Set-up issues

[Hikari]

So, I'm currently planning out how I'm going to set up my 40g breeder aquarium for a corn snake. I have a nice metal mesh top for it that flips up in the middle, and fits snugly around the edges of the tank. Was originally intended for a bearded dragon, but that didn't pan out, and now I've decided on a corn snake for a first reptile.

My first issue is keeping it clamped down (and hopefully escape-proof). I haven't found any clips that'll fit, and I'd like to avoid using something like books or rocks. I'm thinking the industrial strength velcro should work, if I put enough of it on? Anyone ever used it?

My other issue is that if I get a probe thermometer for the hot side (like this one: HERE), I have no idea how I'm going to wire that into the cage. The top has no openings for wires (the mesh itself being way too small to fit through), and if I try and get them to run under the lid, it won't close all the way. Is there a way I can safely rig the whole thermometer in there? Or should I try and make an opening in my mesh lid, and if so, what is the best way to go about doing so? Or maybe I should forget the probe thermometer entirely and just get an infrared laser one?

The UTH & thermostat was easier to figure out than this. x_x (I'll be getting an Ultratherm mat and a Hydrofarm thermostat). This is gonna be my first snake (and reptile in general), and I want to get off to a good start.

 

[Lightning]

Your top sounds a lot like mine. I used these clips (4) and they work great.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005KPMVDO?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00

 

[DollysMom]

Sorry for the pic not being clearer but my thermometers are the same as yours only in black.

I have the same. problem. No openings to put wire through, and if I made openings in the cover and secured the wires it would be nearly impossible to open the viv without displacing the probes. So I just put them all inside. They are section cups, so safe, and my snake uses them to climb from vine to vine.

P.S. I always have to explain this, but that is not a heat lamp. It is an LED bulb and used only to light the viv in a rather dark room during the day. I use under tank heat.

 

[Karl_Mcknight]

It always amazes me how curious corn snakes are. This morning, (a few minutes ago) I went to PetsMart for some frozen mice and while there I bought another one of those plastic vines with the suction cups. (I already had 2 of those in the cage, but decided on the spur of the moment to add a 3rd one.) Anyway, I took it out of the package and proceeded to suction it to the wall of the cage. Rufus inching closer and closer and watching me the entire time. Before I could even shut the door of the cage he had already climbed up through it and was thoroughly checking it out. It made me laugh.

 

[Hikari]

Your top sounds a lot like mine. I used these clips (4) and they work great.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005KPMVDO?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00

Tried those already, they don't fit, unfortunately. Maybe because I don't have a Zilla tank top (It's a Petco brand one). The thing being, Petco doesn't sell their brand of clips in-store either, and I'm hesitant to order them from online if I end up having to return those too (return shipping is a pain). That's why I was wondering if anyone's ever used velcro or anything instead. I really can't see it being an issue as long as I keep any potentially sticky bits on the outside of the tank, but I don't know how well it'll hold up in the long run.

Sorry for the pic not being clearer but my thermometers are the same as yours only in black.

I have the same. problem. No openings to put wire through, and if I made openings in the cover and secured the wires it would be nearly impossible to open the viv without displacing the probes. So I just put them all inside. They are section cups, so safe, and my snake uses them to climb from vine to vine.

P.S. I always have to explain this, but that is not a heat lamp. It is an LED bulb and used only to light the viv in a rather dark room during the day. I use under tank heat.

Oh, awesome! Then it's safe to use these directly in the tank then? That just saved me a whole lot of headache. Thank you! I'll just make sure to securely suction-cup it to the back-top of the tank.

Also, those vines look really nice, I'll have to think about adding some in my tank too. I've heard some corns like to climb. Also, I like the idea of adding an LED lamp or lighting source.

 

[DollysMom]

Hi again Hikari. :wavey:

Yes, so far as long as I wet them, my suction cups stay put. I really have to get my fingernail under the edge to remove them when I clean. But even if they come off they are snake safe.

(Note to Karl: Glad the vines are Rufus approved! Our curious little guys let us know what they like, don't they now?)

