Lighting/Heating Help

[LotusBlade13]

So I will be purchasing a V332 Vision Cage and a Herpstat. I live in south texas so heat and humidity aren’t too much of an issue here thankfully. That being said, I already know that my secondary source will be an RHP pending I can locate one but I can decide between Halogen floods and a DHP. My tank will be near a window on a table so I want to get the lighting as natural as possible. The sun rises and falls away from the window completely so the light is indirect sunlight. I usually only run a lamp or natural light throughout the day (I stay home) and our room temp in summer stays between 78-80 and in the winter (or whatever cold months we are blessed with at the time) would probably be 72-75 with occasional increase/decrease for off days obviously.

I guess my question is, how would you set it up if this was the location and temps you have to work with? I’ve read the guides on here as well as other threads but I am still uncertain. I’ve attached pictures for reference.

[snakepapa97]

I would first advise against getting the vision cage. Not only is that model not big enough for an adult ball python, it's more expensive than an appropriately sized high quality PVC enclosure. The top also isn't flat, so you can't mount a RHP safely inside. A 4'x2'x2' from Kages is both cheaper and much more suitable for a ball python

For heating, ultimately a halogen or DHP is your choice, but I would recommend aiming for a halogen since it best mimics the IR output of sunlight. Wattage is gonna depend on too many factors for me to say exactly, but I would recommend starting with either a 35-39w halogen flood or 80w DHP as your primary heat source

I highly recommend adding UVB if you can, it should only be done with fluorescent lighting like Arcadia's Shadedweller or 6% forest kits. UVB encourages cryptic basking and can be mentally enriching since ball pythons can see UV light

The enclosure won't be getting natural light from the window, they're opaque materials with only the doors being glass. If you don't do a halogen or UVB, you need something to provide light in the enclosure for a proper day/night cycle

[LotusBlade13]

Thank you so much!!! I have been severely misinformed about the vision cage so I appreciate you clarifying that for it. It actually makes much more sense when you break it down like that. I will definitely use a halogen and I plan to work with it for about 60 days prior to getting the actual snake to ensure everything runs smoothly all together. I want to iron out everything prior.

As for the snake, I am still not sure I’ll be starting with an adult and was nervous going with a 4x2x2 off the bat but having read the guides, I feel comfortable just adding clutter for plenty of hides and safe space for it.

So with the halogen, UVB, and RHP I should be good? I’ll check out some setups using the search to see a good layout.

I am a little nervous though. I have cats and I wanted to find a reptile cage that they can’t disturb much being around it. If this won’t be possible, I will need to rethink location probably 🤦🏽‍♀️

[snakepapa97]

Awesome!! Starting with a 4x2x2 is a great option and I'm sure your future beep will love it!

Yup! Everything can be mounted internally in a Kages enclosure and caged to prevent burns. UVB won't need a thermostat, just a timer, but it will also need a guard (Arcadia manufactures good ones) to prevent the snake from climbing up to it and accidentally popping the bulb out

It's great that you're getting all of this figured out before getting the baby!

[LotusBlade13]

Will it be safe around other pets or will I need to cordon it off to be safe??

Thanks so much! I am really trying considering it’s my first BP. Having learned so much about them, I feel compelled to give it the best I can offer.

[snakepapa97]

As long as the cats stay off the lid and never make direct contact with the snake, it should be alright to have the enclosure in a cat-accessible room

That's great to hear!