the snake and listen to what they have to say and take their advice to better my setup before i even aquire the snake, so thank you

 

[younggalaxy]

Additionally, if you get a baby snake (as many of us would rather grow with the snake) you can hold off your plans for an adult permanent enclosure for a while. A large enclosure with dead space would just stress the animal out. A plastic tub would be sufficient for humidity, heat, and opacity (for privacy) until it obtains some size - it's not the most attractive option, but it works wonderfully as a temporary solution. Of course, you can also buy a smaller PVC enclosure if you strictly want to display it nicely.

 

[FishGirl94]

ohh i wasnt aware the empty space would stress them out, i assumed it would be beneficail for them, i do have a 10 gal acrylic tank that isnt in use, would you suggest i keep it in there until its how much bigger?

 

[younggalaxy]

Yeah, I'd do it. Make sure to cover the screen as the other person already suggested - these cages are horrible at retaining humidity otherwise.

 

[FishGirl94]

Yeah, I'd do it. Make sure to cover the screen as the other person already suggested - these cages are horrible at retaining humidity otherwise.

okay will do for sure, at what length should i move the snake to a larger terrarium?

 

[younggalaxy]

If you are starting with a baby snake in a 10 gallon cage, I would use an intermediate cage (whether that's a plastic tub or a display set up) in between the 4 foot permanent adult enclosure. As for the timing of the 'move' - when the enclosure starts to look cramped vs. the size of the snake - this is specially important when it comes to the point you can no longer provide a temperature gradient.

Believe it or not, a plastic tub would actually be much better for humidity, which is crucial to keeping your new BRB healthy. However, with proper measures it can be done in an acrylic cage with a screen top.

 

[FishGirl94]

Update! I went out and got some supplies for the setup, a zoo med heating pad, and water bowl and hide place, just wondering about a thermostat? Just not sure what type to get, and what I should be expecting to pay for one. Also I got some exo Tera plantation soil from my boyfriend, he had some that was never opened so I'm wondering if this will be okay for the substrate?