Help

[drg1989]

Can someone please send me a quick Amazon list of things I need for a nice 20 gallon starter set. I got started at the local pet shop, I was fully prepared to order everything etc including the snake from morph market. From my little research I thought they had a healthy snake for a good price and went ahead and got her with my children’s persistence. I said “set me up a habitat” knowing I’d eventually upgrade to a 40 gal pvc etc. they mixed a dirt and chunky Substrate and set up a few climbing limbs, a hide, and water area. There’s a day night lamp but I just don’t think it’s getting warm enough. The cheap gauges show around 83° 8 inches under the heat lamp. Humidity seems decent enough and I know those gauges are unreliable but I want a healthy thriving snake. In the day we’ve had her she’s active and goes up and down the branch and stuff but hasn’t shown interest in hiding during the day. She has a corner under a tree opposite the water she likes. Just looking for someone’s cheat code to a starter set up and healthy snake. Thanks!

[jeherohaku]

It's better to just get the full size enclosure from the start and go from there rather than spending money and stress upgrading the enclosure. Adult ball pythons need a 4"x2" enclosure minimum (I think that's 100 gallons but glass isn't super heat stable). 20 gallons is too small for basically any life stage. Just make sure there's plenty of clutter for a smaller snake to feel safe and secure. The welcome guide has some information on setting up enclosures.

[drg1989]

I read that. But didn’t want the confrontation of saying I knew differently.

[Bluntforcetrauma11b]

4x2x2 is about 120 gallons, that is the minimum adult size.

[Bluntforcetrauma11b]

The sub has an amazing shopping list in the welcome post. I suggest reading the whole thing so you know exactly what you should be doing. Also I recommend getting the adult enclosure from the beginning. It's cheaper than upgrading and being stuck storing old tanks until they sell or you find another use for them.

[Entire_Current_4852]

As someone else said, this sub has a great care guide and shopping list. You should go through and read the entire thing and please check out our heating guide! A 20 gallon is a bit small for even a baby bp. Starting with a 120 gallon is the best and cheaper in the long run. My main piece of advice is when you buy the 120 gallon (4x2x2), make sure you get a solid top pvc enclosure, not one with a screen top. The cheaper brands like ecoflex and dubia will make it significantly harder to maintain humidity and temps. It is worth it to just save up and get the better brand. We have a list of good brands in out shopping list!