Reptile Forum, Reptile Classifieds - CaptiveBred

emma_fyfe · Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2006 8:26 pm Post subject: advice on set up

hi i am getting a royal python next week and was wondering what types of heat source i should get.

I have been told i can use a basking light and a heat mat but am unsure of which to get.

I have a 3foot by 18in viv.

What size mat would i need? And what type of light?

i will hopefully be getting an CF 05 baby, is this a good idea?

Thanks, Emma

Mike A · Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2006 11:29 pm Post subject:

Hi there

Royals are great snakes but the viv size sounds a little large for a 05 hatchling, and it might make the hatchling feel insecure. I would suggest a small tub with a hide and water bowl placed in your viv to start with, slowly increasing the size as the snake grows, finally letting it have the whole of the viv.

With regards to heating, I find both work mats and bulbs work perfectly well, just make sure you have a thermostat attached to the heat source. You should also protect the snake by from the heat source either fitting a bulb guard or putting the heat mat under the tank/tub where the snake cannot lie directly on it. Bearing in mind that Royals are not fans of bright light I find heats mats the best, or you could use red-glow bulbs. The heat mat should cover about 1/3rd of the floor space of the viv and should be around 90 at the hot end going to low 80s in the cool end.

Just one more point. If you are going for an 05, try to get a Captive bred one (not always possible though) that has had a number of de-frost feeds. There are some good captive farmed specimens out there, but again, just make sure they are feeding well on de-frosts.

Hope that helps a little, if I have missed anything out there are some very experienced people on this forum who can help further.

Best of luck

M

emma_fyfe · Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2006 1:24 pm Post subject:

thanks for your help.

I have found a captive bred 05 one who was born in september. Aparrently she is eating very well on defrost but i will ask to see that when i go there.

what size tub would you recommend?

Also, is it safe to use both a heat mat and bulb?

Thanks again,

Emma

Scott W · Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2006 1:48 pm Post subject:

If you're using a tub, then it's best heated with a heat mat under a max of one third or the floor of the container.
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emma_fyfe · Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2006 3:39 pm Post subject:

thanks, do i need a thermostat with this? if so, is a habistat 100w or 300w ok for this?

She is aparrently 16" long at the moment so would like to know how much space to give her..

emma

Mike A · Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2006 7:46 pm Post subject:

You definitely need a thermostat regardless of the heating you will be using. I would go for the 300w version, but the type of thermostat will depend on what heat source you chose.

Heat mat = pulse thermostat or mat stat
Light bulb = dimming thermostat

As Scott suggests, heat mats work best with tubs providing you can get the temps up to 90 in the hot end and and adequate gradient down to the cool end. This is achieved by only placing a small proportion of the tub onto the mat. I would suggest testing the set-up for a few days before you get the snake to ensure you can get the temps right.