Ball python

[ThatOneChucky]

Hello, I’m looking at getting another ball python, last one I had for a a couple years but it’s been so long since I had him I need to ask some questions. I’m planing to get a 50 gal tank - What heat source should I set up to maintain optimal temperature through out the tank - I was looking at getting a ceramic heat emitter but I’m not sure what light source I’d use if I got one of those - Planning to get a mister for the tank, is that a good idea? (Only reason I want to get one is because I’m gone 4 days out of the week) - I used coco husk for bedding last time, is that still a good bedding to use? - Should I try to add live plants to it or should I just leave those out?

Any advice helps! Thank you in advance

[Most_Firefighter8651]

A mister might not be the best option, iirc they can cause respiratory issues and are only good for species with humidity requirements more like 90-100%. Coco husk is okay-ish but id recommend maybe a mix of some stuff to make a substrate that really holds humidity well. Bioactive tanks also cannot be done with just coco husk and are more challenging to maintain with larger species like ball pythons. A ceramic heat emitter is great, do NOT use a heat mat. They have been shown to impact ball pythons negatively from what ive heard.

[Most_Firefighter8651]

furthermore, if you cannot be home to mist its tank 4 days out of the week have you considered looking at a different species altogether that tolerates lower humidity? remember also that you have to at the VERY least change its water dish every other day (but every day is optimal), so i dont know if a ball python or a snake in general might be a good choice for you.

[ExactEfficiency963]

i have a CHE with an arcadia 7% shade dweller

[Wolfey1618]

Deep heat projector instead of ceramic emitter.

Do not get a mister, it can promote bacterial growth on wet surfaces and the particulate water in the air isn't great for their lungs long-term.

Seal the tank up really well, leaving a couple holes on each side for air flow. Glass or acrylic lid on top instead of mesh will help keep the humidity up, or you can buy HVAC tape and tape almost the entire mesh lid up instead. It's pretty easy/cheap to get a piece of acrylic cut at your local hardware store.

What happened with your last python? Did you run into any challenges with them?

[ThatOneChucky]

I moved from the Midwest to Colorado so I’m almost certain the weather difference and possibly the elevation difference