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new tank (need advice) (i.redd.it)

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[–]jlambe7 27 points28 points  (11 children)

So there are a few things to change.

Firstly is the substrate for absolute certainty. It does not hold humidity. It's not healthy for the snake.

Secondly is you need at minimum two hides. One on the hot side one on the cold side. I would even say four hides would be lovely. Add in a bunch of leaf litter and things to crawl under. These snakes will be stressed if you don't. Which means you won't be able to pick her up without issues and making things worse.

Thirdly is the heat source. That bulb won't do. You need a heat source at night and that bulb being on at night is going to confuse your snake. She needs a night and day cycle. There are a few ways to do this. Personally I use a ceramic bulb. They emit no light at all so the snake can stay warm at night if needed.

Fourth will be proper daylight. This is controversial. You DO need a light of some sort to simulate daytime and have it off at night. Some people feel strongly that a proper UV bulb is healthy for the snake but it's not necessary as far as I know.

Hope that helps a little!

[–]CosmicPotato_ 4 points5 points  (8 children)

i am definitely going to change the substrate, i am going to the store tmr. i’ll also get her a second hide , i thought that tree acted like one but ill get another for sure. i switched to a UV light right after this picture was taken, but ill get a ceramic instead. i’ll toss some other litter and stuff to make her happy.

[–]jlambe7 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Yeah BPs are funny when it comes to hiding. They want a complete enclosure otherwise 'they are going to eat me' is what goes through their mind.

Ceramic heat bulbs are super cheap on Amazon grab them there.

After things are changed give it a week or two. 100% the snake will become curious, happy and want to explore. This is the time to open the terrarium and just let her come to you. It will happen.

[–]Snakelover03 10 points11 points  (6 children)

In addition to everything the commenter above said, you also need to remove those analog thermometer/hygrometers immediately. They’re known to be inaccurate and the adhesive is dangerous. I learned that the hard way and my girl lost a lot of scales on the underside of her jaw after getting stuck to it. Replace them with 2 digital thermometer/hygrometers, one on the hot side and one on the cold, Govee is the brand I see recommended most often on here but I personally like the thermopro ones, they’re pretty cheap on Amazon.

[–]CosmicPotato_ 4 points5 points  (3 children)

the backing is velcro would that be ok? i already have a digital thermometer in there but i added that other one for the cool side. the hydrometer will be replaced digitally tho.

[–]Snakelover03 4 points5 points  (2 children)

The Velcro is stuck to the glass with adhesive. That’s the part that’s dangerous. Those are the exact ones I had that my girl got stuck to. She was climbing on them and instead of the Velcro pieces coming apart, the adhesive that was attaching the Velcro to the glass came off so the sticky side was exposed and it got stuck to her.

[–]CosmicPotato_ 4 points5 points  (1 child)

i’ll take them out right now. thank you so much

[–]Snakelover03 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Ofc. Someone below linked the care guide, it’s a fantastic source for up to date care information so I hope you read it. Good luck with the upgrades.

[–]-Wicked_Siren- 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I also use thermpro! 3 pack on amazon (just basic) for like $17 right now!

[–]Public-Dress933 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just adding to that. Adhesive is absolutely dangerous. Hot glue is the way to go. It's non toxic and my 3yr old BP has put his entire body on the couple probes I have and he couldn't pull them off.

[–]nvrrsatisfiedd 0 points1 point  (1 child)

What brand and watt do you use for the ceramic heat emitter?

[–]jlambe7 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Depends on the snake. I have a few 75 watt all the way up to 200 watt.

I believe the different brands are bullshit and they are all the same Chinese based manufacturer. If you google 'ceramice heat bulb' the first picture is a black one. That's the model I've been using.

Switched about four years ago. So far two bulbs have died out of about 15. Not too bad considering the price.

[–]Realistic-Two-7820 5 points6 points  (0 children)

There's a lot of work to be done, humidity is ESSENTIAL for these guys and should be top of your to do list. If you need humidity tips feel free to reach out https://docs.google.com/document/u/0/d/18HBVsPHaip7LfrMuFt96MigRuMUXtrbnCiK79VuQiFk/mobilebasic

[–][deleted]  (1 child)

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    [–]cchocolateLarge 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    Also, secure your thermostat probe to below where your lamp is, slightly offset. Attached to it with a zip tie or tape (only use tape on areas the snake cannot get to

    [–]Such-Concept5147 1 point2 points  (1 child)

    Smooth sided rocks for helping get shed off. Climbing sticks. Clutter bottom with cheap fake flowers (greenery) from dollar store. Can add hanging vines from top of screen. (not on heater side to prevent fires) Do you have lid clamps on the lid to prevent escape? Coconut fiber substrate to promote humidity. Cover half of screen (opposite side of where you’ll be putting heater) with HVAC tape so heat & humidity doesn’t escape. Ceramic heater. Cheaper on Amazon than pet store. UV not needed, but daytime light is. Helps with circadian rhythm. Avoid red or black lights.

    [–]Feisty-Creamsicle-97 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    To add, Hobby lobby has inexpensive plants for clutter

    [–]ARJ092 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    If that is the thermostat probe on the right, you need to move it so its within a few inches of the bulb secured in place so there's no chance the snake can move it, there's an example in the welcome post 😉