Comments about my new corn setup

[jnky]

I pick up my first corn in 5 days, the snake is 12"+ and is 5-6 months old.
I plan to expand the viv after 6-12 months depending on growth to a wooden viv. I also plan to get a more attractive heavier waterbowl when I collect the snake (this one is half over the heat mat on the glass to provide a bit of humidity).
The substrate is a dustless maize which has already been objected too but the store keeps all there snakes in this and come free with the setup. I have roughly 1.5 - 2 cm covering over the heat mat.

for roughly £60 I got :

30" x 18" x 18" aquarium with glass sliding centre panel in lid
heat mat which covers over 1/3 of the floor (positioned on righthand side)
2 thermometers
2 Cork hides
1 Adjustable branch
Heat bulb fitting (for 60w uk standard type bulb)
4kg of reptile substrate (see above)

Added 2 toilet roll tubes (plan to get kitchen roll tubes)
Water bowl used at the minute for humidity
Feeding area - icecream tub lid covered in toilet tissue

Please post lots of advice, I've got 4 days to get this right.

 

[oldhand]

Looking good.

2 things tho, first keep an eye on the temps to make sure its not 2 warm/cool on the warm side and add or take away substrate to make it perfect. Second, is the lid a good tight fit with enough weight in it to stop a snake from pushing it up, and also make sure it has no area the snake can squeeze out of (they are brilliant escape artists). Apart from those 2 points everything seems ok.

Well done for getting it right before you get a snake, a lot of people don't so congrats on that.

 

[Mary-Beth]

You should get rid of those stick on thermometers and get an indoor/outdoor type with a probe. I don't know where you're from, but walmart has id/od termometers with a hydrometer in it too for $15.

 

[jnky]

Temp after about an hour is 76-82 though I will buy a probe and hydrometer.
I plan to silicone the lid on as the sliding glass seams substantial enough for access.
Thanks for the pleasing comments and advice

Graham

 

[Joejr14]

:noses in:

Hygrometer folks, hygrometer.

I still don't like that substrate.

 

[Wilder]

I'd suggest getting some silk plants to add a more natural look to the viv. They can be easily washed if needed and will help make the snake feel more at home. And, of course, it will look quite a bit nicer then.

 

[colinmcc]

I think I posted this in the other thread you started as well but I'd consider going for a separate feeder tub as well.

1. You put a feeder area in there which is all well and good but there is no guarantee the snake will eat the food straight off it. They do sometimes move it about first and you don't want it dragging it's food onto the substrate.

2. You don't want the snake getting used associating a hand in it's tank with food. Makes it easier to handle in the long run. I think most folks on here would recommend feeding in a separate, bare, container.

I'm with Joe on the substrate.

Oh, and I can't make it out from the pic, but if you silicone on the lid, where is sliding glass to get into it?

You don't want to leave a pokey little space to be getting into it to clean it if you can avoid it. Nothing worse than having to try and crane round awkward tight corners to try and clean snake poop off the glass .....

Second 'Oh' ... you want to watch sliding glass. My smallest tank has 2 sliding glass panels at the top. It was fine until the snake got big enough to slide the glass back enough to get out. I only found this out when I went into the room to open the curtains one morning and found a snake peering out of the bookcase next to the tank .... lol. In short, you want something to stop it sliding when you're not there.

 

[TrpnBils]

I see you brought out the fine china for his water bowl

 

[colinmcc]

(Where is the 'edit' function on here?)

Just noticed you mentioned a 60 watt standard bulb.

I wouldn't put a 60 in it myself. It'll be way too bright and a standard 60 watt filiament bulb gives off a fair bit of heat. Go for a 15 or 25 watt fridge bulb instead. You can get the 15 watt ones in opaque orange which is a nice light for the tank, less glare, it gives off a lot less heat and it comes in standard bayonet fitting as well. You can get them in B&Q and the like.

 

[ScottyK]

Hey Jinky-

If what you are referring to as "dustless maize" is what we here in the U.S. refer to as corn cob bedding, I would advise changing it over to Aspen before you even introduce the snake. Corncob used to be a more commonly used herp/bird bedding "many" years ago, before better alternatives were available.

I have prior experience with this stuff having kept both birds and snakes on it. The most serious problem you will have is that it compacts and retains moisture when it gets wet. That means dish spills and defecations will become a damp, smelly bacteria filled mess. The moisture will primarily build up near the bottom, where it will be less noticeable to you until you go to change out the substrate. Your snake on the other hand, will be burrowing around down there, and you are increasing the likelyhood of it's health being compromised. The dampness and smell will also encourage insect problems.

With Aspen, you'll get dry, easily removed clumps, and the cage will be much cleaner. It's also more tunnel friendly which your snake will appreciate. I know you got the bedding free, but after all you've already spent, toss in another few pesos and finish the job right.

Hope this helps change your mind, and good luck with the new snake...

Scott

 

[jnky]

Thanks for the advice guys
Will change substrate to aspen (or more suitable) if I can get it before then.

Popping to a new retile shop at dinner time to discuss available lighting.

Decided to feed my new snake in a large tupperware container I have, didnt like the feeding tray anyways.

See last pic for sliding glass opening its approx 18" x 24" with perforated area to the left of it in the actual metal lid. I will however introduce a catch of some description even though I will be switcing to a front opening timber viv in 6-12 months time.

Will send pics of my new arrival in misc section at the weekend
Thanks for the advice guys