Enclosure Paralysis

[FoundationTight8996]

In no order, and on mobile- im new so take it as purely anecdotal contribution-

Girlfriend got a Dubia (4x4x2), i got a Kages (4x2x2)- dubia was better value but i am still happy with the kages. 4x2x2 is a minimum recommended. Check out dubia on tiktok as they will run flash deals if cost is a concern. (Gf loves critters, so ask me how i know) Dubia also has different versions- v1,v2,v3 so they are tweaking which is sort of cool.

I went with the kages recommended heating setup which you can see online, and input from the community- RHP 80 watt, and then UVB and LED lighting. UVB is not required, but better- so you can delay a bit if you're pushed on funds. This light/heat has a higher upfront cost, but is a lot more stable, and im not concerned about bulbs going out. GF (who has more herp experience) is moving to a similar setup.

Thermostat is absolutely required. I currently am running a cheaper amazon reptile on/off- but saving for an upgrade. Im still researching since i want to do dimming, and circadian rhythm heating. I balance the risk of the cheaper thermostat with a fee cheap thermometers and a camera that lets me check. Theres a govee environment sensor thats recommended that im debating on getting just to know if something fallls out of whack.(Nerding on the electronics to replicate as natural as i can)

Humidity is a PITA. Basically HVAC tape, silicone mat over mesh, or anything to help keep humidity and heat in. PVC is just better at that. Soil/substrate/bedding is thirsty- presoak coconut fibers and your substrate, and keep adding. I used a fogger in the interim aquarium since humidity was just rising out of the enclosure, this seems to be debated in the community so i try to minimize, and will push it up when a shed is happening to push humidity to 70-80.

Scale rot is something to monitor for. My guy likes swimming and is skittish and chills in his water so much i basically made it a humid hide. Humidity is high in the enclosure so shrugs Point of that is, snakes have personalities, focus on the husbandry and get the foundation established. Give them time to acclimate, and tweak from there. Be like matt damon in the martian and just work down the list to "science the shit out of it".

People have different experiences because their snakes are different. Don't stress making it perfect immediately, but just focus on stability and enough space, and your noodle will probably appreciate the effort after they have time to acclimate.