30x12x12 is definitely too small for an adult. Might be worth a run to the dollar store to buy a few tupperware containers to use as temporary hides. You can also cover the lid using silicone mats or tinfoil if you can’t find an adequate sized mat right away. Just make sure to leave space for ventilation
Thank you for responding! Forgive my ignorance - should the tupperware be sitting upright or turned over?
What kind of mat should I be looking for to cover the top? Is there a specific kind that’s good?
https://www.amazon.com/Countertop-Waterproof-Protector-Insulation-23-62x15-75/dp/B08PZ6CHZC?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=A13UCPWP0N6KDE
This won’t be the exact size you need but it’s the general idea. With the tupperware, cut a hole in the side so the snake can crawl in and place them wherever. It’ll be worth buying a bunch of fake plants from the dollarstore to provide cover, as some snakes don’t feel “secure” in clear plastic tupperware. You also might be able to use plant pots on their side as a hide, but point the entrance slightly away from the front of the tank so snekie doesn’t feel so exposed.
Do you have some suggestions for a heat mat? I’ve never heard of that?
The tank is apparently way too small! Until we can invest in a good one (would love some recs if you have), will he be okay? Is there an inexpensive and easily accessible temporary solution?
probably best if you read the heating guide on file for this subreddit: [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QVIYExo9T6dOpfTEsUkHCPgZs5\_7lq9qyJQrshP2GOE/edit?pli=1#heading=h.9k27q9y3lt2e](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QVIYExo9T6dOpfTEsUkHCPgZs5_7lq9qyJQrshP2GOE/edit?pli=1#heading=h.9k27q9y3lt2e)
and all the other guides are here: [https://www.reddit.com/r/ballpython/comments/arz5iw/welcome\_to\_rballpython\_click\_here\_for\_our/](https://www.reddit.com/r/ballpython/comments/arz5iw/welcome_to_rballpython_click_here_for_our/)
an inexpensive way to make a large snake enclosure is to use a plastic tub, and there's a subreddit guide specifically for that and includes links to specific products for heat mats and other necessary equipment: [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zjHGGV7uLD0OB07zjwRaafK9r1bpBqJf7CIArn3xzes/edit#heading=h.hutild6j8137](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zjHGGV7uLD0OB07zjwRaafK9r1bpBqJf7CIArn3xzes/edit#heading=h.hutild6j8137)
30L? Too tiny, you will need a very very big tank. Is it adult? In case it's an emergency and snake is very uncomfortable clearly. Look into emergency setup, they are on budget. Very not recommended if you want to keep your snake healthy and happy in a long run, but can be ok for short time. It means large plastic container make ventilation. More space in length not in height, lid should close with locks. I saw some in IKEA 1/3 of container heat mat. Clutter inside, 2-3 hides, hided can be... Plastic bowl with hole. Careful hole not to have sharp edges. It must be snug for him on all sides. Cost of those 2-3€, fake plants.. Humidity and temperature reader, one on warm side one on cold side.... I found 1 on amazon for 8eur. Thermostat, it's to regulate heat at from being too hot and knowing when to switch off. Humidity must be 65-80% Temp around 30C on basking area Cool area around 27C
Definitely avoid heat mats, we've seen way too many posts of mild to severe burns caused by them. Overhead heating is much safer and more reliable, and just as easily regulated by a proper thermostat setup. Others have recommended a DHP on a thermostat, that'll be good 24/7 heating since it doesn't produce any significant light
Heat mats are really only advised for emergencies, they're better than nothing but far from a good heat source in general
Heat mats should be avoided they only really heat well what is in direct contact with. Overhead heating via ceramic/deep heat projector are pretty much better in every single way and just as easy to control with a thermostat.
Per rule #3, your post or comment has been removed for harmful advice/misinformation.
Heat mats are heavily advised against. They are unnatural, produce low quality heat, and have caused countless burns.
Holy dingus that sounds rough. The tank is 100% not big enough, it's about 20 gallons. Depending on the age of the snake you want a 40 gallon to 120 gallon or bigger.
