New Enclosure, questions about best heating options....

[Sezzzzzzzzz]

Scored an absolute bargain (freebie ) today.... 3ftx2ftx2ft approx....

Im thinking of putting my diamond, Sheldon, in here and was wondering what sort of light fitting and cage i would need to fill this hole, that i would assume is where the lights supposed to go... Any help would be appreciated...

Thanks in advance,

Sarah

[CaptainRatbag]

Good score

I personally would go for a heatmat and cord with thermostat for the heating and get a tiny heat/basking lamp that can fill the hole, then screw a small cage (shaped like a wire 'saucer') to stop your nakey getting at the bulb

Put a branch or something below the basking light so he can get up close, but make it a really small (40w max if that) light.....

Well done

I just noticed the light hole is on the back wall? I would personally just block the hole and use a uv (low say 2) flouro on top of the mesh. Depending on the size of the hole, you might be able to get a sink plug hole strainer from bunnings and sink it into the hole and make a small cross bracket to screw across the back of it to hold it in place (and maybe some silastic glue)

[Sezzzzzzzzz]

Good score

I personally would go for a heatmat and cord with thermostat for the heating and get a tiny heat/basking lamp that can fill the hole, then screw a small cage (shaped like a wire 'saucer') to stop your nakey getting at the bulb

Put a branch or something below the basking light so he can get up close, but make it a really small (40w max if that) light.....

Well done

I just noticed the light hole is on the back wall? I would personally just block the hole and use a uv (low say 2) flouro on top of the mesh. Depending on the size of the hole, you might be able to get a sink plug hole strainer from bunnings and sink it into the hole and make a small cross bracket to screw across the back of it to hold it in place (and maybe some silastic glue)

if i can just fill that hole ill just get a sit on top heat lamp....

[CaptainRatbag]

if i can just fill that hole ill just get a sit on top heat lamp....

Yes, thats right, as long as the mesh on top is metal, not plastic.Do you know what I mean by the sink strainer? It is a stainless steel dish shaped thing you put over your sink plughole, so when you peel the spuds, they dont go down the drain.

[Sezzzzzzzzz]

yep know exactly what you mean... thanks heaps Captain... makes life cheap and easy....

Could i use a ceramic instead of bulb? what wattage would you suggest, considering i only want a basking spot that maxs at 30?

[CaptainRatbag]

You have to remember that emitters and heatlamps need heavy duty thermostats and chew power more than a heatmat or cord. See the thread on here called "argh... my power bill doubled!" or something along those lines... it is only a new thread.

Pythons generally dont need uv they get thier vit D from the livers of the prey they eat..... so a 15-20w heatmat will use less electrickery and be more efficient at maintaining temp gradient (imo) than radiant heat from a bolb/emitter. Your diamond would prolly like a little basking light tho, but it is a comfort, not a necessity. My lot have heatmats and with the curtains open, they get the afternoon sun.... flouro for photoperiod and viewing

[Sezzzzzzzzz]

yeah, have thermo, take Sheldon out twice a week for sun...

only reason i think basking light is the way to go is that he loves being up high, and with that mad rock wall, i want him to use it, dont want him lying on the ground all the time..

[CaptainRatbag]

Sounds perfect. He cant really get high up in a 2' high enclosure? That enclosure looks like it has been set up for beardies? They can climb a wall like that. Your snake really will have trouble using that rock wall? Maybe if you put a branch in he can climb up and snooze on that? Perhaps if you get a forked branch and have it up against the rock wall like a Y he could rest on the branch and the wall at the same time?

[Sezzzzzzzzz]

he will love the wall, it has a nice flat basking ledge at the top, and smaller ledges nooks and cranny's throughout it. he will also have branches hides ect. Ill have to take some pics of the wall side on to give you a better idea of the wall..... he is only a yearling and has plenty of room o stretch out i here.

[CaptainRatbag]

Thats great, will look forward to some pics later.

[McFly]

Yes, thats right, as long as the mesh on top is metal, not plastic.Do you know what I mean by the sink strainer? It is a stainless steel dish shaped thing you put over your sink plughole, so when you peel the spuds, they dont go down the drain.

(2nd photo) deffs steel mesh

[CaptainRatbag]

Cool, I was just covering my butt

Can see clearly it is steel, but I have an old reptile one glass enclosure that has plastic mesh, I just mentioned to check it was metal not plastic just in case someone else reads this thread at a later date and uses this advice, they will know to check

[McFly]

Yea good point seen another thread think it was the substrate one old mate put a heat mat in a plastic click clack with astro turf over it .. One big melt!

Correct myself it was DIY things you have made !

[Twitch_80]

You may also be able to get one of those things for cords that are on a desk to fill it. They have an insert that fits in then you put your cords throgh then another bit fits in and adjusts so there is no gap. Badly explained, hope it makes sense.

The heat radiators are pretty good as well if you want heat up high, they dont need a cage, look good, and dont need new globes all the time. I got some from pro herp and love them, if you contact them they will be happy to tell you what size/wattage you need.

[TheCheshireCat]

Just remember that glass isn't a great heat holding material. I'm not sure what part of the coast you are on but in my area of the coast it's not uncommon to have 2degree nights/early mornings.
I would be putting a heat mat or cord in there during winter even if you are planning on using basking spot. Another (unpretty) option is to insulate the sides and back with styro sheeting.