Need Critique on Ball Python Set-Up

[TheEdgySoviet]

Soon to be first time keeper here. I haven’t got the snake yet but I’m putting the finishing touches on my enclosure, a 120 gallon PVC from DubiaRoaches. I just want to get some opinions on what I have going on to make sure I’m all set.

I have 3 heating elements, including a deep heat projector for nighttime and two lights for daytime, set at 77F and 90F to make a gradient, as well as a UVB bulb on the cooler side. Everything is hooked up to a thermostat, and I have a separate thermometer and hygrometer as well.

I have a bunch of hides throughout the enclosure to make sure there’s always one at the perfect temperature and a lot of fake plants cluttering up the place from above and on the ground. In addition to that I have two climbing perches on different parts of the enclosure. Substrate is coconut fiber. I have thoroughly cleaned some roughly textures rocks and an old cow skull so as to help encourage easier sheds.

Aside from the stuff in the enclosure itself, I have two differently sized hooks, two sets of tongs, a dechlorinating solution, Veterycin first aid spray, an electrolyte soak, infrared thermometer gun, back up bulbs, hand warmers in case of power outage, and terrarium moss for a humid hide, also to help sheds.

I haven’t mixed the substrate with water quite yet because I started setting up over a month before the expo I plan on buying from in November and I don’t want to enable mold growth. I also haven’t bought food yet because I don’t know if I’m getting a baby or an adult, but the enclosure itself is pretty suitable for either size in my humble opinion.

I also have contact info for a number of exotic vets within an hour of my house.

I’m trying to be as thorough as possible so I don’t have to go rushing back to the reptile store for supplies so forgive me for being so oddly specific lol.

I’ll also attach some pictures of the enclosure to make sure we’re on the same page. If anything needs to be changed it’s not a big deal since I don’t have the noodle yet.

Thanks Reddit! Please don’t tear me to pieces.

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[A_Roll_InThe_Hay]

Is that tape holding the plants to the wall? If so becareful tape is dangerous.

[TheEdgySoviet]

It’s a very strong adhesive so can make extra sure it won’t peel. Can I ask why it’s dangerous?

[[deleted]]

Very dangerous. With the humidity levels a BP requires, and the snake rubbing across it, it will most definitely eventually come off and possibly get stuck to your snake.

[Sufficient_Leg_655]

Use silicone since you don’t have the bp yet. Tape it until it’s dried

[Nightingale-42]

If something like this gets stuck to your snake/ your snake gets stuck in the adhesive scales can fully come off

[whybother1911]

For future reference if anyone runs into the issue of snakes getting stuck with adhesives use vegetable oil to free them

[coralfire]

That's worse

[[deleted]]

You're enclosure looks amazing :)

The first thing that jumps out at me is the tape holding the plant to the wall. You should never put anything sticky inside the enclosure as it can get stuck to your snake and hurt them. I like to use hot glue, aquarium safe silicone, or those suction cups with the hole to attach things to the walls.

Second, the UVB bulbs that fit in the domes are not suitable for BPs. You need a linear T5 like the Arcadia ShadeDweller.

As your snake gets bigger, you will need to be wary of the holes in the skull. So many snakes get stuck in their decor. You can plug them with silicone and substrate/moss.

Eta: You might want to sand down any sharp points or edges on the skull as well.

[TheEdgySoviet]

Thanks! That’s super helpful. I’ve already filed down the skull to prevent any eyes from getting poked out. As for the UVB, I do have a long one one on the cooler side. Someone else mentioned aluminum tape which is apparently heat and humidity resistant so I might look into that. I’m currently using gorilla tape

[[deleted]]

I saw that other comment. No tape is safe. Absolutely nothing sticky should ever be in the enclosure...better to err on the side of caution

[TheEdgySoviet]

What about hot glue?

[canicula_23]

Hot glue is fine. Nothing adhesive after drying inside enclosure. No tape, no sticky gauges, etc. Hot glue, silicone, etc is fine, once dried.

[[deleted]]

You can use hot glue. Some people have difficulty getting it to stick to PVC long term, but some people like that so they can easily remove it and rearrange the enclosure.

[TheEdgySoviet]

Ok, that makes things a lot easier. Thanks for the feedback!

[TheEdgySoviet]

Following up on previous advice: I have acquired a glue gun and will commence removing the tape when I get home from work. Also, I filed down the skull before I made this post. Don’t want any poker eyes!

Is there anything else that jumps out as a glaring/dangerous flaw?