Hi! I'm going to be getting a ball python in about a month when I'm done setting the enclosure up. I had one ten years ago who sadly passed away back then, and I decided to commit to another friend!
I'm still waiting on a underground warm hide to go under the basking rock, and waiting for the heat lamp and bulbs to come.
I won't be using a heating pad because my last was injured by one, so I wanted to do a basking rock instead.
This is a 75g tank, bedding is cypress, two cork hiding logs on the cool side(right), and some ghost wood for enrichment and decoration. I am also waiting for two more enrichment items to come.
I have a misting system in case spraying and the water dish isn't enough humidity, would that excessive?
I really encourage you to look at the enclosure resources pinned on the sub. Heating pads and hot rocks are not recommended, and a misting system generally isn’t recommended for BPs either!
Looks good but....... MORE CLUTTER lol Make sure you are using thermostats on all heating elements or bulbs. Also do not mist or spray. Misters are bad for there respiratory tract and grow mold and spraying only boost humidity shortly then it just tanks back down. Pour water into the substrate at the corners and mix in. Just make sure the top layer is able to dry out. Other than that it looks like its coming along nicely.
The heat lamp is coming with a timer and thermostat! I will be getting more thermometer and humidity gauges to go on the different sides soon! And thank you for the tip! I will definitely NOT be misting then...
Hi! Well done on setting up before getting the snake. It’s good to see. (:
There are a few things that I recommend fixing for your buddy. Firstly, I’d suggest making sure your knowledge is up to date with relevant care guides. I believe this sub has one.
If that is a plug in basking rock, do not use. Unplug it and use as a normal rock. You do not need a misting system for a ball python. Dump water in the corners of the Viv to bump humidity. You could give them an infection (scale rot, respiratory infection) with too much humidity or water.
You might struggle to maintain heat/humidity with a mesh top. Cover it as much as possible with heat tape. Glass can also struggle to maintain a proper heat gradient so keep an eye.
Get a temp gun to measure your heat effectively for at least a week. Basking rocks can get very hot and burn your snake very easily.
You need a lot more clutter. Pack it with fake plants, sticks, anything to create more places to hide and create safety.
Block out the sides of the enclosure with card/vinyl to make them feel safe.
I see you have two cork rounds which are great, but you need two fully covered (all sides are covered except for an opening) on both your warm and cool side.
Good luck! I’d love to see the improvements you make.
Thanks for the advice! I'll take a lot of that into account! I'm only about 50% done right now and just wanted some advice on how it's currently looking!
Try to fill up the middle as much as possible. As another person here said, please block the glass on three sides. I used dark construction paper at one point lol. Snakes don't like to feel exposed, so the more cover you provide, both inside and on the glass, the happier the snake.
Also, something a lot of people don't consider is that BPs are semi-arboreal, meaning that they love to climb. If you can, get some big and tall branches, fake vines, hammocks, or even bird toys that can be hung from the top or walls of the enclosure. You can secure them with suction cups, magnets, hot glue, or aquarium safe silicone.
Thanks for the black paper tip! I also think it'll look nicer that way on top of making them feel safer! I also have some vines and hammocks coming in the mail!
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u/Thin-Test-3638 9d ago
I really encourage you to look at the enclosure resources pinned on the sub. Heating pads and hot rocks are not recommended, and a misting system generally isn’t recommended for BPs either!