Enclosure build by Newbie - many questions will be asked.

[Snoops]

So, thought I'd start a thread on the build of the enclosure for our (Mine and Sons) first snake. I started an intro thread where I started discussing the basics of what I have planned. It's here - https://www.aussiepythons.com/forum/threads/newbie-saying-hello.223230/#post-2519537 - if anyone wants to look.

This showed my old aquarium that is now devoid of fish and looking for something else to do. It is a nice looking tank and fits well in the room so this is what prompted me to convert it. As I mentioned in the other thread it won't be large enough long term if we end up with a larger species but it will do for now.

Given the main issues with a tank are lack of insulation and lack of access I decided the only way to really do a decent job was to strip down the tank. The pics below show what I've done so far.

The dividers for the wet sump were removed as were the 2 end panels which will be replaced with access doors.

Here are pics of the tank with the ends out and the glass that was removed - it's 10mm thick so strong stuff.
Untitled by Gavin Gregory, on Flickr

Untitled by Gavin Gregory, on Flickr

Next up I needed to put back some lateral support into the tank and also create somewhere to mount doors, lid, etc that are escape proof. Material of choice here was black anodised aluminium connect it sections. Although quite expensive, it is easy to work with, strong and super acurate. The pics below show before and after pics of this.
Untitled by Gavin Gregory, on Flickr

And after an hour or so.
Untitled by Gavin Gregory, on Flickr

The double frame at the top gives the tank its strength back and also allows for a flush fitting top lid and an internal mesh lid so I can put some items like some of the lights, etc up where they can't be seen. The ends form the openings for the side doors. This will be secured with neutral cure black silastic - the same stuff the tank was originally built with. Will glue it in tomorrow and get it back inside where I can start the fit out of it - that's when the questions will start regarding lighting, heating, vents, etc. I'm not really on a set budget so can spend what is needed to make this a perfect starting place for our new slithery friend.

 

[Fall guys]

Look forward to seeing progress

 

[Snoops]

Question time.

The heater controllers I ordered have arrived - I bought 2 PID loop controllers that have an outlet on a timer and the other on the PID temp loop with a remote mounted panel for easy access. Bought 2 for a couple of reasons. Firstly I can control 2 sets of lamps - day and night, as well as having redundancy if one controller goes to god. I'm a Sparky that does industrial microprocessor and PLC control work so I'm bound to overcomplicate this but that's fine and this will be just the first of multiple itterations on the control system I should think...

So my question is about what is the best way to heat an enclosure and best positioning of the temp probes for the controller? These won't be the only temp gauges I'm using - I've got 2 others coming to mount elsewhere as a cross check to the main controllers too, but trying to work out the best way of heating things to keep snakey toasty and warm without cooking him. Also, what do most do regarding day and night settings?

Any idea on what sort of wattage I may need to keep things warm? I'm in Melbourne so in Winter the house does get cold at night and when we aren't home so it will need to cope with ambient temps as low as 8 or 10 degrees inside at times - I don't want to underdo things and have our new friend get too cold.

TIA.

 

[Imported_tuatara]

Can't really answer the question, but that's a mighty fine looking enclosure Imo.

 

[Snoops]

Well we are a shy lot here aren't we.

No one wants to share how they heat their setups or am I posting this question in the wrong area?

 

[Fall guys]

I have a branch that goes from one end to the other about 60% of the enclosures height up about 30cm from a 75w CHE

Lower down is nice and cool where the heat doesnt get to except directly below, so a cool end down in corner where his hide is

The branch gets to about 40 on a 30°day (I usually turn the che off around 35 unless he has a gut full and could use the extra heat to help digest. Any hotter than 40 I’d say is no bueno, but would be fine if he has access to water)

And 24 in cool side

 

[Snoops]

Thanks heaps, just the sort of info I'm looking for.

 

[dragonlover1]

A lot depends on what species of snake you plan on getting ? Arboreal or terrestrial ? Tropical ,inland or Coastal ? A lot of pythons don't like to get over 32C, plus you need a warm end and a cool end.

 

[Snoops]

Thanks for that - haven't settled on a species yet, but sounds like we need to get that narrowed down first then?

 

[dragonlover1]

Thanks for that - haven't settled on a species yet, but sounds like we need to get that narrowed down first then?

You can't build an enclosure without knowing what will go in there

 

[Snoops]

We know a Python of some description will be going in there but not exactly what type yet. I'm still finishing off getting the enclosure all buttoned up as an escape proof unit first. I have found a breeder of snakes who lives resonable close by and spoken to him on the phone - really nice guy that was very forthcoming with information and he's offered to show us his setups and what we need to look out for etc, so will organise a time in the next few weeks to go and see him and learn more first hand from someone who is experienced.

He also wants to know our setup is suitable and we understand what is required to care for one before selling us anything so he sounds pretty consciencous about who his snakes go to which I also like the sound of.