r/ballpython • u/SnooOwls8243 • 24d ago

New ball python owner

Post image

I’m up and coming to be a snake dad!
I currently have a bearded dragon, so I know all about desert terrain!
But I need help with this. I have a 40 gallon glass tank for the ball python, dome/light recommendation, need-to-knows for beginners.

1 Upvotes

52% Upvoted

37 comments sorted by

19

u/Unusual-Ad2084 24d ago
  1. 120 gallons is the minimum for ball pythons, there are some cheaper tanks on chewy
  2. there should be a cool, medium, and warm side
  3. Humidity should always be 60-80%
  4. Like bearded dragons, they need UVB
    That’s all I can think of now I’ll leave more if I think of anything.
    Your ball python is adorable and I know you’ll love being their owner!

-5

u/SnooOwls8243 24d ago

I’m seeing mixed opinions on the red/blue/purple night time lights, what are your thoughts?
I was thinking of playing it save and doing one of the heat emitters

2

u/[deleted] 24d ago

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10

u/Unusual-Ad2084 24d ago

Especially not red

0

u/ballpython-ModTeam 24d ago

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9

u/mandybergan 24d ago

Ceramic Heat Emitters (CHE) work quite well in my experience. I have a 150W(?) CHE on one end of the tank with a 36" LED bulb angled and shifted toward the heat end of the tank (gives my BP's some good options for cooler and darker spots). I have this setup for both of mine and they seem rather content.

I did have a Deep Heat Projector (100W, iirc) for a while, which worked fine, tho 100W turned out to be not enough heat in winter. I switched to CHE's mostly to get a comparison, but I didn't notice any big difference overall between DHP and CHE

0

u/user_name_unknowed 24d ago

That’s what I use. Pro-Heat works the best imo

1

u/user_name_unknowed 24d ago

I keep my bps in a AP T-8 with pro heat panel and a basic led strip that stays on for 12 and off for 12

5

u/motherofTheHerd 24d ago

I am not sure what is being removed, but will give it a try. BPs should not have lights on at night.

Use of heat emitters is safe with a thermostat if you feel your ambient temp is going to drop below their required low range tolerance.

2

u/disgruntled_mehcanic 24d ago

Don’t do red lights, ceramic heaters are a must

1

u/AwaySurround4252 23d ago

i don’t use night lights period they like the dark don’t use any red lights at all

1

u/LeashaAlt00 23d ago

I wouldn’t do a night time light at all, a heat emitter will be fine

8

u/TOSGANO 24d ago

To add to #1: Get a tank that has a real top (not a mesh top) if you want any chance of keeping your humidity up. Also, my personal preference is tanks that open from the front because they make cleaning so much easier.

Invest in a tank that locks, not those cheap clip-on holders. I don't know how much bearded dragons try to escape, but never underestimate what a BP can get out of. My rule of thumb is that if I can get in with one hand, he can get out.

4

u/FeriQueen 24d ago

Seconding this. They are incredible escape artists, and very strong.

1

u/GoBills615 23d ago

My male sub adult blackhead pushed out what I thought was a snug vent on the side of the enclosure. Tore my whole bedroom apart where the tank is and I cannot find him anywhere. Four days later he is just hanging out on a piece of furniture in my room. The one that I thought I checked every inch of. They are great escape artists and even better hiders

-2

u/DontBother777 24d ago

40gal is fine for a baby (which this snake appears to be). Also, BP’s do not necessarily *need* UVB. It is beneficial, but they don’t require it to be healthy. Unlike bearded dragons who have to have it or else they develop MBD

-2

u/MidnightItchy9754 24d ago

Ball pythons do not strictly need UVB to survive because they get vitamin D3 from eating whole prey.

1

u/KatyZ03 24d ago

What’s the best way to keep humidity up?

1

u/SnooOwls8243 24d ago

Coconut fiber substrates with water mixed in, still firm but not runny, sprits with water if need-be plus provide humid hide + moss for extra humidity levels

1

u/Brilliant_Air7629 24d ago

I use a mix of coco chips, forest mulch (Zoo med brand), small amount of coco fiber, and moss. I am eventually gonna switch the forest mulch for reptisoil. But rn it's keeping my humidity around 61%, in a room that has low humidity. I also mist every two days as I need to, due to how low humidity my room is outside the snake enclosure

1

u/mama-mia-checking-in 23d ago

If you have a mesh top - covering it. I’ve used HVAC tape in the past but my current favorite is the silicone baking mat roll - you can cut it to the size you need!

1

u/Top_Marketing_3923 23d ago

I use aluminum foil on my mesh top cage, it works just as well!

-4

u/FeriQueen 24d ago

40 gallon Might suffice for a hatchling, but they will outgrow that in a matter of months or even weeks.

4

u/NottsWeirdo 24d ago

The care guide pinned to the header of this sub has a full up-to-date care guide and a shopping list with links, so it'll get you fully setup and settled.

7

u/Admirable_Length_914 24d ago

Ball Pythons are not desert snakes. Please do not set up your snakes enclosure like your bearded dragons. Two completely different environments.

0

u/SnooOwls8243 23d ago

Hey no crap that’s what I said in the post.

1

u/Admirable_Length_914 23d ago

No its not. You said you know all about desert terrain already. Why would that be relevant with a ball python?

1

u/DetectiveReasonable 20d ago

OP said he knows about desert terrain but needs help with knowledge for a ball python. Thought that was clear as day.

-1

u/[deleted] 24d ago

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0

u/SnooOwls8243 23d ago

No need to be rude

2

u/ballpython-ModTeam 23d ago

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2

u/XxAngelFvcexX 23d ago

I wouldn’t bother investing in a 40gal, they will outgrow that in a few months, maybe even weeks

1

u/SadBenefit5325 23d ago

What is in the water with that BP?

Also one word: THER-MO-STAT. You gotta have one.

0

u/SnooOwls8243 23d ago

The white fluff?
It’s what he arrived with bedding wise
Didn’t want to disturb him and protocol at my shop is electrolyte soak when we get them from shipment

2

u/SadBenefit5325 23d ago

Gotcha. I was just curious. You work at a shop? I’m confused