FYI, my light fixture came with my tank so it's what I had handy. I have a dimmable LED bulb and dim it down (Lutron plug in lamp dimmer) so it is not too bright.

When using an LED bulb you don't have to use a light fixture made for reptiles. You could as easily use a regular lamp on a table, hanging or mounted on the wall near the viv.

The thing with the light is to not have it too bright and to put it on a timer to turn it on at sunrise and off at sunset. You want to replicate a normal day night cycle through the the year as much as you can. Also make sure to have the doors of the hides aligned so light doesn't shine directly in.

Best wishes and when you are ready, pictures please

 

[Kalista]

It's not as aesthetically pleasing as the clips since it does cover part of the tank, but I find the velcro to be easy and pretty secure. When Atlas was interested in climbing, it was strong enough to prevent any potential escapes. We purchased it at the local fabric store.

I'm too far away from the tank to get it, but he's actually peeking his head out of the aspen near the log. His tail is poking out the other end of the side wall. Silly noodle!

Much like DollysMom said, the suction cups have stayed pretty well put on the hammock. However, I used aquarium sealant to secure the thermometers, hygrometer and probes.

There is a notch at the corner of my screened top that allowed space for things to be run out of the cage (in my case the thermostat probe) if necessary. You can see that going up the back side of the tank.

 

[Hikari]

It's not as aesthetically pleasing as the clips since it does cover part of the tank, but I find the velcro to be easy and pretty secure. When Atlas was interested in climbing, it was strong enough to prevent any potential escapes. We purchased it at the local fabric store.

I'm too far away from the tank to get it, but he's actually peeking his head out of the aspen near the log. His tail is poking out the other end of the side wall. Silly noodle!

Much like DollysMom said, the suction cups have stayed pretty well put on the hammock. However, I used aquarium sealant to secure the thermometers, hygrometer and probes.

There is a notch at the corner of my screened top that allowed space for things to be run out of the cage (in my case the thermostat probe) if necessary. You can see that going up the back side of the tank.

OMG! The self-wrapping kind! Why didn't I think of that?! That's a great idea too, and no adhesive to worry about. I think I could get over loosing a slight bit of visibility, considering my tank is 3ft long.

Great thing about velcro is I happen to work at a fabric store, so I can get it on discount. Pretty sure we sell that kind too. My tank is huge though, so I might need a good bit to wrap all the way around. I'll see which kind ends up being more cost-effective.

OK, so that pretty much gives me two options to solve both my problems. Thanks everyone! Now I just have to wait for my other things to arrive to start setting up! (Meh, nothing ships on holiday weekends. Wish I had the weekend off! *grumbles about retail*).

 

[Kalista]

OMG! The self-wrapping kind! Why didn't I think of that?! That's a great idea too, and no adhesive to worry about. I think I could get over loosing a slight bit of visibility, considering my tank is 3ft long.

Great thing about velcro is I happen to work at a fabric store, so I can get it on discount. Pretty sure we sell that kind too. My tank is huge though, so I might need a good bit to wrap all the way around. I'll see which kind ends up being more cost-effective.

OK, so that pretty much gives me two options to solve both my problems. Thanks everyone! Now I just have to wait for my other things to arrive to start setting up! (Meh, nothing ships on holiday weekends. Wish I had the weekend off! *grumbles about retail*).

I can't take any credit for the Velcro idea; I found it here on the forums.

If it helps, my tank is a 40g so it's 3ft long too.

 

[Kalista]

Oh! I meant to say earlier that the suction cups may work fine on the thermometers for awhile if your snake is inclined to climb but I learned with a previous scale-baby that the won't support their weight forever so I just 'glued' mine down from the start. Atlas uses them as steps to climb to the ledge/lip of the tank and likes to hang out between there and the screen lid sometimes. Now he's almost too big to fit so things will start getting interesting....

 

[Hikari]

Oh! I meant to say earlier that the suction cups may work fine on the thermometers for awhile if your snake is inclined to climb but I learned with a previous scale-baby that the won't support their weight forever so I just 'glued' mine down from the start. Atlas uses them as steps to climb to the ledge/lip of the tank and likes to hang out between there and the screen lid sometimes. Now he's almost too big to fit so things will start getting interesting....