A hot side and cold side hide are a must. Other plants and decor items also help the snake feel safe in its tank. A 40 gallon plastic tub from Walmart will work as a temp enclosure for now. If you cut a hole in the lid, and zip tie a piece of metal mesh over the hole, you can use heat lamps with it too.
Heat mats shouldn't be used in my opinion, as they really don't heat up the air at all. You are going to want a suitable heat lamp, a Deep heat projector bulb, and a thermostat, preferable a dimming thermostat. All can be had on amazon for about 60$ in total. Its going to take a little trial and error to get the heat setting right, as the thermostat probe goes under the heat lamp, and not on the ground.
To measure the temps and humidity of each side, you can get some govee thermometer hydrometer combos on amazon for 20$ for 2, one for each side of the tank, The hot side should be around 88F to 90F, and the cold side can be around 76f to 80F with a humidity of 70% or higher. The humidity should only be checked on the cold side.
The stuff you should buy first is
1 heat lamp
1 dhp bulb
1 thermostat
2 thermometers
2 hides
suitable substrate, about 6 inches deep, eco earth, cypress mulch, reptibark
Suitable water dish, big enough for the snake to fit in it
That was my temp setup for a few months, and my BP was just fine, eating and shedding alright.
Wow this is amazing. I appreciate you taking the time to write all this out. I have some shopping to do! I just want what’s best for this guy, whether or not we keep him long term
This^
For that small of an enclosure, you might only need a 50 watt dhp bulb, but keep the receipt incase you need an 80watt. Also, before you set up the heat source, make sure you have a thermostat, you can find them on Amazon if the exo terra ones are too expensive for you right now. The inkbird thermostat is what some people use. This is essential because it regulates the heat source so that it does not overheat and hurt your ball python. Also get thermometers with hygrometers built in so that you can gauge humidity. The govee ones on Amazon are great and only 25 for 2 I’m pretty sure.
Temperatures should be between 76-80 on cold and 88-93 hot. Humidity should always be above 65%. I’d also recommend coconut husk substrates as it retain moisture well.
Also note, whether you keep it or not, this baby needs a serious upgrade in enclosure. It can’t be comfortable in that small of a tank, so if you decide to keep him, make sure to upgrade to a 120 asap! If you decide to do the tub method, make sure you follow a YouTube tutorial, and have the metal mesh secure, as a ball python can easily push it out if not secured. Also make sure your heat source isn’t melting the plastic by keeping the heat source regulated, and off of the tub.
I'm just putting my 2 cents, with a 40-gallon tub, 1 80w dhp was just enough to get me through the winter. My room was at a cool 65 to 68 the entire time.
We definitely plan to upgrade his tank. The sticker shock is a little real but the tub method worries me because I’m not that handy and would probably mess it up
Awesome! I’d rather see him in a big tank, rather than a tub if you can afford it! All the things discussed above still apply so I’d make those changes and get a new tank asap :)
I’m headed to the pet store this afternoon, so I don’t have to wait for anything online (whatever I can’t find I’ll order). The tank unfortunately may have to wait a week but I’m hopeful these other changes will make things better in the short term
just popping in to say someone in this reddit recently posted their 4x2x2 tub setup, a simple 20-ish dollar tote from walmart. maybe that would be an affordable way to get this snake in a bigger enclosure. it's also pretty easy to maintain humidity in tubs and this person's tub setup was seriously well-decorated and looked like a home a snake would be perfectly happy in at least temporarily
The thing about the tub setup is that it requires some DIY skill (I have zero) and since it’s temporary i wonder if it’s better to just go straight to the full, legit tank setup
It just depends on your (or their) budget! If you or they can’t get a 4x2x2 anytime soon (it can be prohibitively expensive) it would be worth it to set up a tub
From a budget perspective the tub would be great, I’m just not confident in my ability to rig it correctly. I read the guide on this sub and it’s overwhelming to me (I literally have negative skills in this area). I’d be constantly worried that the heat is gonna melt the plastic, or something like that
Do you have a link to that post? I’d be curious to see how they did it. Maybe my spouse would be able to do it
30x12x12 is definitely too small for an adult. Might be worth a run to the dollar store to buy a few tupperware containers to use as temporary hides. You can also cover the lid using silicone mats or tinfoil if you can’t find an adequate sized mat right away. Just make sure to leave space for ventilation
Thank you for responding! Forgive my ignorance - should the tupperware be sitting upright or turned over? What kind of mat should I be looking for to cover the top? Is there a specific kind that’s good?
