RCReptiles.com

[Jordan700]

THINGS THAT YOU WILL NEED

1: Glass Tank with a secure lid
2: UTH (Under tank heater)
3: A snug fitting hide-a-way (2 is best)
3: Water dish (big enough for your snake to fit in)
4: Substrate (cypress mulch holds humidity well)
5: A thermostat with a probe
6: A thermometer and a hydrometer
7: You may need a light for extra heat OR another UTH


Pick a side to be the basking area (hot side) and a side to be the cool part. Place the UTH under the tank on the side that you want to be the basking. If you have two UTH’s place them as close as possible to each other on the basking side. Now flip your tank so that it is up right. If there is no gap between the tank and the surface of which it is sitting on you will need to use either tank spacers or prop the tank up a bit so that air can flow thru the under part of the tank. If you do not do this you UTH may overheat or burn the surface under the tank.

Now you can put the substrate (bedding) in the tank. I would put about a inch of bedding in the tank because you ball may like to burrow. After you have the substrate in place you can add the water dish. Put the dish on the cool side of the tank, this will help slow the growth of algae and bacteria. Now add the hide-a way(s). If you have two, place one on the cool side and one on the basking.

Now for the final part. There are many types of thermostats. I use both Ranco and Helix. You can get a cheaper one that works just as well at your local pet store or online. Make sure that you get a thermostat that has a probe. After you make your choice of what thermostat you would like to use plug the thermostat’s plug into the wall outlet. Now plug the UTH's or light plugs into the thermostat. After you have everything plugged in place the probe of the thermostat on the basking side of the cage. I place all of my probes under the substrate about a quarter to half an inch. This helps hold the probe in place. After you have the probe under the substrate place the thermometer above the substrate so that you can read it without opening the cage or disturbing your snake. Now by following the instructions that came with your thermostat set it to 95*F. You will know if you have your thermostat set correctly because your thermometer should never go above 95*F (97*F max). You may notice that your thermometer is only reaching 90-94*F and not getting any hotter. The probe being under the substrate may cause this. To compensate for this adjust your thermostat a degree or two until your thermometer reads 95*F. Now your tank is ready for your new ball!!


If any member would like to add to this post please tell Deb, Ron, or I and we will edit the post. This way it will stay as up to date as possible!

[RonCrawford]

Another useful resource http://rcreptiles.com/blog/index.php/2006/09/27/setting_up_an_environment_for_your_hatch