I'll have to keep that in mind. I am stripping the old silicone from the tank right now, and will be replacing it, and I'm sure I'll have some silicone left over. That might come in handy if/when the suction cups can't cut it anymore.

Also, was wondering, how often does your snake use that little hammock in there? I was inclined to believe they like to spend most of their time in a hide or buried in substrate somewhere, lol.

 

[Kalista]

I'll have to keep that in mind. I am stripping the old silicone from the tank right now, and will be replacing it, and I'm sure I'll have some silicone left over. That might come in handy if/when the suction cups can't cut it anymore.

Also, was wondering, how often does your snake use that little hammock in there? I was inclined to believe they like to spend most of their time in a hide or buried in substrate somewhere, lol.

It seems to just be a mood thing - I got that for him during one of his climbing phases and he uses it sometimes, but more often than not he just roams around the tank when he's out. He is much more active when the lights are out so there no telling what happens when I sleep. I suspect it's not his favorite thing but it's an option available for when he finally gets too big to lay along the top ledge of the tank!

I did notice a huge difference in his 'bravery' when exploring after I added the foliage to the tank. It's a little more time consuming to clean than just the hides but it has made him more comfortable, I believe.

Some snakes are active climbers and some almost never do it. Just like us, they all have their own personalities and quirks.

 

[Hikari]

It seems to just be a mood thing - I got that for him during one of his climbing phases and he uses it sometimes, but more often than not he just roams around the tank when he's out. He is much more active when the lights are out so there no telling what happens when I sleep. I suspect it's not his favorite thing but it's an option available for when he finally gets too big to lay along the top ledge of the tank!

I did notice a huge difference in his 'bravery' when exploring after I added the foliage to the tank. It's a little more time consuming to clean than just the hides but it has made him more comfortable, I believe.

Some snakes are active climbers and some almost never do it. Just like us, they all have their own personalities and quirks.

I bought a few cheap fake plants I found at the dollar store for now, but as I get extra money here and there, I'll probably get all sorts of nice things for the tank eventually.

My heat pad arrived in the mail today! I still need to wait for the other stuff though. I had to go with an 11"x11" mat, since the frame on the bottom of my tank wouldn't allow for an 11'x17" mat (it's only got a 16" wide opening on the glass bottom x_x ). I THINK the smaller mat should still work okay though, there's just gonna be a more hot and slightly cooler part to the hot side, I guess.

On the other thing, I don't doubt that corn snakes all have different personalities. Even my little betta fish are all different, and you wouldn't think about that coming from a fish! I bet some snakes are a trip! XD Guess we'll find out eventually what kind I end up with.

The moment of truth is almost here. I'll be going to a reptile expo on the 20th, and there's guaranteed to be corn snakes there. I'm hoping to find "the one" while I'm out there. I haven't bought any hides yet, cause I don't know what sized snake I'll even end up with! LOL. I figure once I pick a snake, I can buy some hides/accessories at the show too! I've been saving toilet paper rolls though too...just in case. I've heard hatchlings love them.

Crap, I remembered I need to also decide on substrate. ARGH...so many choices... Kinda curious about that Eco Earth and Reptibark stuff. Aspen's okay but my allergies don't appreciate it when it's dusty (and I'm sure a snake won't either).

 

[Dragonling]

Crap, I remembered I need to also decide on substrate. ARGH...so many choices... Kinda curious about that Eco Earth and Reptibark stuff. Aspen's okay but my allergies don't appreciate it when it's dusty (and I'm sure a snake won't either).

I use the shredded aspen from ZooMed (Clicky!) and I haven't noticed any dust to speak of. The aspen chips we use at work can get pretty bad, but we use massive bags and they're already chopped so tiny, it's not surprising there's some dust. I've considered swapping to Reptibark at some point, cuz I think it looks rather nice, but atm my hatchling seems to love making tunnels in the aspen. I find little holes everywhere.

 

[DollysMom]

I also want to put in a good word for the ZooMed aspen. I buy the 24 qt bags and shop online for price. My snake loves it and there are always one or more tunnels. I love that it doesn't add humidity and the easy poop cleanup. I know there are less expensive aspen options, but imo the ZooMed is worth it.