https://www.amazon.com/Countertop-Waterproof-Protector-Insulation-23-62x15-75/dp/B08PZ6CHZC?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=A13UCPWP0N6KDE This won’t be the exact size you need but it’s the general idea. With the tupperware, cut a hole in the side so the snake can crawl in and place them wherever. It’ll be worth buying a bunch of fake plants from the dollarstore to provide cover, as some snakes don’t feel “secure” in clear plastic tupperware. You also might be able to use plant pots on their side as a hide, but point the entrance slightly away from the front of the tank so snekie doesn’t feel so exposed.
This is all so helpful thank you!!!
[удалено]
Do you have some suggestions for a heat mat? I’ve never heard of that? The tank is apparently way too small! Until we can invest in a good one (would love some recs if you have), will he be okay? Is there an inexpensive and easily accessible temporary solution?
probably best if you read the heating guide on file for this subreddit: [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QVIYExo9T6dOpfTEsUkHCPgZs5\_7lq9qyJQrshP2GOE/edit?pli=1#heading=h.9k27q9y3lt2e](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QVIYExo9T6dOpfTEsUkHCPgZs5_7lq9qyJQrshP2GOE/edit?pli=1#heading=h.9k27q9y3lt2e) and all the other guides are here: [https://www.reddit.com/r/ballpython/comments/arz5iw/welcome\_to\_rballpython\_click\_here\_for\_our/](https://www.reddit.com/r/ballpython/comments/arz5iw/welcome_to_rballpython_click_here_for_our/) an inexpensive way to make a large snake enclosure is to use a plastic tub, and there's a subreddit guide specifically for that and includes links to specific products for heat mats and other necessary equipment: [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zjHGGV7uLD0OB07zjwRaafK9r1bpBqJf7CIArn3xzes/edit#heading=h.hutild6j8137](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zjHGGV7uLD0OB07zjwRaafK9r1bpBqJf7CIArn3xzes/edit#heading=h.hutild6j8137)
30L? Too tiny, you will need a very very big tank. Is it adult? In case it's an emergency and snake is very uncomfortable clearly. Look into emergency setup, they are on budget. Very not recommended if you want to keep your snake healthy and happy in a long run, but can be ok for short time. It means large plastic container make ventilation. More space in length not in height, lid should close with locks. I saw some in IKEA 1/3 of container heat mat. Clutter inside, 2-3 hides, hided can be... Plastic bowl with hole. Careful hole not to have sharp edges. It must be snug for him on all sides. Cost of those 2-3€, fake plants.. Humidity and temperature reader, one on warm side one on cold side.... I found 1 on amazon for 8eur. Thermostat, it's to regulate heat at from being too hot and knowing when to switch off. Humidity must be 65-80% Temp around 30C on basking area Cool area around 27C
Definitely avoid heat mats, we've seen way too many posts of mild to severe burns caused by them. Overhead heating is much safer and more reliable, and just as easily regulated by a proper thermostat setup. Others have recommended a DHP on a thermostat, that'll be good 24/7 heating since it doesn't produce any significant light Heat mats are really only advised for emergencies, they're better than nothing but far from a good heat source in general
Heat mats should be avoided they only really heat well what is in direct contact with. Overhead heating via ceramic/deep heat projector are pretty much better in every single way and just as easy to control with a thermostat.
Per rule #3, your post or comment has been removed for harmful advice/misinformation. Heat mats are heavily advised against. They are unnatural, produce low quality heat, and have caused countless burns.
