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Cheap Setup Ideas?

jesse0319

jesse0319

New member
I am wanting to get a corn snake, but of course I need to have a setup for it first. I'm a college student, so of course I'm a penny pincher. What kind of setup can I make/get for under $50? I'd really like to not spend too much on it, though I do of course want it to be good for the snake.

Any information such as dimensions/ways to lock&secure the cage/etc. are appreciated!
 
You can use a plastic tub with lots of binder clips! The only two parts that will cost you a bit of money are an under-tank heater and thermostat, but I would check ebay for both of those to see if you can get a good deal.

I would also check craigslist to see if you can purchase a used setup. I frequently see pretty good deals on tanks or even full setups there.
 
You can always go the Tupperware / Sterilite sweater box route. Dimensions would depend on if you plan to get a hatchling, juvenile, or adult.

I am using a couple of Sterilite containers (outside of a rack set-up), and I secure the lids with Velcro straps. You will also need a source of heat, and a thermostat. You can get the tubs pretty cheap, but you'll probably be over your $50 budget when you factor in the heat pad and thermostat.

You can also use a glass aquarium; perhaps try Craigslist for something used, but make sure you give it a good cleaning before using.

Kathy
 
What dimensions/sizes for the plastic tub? I'm looking to get a hatchling/yearling, but I don't know what dimensions equate to a 10 or 20gal tank >-<
 
I don't know about Ohio anymore ((I used to live there, though! Miss the wonderful weather...miss weather in general. ._.' )), but here Craigslist sucks for deals on tanks, most of the time. It winds up being cheaper to wait for Petco's sales--they have a dollar-a-gallon sale on tanks often. You could get a 20L for $20. Unfortunately, you'd still have to buy the lid separately. :/

I know I got my nicest tank at a pawn shop. They don't typically take them in, but this one came with heating pad attached and a super-heavy glass locking lid that is too high-up anyway for my corns to currently reach it. Might be at least worth checking out. :]

And just so you know, as far as accessories go, hatchlings love flattened toilet paper roll hides! :D Hit up Michael's (art store) for some clearance seasonal vines--I got several for only $1 something each. Several people use ceramic bowls for water dishes, pick one up at Goodwill. I gathered wood from this gorgeous section of dead trees at Canyon Lake here--perhaps there are some trees near Lake Erie that will do? They were perfectly smooth barkless trees, stark white, not sure what they were called. But clean it well, bake it, and it becomes perfect for use. There are several DIY ideas in that section of these forums about things like this. :]
 
do you have Really Useful Boxes over there???

http://www.reallyusefulstorageboxes.co.uk

you still need a heat mat and thermostat, so unless you get these second hand I guess will be more than $50 (sorry I live in UK) but the RUBs are great for a budget set up, and not bad at all for the snake

an alternative would be to rehome something that comes with a set up?
 
We don't have RUBs where I am, but I got a nice 10gal tub from walmart. I just have to put holes into it - any suggestions how to do this without a drill? I'm going to use binder clips to help secure it.

What are your opinions on this Thermostat? I have an electronic thermometer/hydrometer from walmart that is made for indoor readings.

I'm going to the pet store this weekend to get a heat mat (ZooMed) and ask about frozen mice. IF they don't sell frozen mice, what are some good places online to buy them?

Is there anything else I've forgotten? I'm using paper towels as substrate for now, we'll see how that goes.
 
jesse0319 said:
We don't have RUBs where I am, but I got a nice 10gal tub from walmart. I just have to put holes into it - any suggestions how to do this without a drill? I'm going to use binder clips to help secure it.

What are your opinions on this Thermostat? I have an electronic thermometer/hydrometer from walmart that is made for indoor readings.

I'm going to the pet store this weekend to get a heat mat (ZooMed) and ask about frozen mice. IF they don't sell frozen mice, what are some good places online to buy them?

Is there anything else I've forgotten? I'm using paper towels as substrate for now, we'll see how that goes.
Click to expand...

I use a soldering gun for melting nice clean holes in plastic tubs. If you don't have one, you can pick up a pretty cheap one at craft stores or Walmart.
 
Just make sure you have EVERYTHING set up and working properly before getting your new baby. Unless you buy in bulk, frozen mice aren't cheap at pet stores, but if you buy bulk you have to pay some high shipping charges. Try to find someone to go in on you with a mouse order, it will save you both some money.

What morph/s are you looking at?
 
I'll post a pic in a few minutes of the new setup I got. My heat mat was about 40 And the new viv was 20 bucks
 
and here we go.... smaller enclosure is put up just for comparisons sake. He moved from a house to a mansion. The burn holes on the top, I needed to burn it so i could make 5 small holes just to increase the amount of air flow. I am pretty sure air can get in through the sides, but, just to be on the safe side. nice and secure. Anyways.... with everything look at spending around 70 for all in all and a couple months worth of food. If you get a baby, mice are cheaper. and if you really are cheap, you can get a small enclosure to start off with and move bigger as he grows. More expensive in the long run, but what the heck right?:eats02:
 

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Nice job! You can also buy cheap aquarium plants and use them and decoration or hides too, and it looks more like a jungle!
 
I've bought plastic plants for the terrarium, but they're more for my own aesthetic tastes than the snake's. She's fine with recycled cardboard-paper towel tubes, egg cartons, and cut up boxes, so you should consider that as money saving decor.
 
Hornets23 said:
For those of you who are using plastic tubs/sterilite... Is it safe to use them with under tank heaters?
Click to expand...

I'm about to find out. If the heater seems too hot, I think there must be a way to buffer it a little to make it work. Maybe put some small spacers on it so that there's a little air gap.
 
I use plastic tubs u buy from walmart and use heat flex strips , just get a single pole dimmer switch and a temp gun or outdoor temp gauge. Monitor the temp and adjust the dimmer switch to dial it to the disired temp... Works great
 
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