P.S. everyone's allergies are different, but I have allergies and this substrate has been good for me.

Edit: I wish I had taken a picture. My snake has been digesting so I leave him alone. So this morning I look in the tank and no snake at all! I check the latches and they are all secure. So I open the tank to look for my snake. I lift the warm hide, and there at the edge of where it had been sitting was a young snake's head sticking out of the aspen and looking like a pippie poking out of an egg. The rest of his little 53 gram body was under the aspen. Just from the timing, I won't be surprised if he's going into shed. Anyway, too cute and a good endorsement of the aspen. Not too drying either. Current hygrometer reading is 60 percent on an admittedly rainy day. On dry days it's 50% and when the house is really dry in the winter with the furnace going its 40%.

 

[Hikari]

I also want to put in a good word for the ZooMed aspen. I buy the 24 qt bags and shop online for price. My snake loves it and there are always one or more tunnels. I love that it doesn't add humidity and the easy poop cleanup. I know there are less expensive aspen options, but imo the ZooMed is worth it.

P.S. everyone's allergies are different, but I have allergies and this substrate has been good for me.

Edit: I wish I had taken a picture. My snake has been digesting so I leave him alone. So this morning I look in the tank and no snake at all! I check the latches and they are all secure. So I open the tank to look for my snake. I lift the warm hide, and there at the edge of where it had been sitting was a young snake's head sticking out of the aspen and looking like a pippie poking out of an egg. The rest of his little 53 gram body was under the aspen. Just from the timing, I won't be surprised if he's going into shed. Anyway, too cute and a good endorsement of the aspen. Not too drying either. Current hygrometer reading is 60 percent on an admittedly rainy day. On dry days it's 50% and when the house is really dry in the winter with the furnace going its 40%.

That is so cute! LOL. Also, mentioning the hydrometer reminded me I need to pick up one of those too. I'm guessing since corn snakes aren't as reliant on strict humidity, the dial ones should be okay (I know they're not entirely accurate).

I guess if that particular aspen brand is good, I can try it. TBH, I was also worried since the shredded aspen looked so pointy, it'd be scratchy, but I guess it's softer than it looks? Must be, if they like burrowing in it, lol. I do however, really like the smell of aspen, so if this one's easier on the dust, I can give it a go (it's the dust that kicks up allergies, the wood itself is fine). I used to just have hell with the aspen chips I used to keep my mice on. Has anyone ever had problems with bugs or mites in it? Is it recommended I freeze/bake this stuff too, or is it generally pretty safe right out of the bag? While researching the other substrates, especially the Reptibark, people recommended doing one or the other. From what I can tell, getting mites is really bad so I want to avoid it at all costs. If this one's good right out the bag, that'd be even another reason not to bother with the others.

Also, @ Dragonling, thanks for the link! Might have to order it anyways since I don't think my Petsmart carries that size, but I'm gonna check one other pet store in the area first. I don't have Prime shipping, so price+shipping will be comparable anyways, and I wouldn't have to wait for it.

Also, everyone has been so helpful in this thread. Thank you! I love this place! XD Thanks to ya'll, I'll be more confident I'll be doing things right when I bring my new scaly noodle home.
(I also invested in a book called "Corn Snakes in Captivity" that came highly recommended. I just wish it'd GET here already so I could read it! >_< )

 

[DollysMom]

I have a little ExoTerra analog hygrometer. It comes with sticky tape, but mine is glued on. Any of them will be fine as long as you "snake proof" them.

I use my Aspen straight out of the bag. Anything you bring home from a place with reptiles may transmit mites. I've even read advice to strip and immediately wash your clothes when you come home from a reptile show, and undoubtedly someone has at sometime gotten them that way. There are many ways to get mites and getting mites in itself is not a sign of bad husbandry. I've never gotten them, but I have a can of Provent-a-mite on hand, so if I ever get them I'm ready for them. Some people use PAM as a preventative but I never have. I just keep it handy. http://pro-products.com/provent-a-mite/. It's kind of pricey and is not the first thing to be concerned with.