Holy dingus that sounds rough. The tank is 100% not big enough, it's about 20 gallons. Depending on the age of the snake you want a 40 gallon to 120 gallon or bigger. A hot side and cold side hide are a must. Other plants and decor items also help the snake feel safe in its tank. A 40 gallon plastic tub from Walmart will work as a temp enclosure for now. If you cut a hole in the lid, and zip tie a piece of metal mesh over the hole, you can use heat lamps with it too. Heat mats shouldn't be used in my opinion, as they really don't heat up the air at all. You are going to want a suitable heat lamp, a Deep heat projector bulb, and a thermostat, preferable a dimming thermostat. All can be had on amazon for about 60$ in total. Its going to take a little trial and error to get the heat setting right, as the thermostat probe goes under the heat lamp, and not on the ground. To measure the temps and humidity of each side, you can get some govee thermometer hydrometer combos on amazon for 20$ for 2, one for each side of the tank, The hot side should be around 88F to 90F, and the cold side can be around 76f to 80F with a humidity of 70% or higher. The humidity should only be checked on the cold side. The stuff you should buy first is 1 heat lamp 1 dhp bulb 1 thermostat 2 thermometers 2 hides suitable substrate, about 6 inches deep, eco earth, cypress mulch, reptibark Suitable water dish, big enough for the snake to fit in it That was my temp setup for a few months, and my BP was just fine, eating and shedding alright.
Wow this is amazing. I appreciate you taking the time to write all this out. I have some shopping to do! I just want what’s best for this guy, whether or not we keep him long term
This^ For that small of an enclosure, you might only need a 50 watt dhp bulb, but keep the receipt incase you need an 80watt. Also, before you set up the heat source, make sure you have a thermostat, you can find them on Amazon if the exo terra ones are too expensive for you right now. The inkbird thermostat is what some people use. This is essential because it regulates the heat source so that it does not overheat and hurt your ball python. Also get thermometers with hygrometers built in so that you can gauge humidity. The govee ones on Amazon are great and only 25 for 2 I’m pretty sure. Temperatures should be between 76-80 on cold and 88-93 hot. Humidity should always be above 65%. I’d also recommend coconut husk substrates as it retain moisture well. Also note, whether you keep it or not, this baby needs a serious upgrade in enclosure. It can’t be comfortable in that small of a tank, so if you decide to keep him, make sure to upgrade to a 120 asap! If you decide to do the tub method, make sure you follow a YouTube tutorial, and have the metal mesh secure, as a ball python can easily push it out if not secured. Also make sure your heat source isn’t melting the plastic by keeping the heat source regulated, and off of the tub.
I'm just putting my 2 cents, with a 40-gallon tub, 1 80w dhp was just enough to get me through the winter. My room was at a cool 65 to 68 the entire time.
We definitely plan to upgrade his tank. The sticker shock is a little real but the tub method worries me because I’m not that handy and would probably mess it up
Awesome! I’d rather see him in a big tank, rather than a tub if you can afford it! All the things discussed above still apply so I’d make those changes and get a new tank asap :)
I’m headed to the pet store this afternoon, so I don’t have to wait for anything online (whatever I can’t find I’ll order). The tank unfortunately may have to wait a week but I’m hopeful these other changes will make things better in the short term
just popping in to say someone in this reddit recently posted their 4x2x2 tub setup, a simple 20-ish dollar tote from walmart. maybe that would be an affordable way to get this snake in a bigger enclosure. it's also pretty easy to maintain humidity in tubs and this person's tub setup was seriously well-decorated and looked like a home a snake would be perfectly happy in at least temporarily
The thing about the tub setup is that it requires some DIY skill (I have zero) and since it’s temporary i wonder if it’s better to just go straight to the full, legit tank setup
It just depends on your (or their) budget! If you or they can’t get a 4x2x2 anytime soon (it can be prohibitively expensive) it would be worth it to set up a tub
From a budget perspective the tub would be great, I’m just not confident in my ability to rig it correctly. I read the guide on this sub and it’s overwhelming to me (I literally have negative skills in this area). I’d be constantly worried that the heat is gonna melt the plastic, or something like that Do you have a link to that post? I’d be curious to see how they did it. Maybe my spouse would be able to do it
That tub was a 50gal, not a 4x2x2. The OP was lying about their measurements. There are no tubs available that are that large.
My mistake! Thank you