Hi again, I've now decided to get my first snake and it will be a 1 1/2 year old Coastal Carpet. I have also purchased a used white melamine enclosure through eBay which measures 900x600x350mm. I think my decision to purchase a used enclosure was not the best but I will ensure it is cleaned very well before use. Please note: I will not have this enclosure until tomorrow morning 02/11/2013.
My first question is in relation to heat sources and thermostats...
This unit comes with a heat lamp + 7W heat pad as well as another light fitting, I presume for 'daylight' lighting all previously installed. It also has a built in thermostat, not digital but it's a unit mounted on the inside of the enclosure in the middle of the back wall. It is white box with a simple dial for the set temperature. Will this thermostat work and is it ideal? Being in the center of the tank what should the set point be for this snake? I have just purchased a basic battery power digital thermometer to check the actual temp in the enclosure. Do I use only the heat lamp or the heat pad ? I've also been advised by a reptile salesman to keep the "cold" end at 26'C, is this correct ?
My initial though was to replace the back board of the enclosure and get a digital thermostat (as recommended by others) but I have been advised against them. I would like the best budget option I can get but it must do the right job. I will not go cheap and have it fail...
My ideas were 1) Eco Tech Professional Thermostat (eBay), 2) Digital Thermostat and Timer 0-50C ATC Brand Reptile Aquarium Brooder Home Brew (my mates choice, eBay) 3) Microclimate Ministat 300 or similar....
In relation to bedding or substrate I would appreciate your input as well.
What I fear most was rip off sales at retail shops. I don't want to purchase items that are over kill such as a $1300 tank fully setup as well as a $400 coastal hatchling if you know what I mean...
Thanks again for you time everyone, I would appreciate your forthcoming comments. Ideally I wanted to sort the enclosure tomorrow (Sat) and possibly introduce the snake late Sunday afternoon. Otherwise I'll introduce it next weekend...
I know I have plenty to learn....
My first question is in relation to heat sources and thermostats...
This unit comes with a heat lamp + 7W heat pad as well as another light fitting, I presume for 'daylight' lighting all previously installed. It also has a built in thermostat, not digital but it's a unit mounted on the inside of the enclosure in the middle of the back wall. It is white box with a simple dial for the set temperature. Will this thermostat work and is it ideal? Being in the center of the tank what should the set point be for this snake? I have just purchased a basic battery power digital thermometer to check the actual temp in the enclosure. Do I use only the heat lamp or the heat pad ? I've also been advised by a reptile salesman to keep the "cold" end at 26'C, is this correct ?
My initial though was to replace the back board of the enclosure and get a digital thermostat (as recommended by others) but I have been advised against them. I would like the best budget option I can get but it must do the right job. I will not go cheap and have it fail...
My ideas were 1) Eco Tech Professional Thermostat (eBay), 2) Digital Thermostat and Timer 0-50C ATC Brand Reptile Aquarium Brooder Home Brew (my mates choice, eBay) 3) Microclimate Ministat 300 or similar....
In relation to bedding or substrate I would appreciate your input as well.
What I fear most was rip off sales at retail shops. I don't want to purchase items that are over kill such as a $1300 tank fully setup as well as a $400 coastal hatchling if you know what I mean...
Thanks again for you time everyone, I would appreciate your forthcoming comments. Ideally I wanted to sort the enclosure tomorrow (Sat) and possibly introduce the snake late Sunday afternoon. Otherwise I'll introduce it next weekend...
I know I have plenty to learn....