The little Aspen dust there is can be avoided by scooping it out of the bag and layering it into the viv rather than pouring. When emptying the viv, again scoop it out and vacuum out what you can't scoop. When you dump there are some finer pieces, but even they don't make what I'd call a dust cloud.

 

[Dragonling]

Shredded aspen feels pretty soft even though it looks all splintery. I think it would be quite comfortable to walk on barefoot. I still have not read "Corn Snakes in Captivity." I intended to order a copy when I bought my fire hatchling, but then Don mentioned he was writing a new book so I figured I might just wait. That may be a few years away though...and I feel for whoever has the job of editing it. :laugh:

 

[Hikari]

I have a little ExoTerra analog hygrometer. It comes with sticky tape, but mine is glued on. Any of them will be fine as long as you "snake proof" them.

I use my Aspen straight out of the bag. Anything you bring home from a place with reptiles may transmit mites. I've even read advice to strip and immediately wash your clothes when you come home from a reptile show, and undoubtedly someone has at sometime gotten them that way. There are many ways to get mites and getting mites in itself is not a sign of bad husbandry. I've never gotten them, but I have a can of Provent-a-mite on hand, so if I ever get them I'm ready for them. Some people use PAM as a preventative but I never have. I just keep it handy. http://pro-products.com/provent-a-mite/. It's kind of pricey and is not the first thing to be concerned with.

The little Aspen dust there is can be avoided by scooping it out of the bag and layering it into the viv rather than pouring. When emptying the viv, again scoop it out and vacuum out what you can't scoop. When you dump there are some finer pieces, but even they don't make what I'd call a dust cloud.

I managed to find the big bag of ZooMed aspen, so I picked it up. Was looking over the other substrates, and yeah, in the end, I really like the aspen look. Also, thanks for the link, I'll keep that spray stuff in mind if mites ever become a problem (I bookmarked the page). I also managed to find some of those plastic vine plants on sale, like the ones you have in your tank. I'm happy. They look pretty nice for plastic. I bought three for now. Gonna probably string two in the corners and one on the ground somewhere.

I couldn't find an analog hydrometer. The local Petsmart was, surprisingly, sold out! (They were on sale though), and digital ones were expensive. I'm sure I can pick one up later though. Any supplies I'm still missing by the time I buy my snake, I plan on buying while I'm at the reptile expo, since I know for a fact this one has vendors that sell supplies.

Shredded aspen feels pretty soft even though it looks all splintery. I think it would be quite comfortable to walk on barefoot. I still have not read "Corn Snakes in Captivity." I intended to order a copy when I bought my fire hatchling, but then Don mentioned he was writing a new book so I figured I might just wait. That may be a few years away though...and I feel for whoever has the job of editing it. :laugh:

Yeah, I'd heard the author was planning a new book, but seeing as it's not out yet (and won't be for the foreseeable future), I figured the older one will have to do. Plus, it was only like... $6 used (including shipping). Not too shabby. I should probably get it tomorrow, so it'll keep me occupied while I wait to get my snake.
---

Looks like I'm gonna take a crack at a DIY terrarium stand, as well. My dad said he could help me put a simple one together. He's better at woodworking than I am, so I'm sure if he helps it'll be nice and sturdy, and not cost near as much as a store-bought table. The less money I have to spend on a table means more in the snake budget for supplies/decorations and the actual snake! I'll buy the water dish and hides the same day as the snake to make sure I get properly sized ones. Right now I have several cardboard tubes and various sized cardboard boxes for potential hides in a pinch, but I would much rather have something a little prettier, lol.

 

[DollysMom]

I got 2 thermometers that are just like the ones sold for reptiles but they say "aquarium" on them cheap on eBay. Only thing is you have to be able to wait weeks for them to ship directly from China. They have tons of digital hygrometers on eBay, though I picked up my little analog one on Amazon. Our household has Amazon Prime so that is a factor. It broadens the selection of things over what PetSmart carries quite a lot, especially now that p/s is selling their house brands more and more in favor of name brands. The expo is a great place to pick up things. I have a big show coming up here in October and I'm hoping to make some finds.