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viv, heating, and substrate question

zombiexboo

zombiexboo

defender of teh reptiles
In the past few weeks I've been looking around at the essential viv needs and had some questions about what I came across while looking.

First off, I want to buy a 20g long viv for my future corn and thought about sectioning it off to 10g until he grows a bit or should I just let the viv be and leave him roaming room?

Next, with heating I was told I could use a heat lamp during the day and a UTH at night. My room can be around the mid to high 70's at all times. Is it necessary to switch off or one or the other?

Last, I came across coconut substrate and I liked the look of it. According to the bag it's safe for snakes however, I'm unsure if I should use it or not. Has anyone used this before? Should I stick to aspen instead?

Thanks for the help! :D
 
Hi Zombie!

I just upgraded from a 10 Gallon Tank to a 20L. I use 2 lights on top of the screen cover... I have a UVB 5.0 aimed in the center of the tank on a 12 hour timer during the day, and I have a Infrafred 75Watt on the Warm side of the tank. I always leave the Infrared light on day and night. I try to adjust the heat by adjusting the height of the fixture, although the temperatures do seem to fluctuate but never get hotter than 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The cool side seems to fluctuate also usually from 72 - 80 degrees.

I use the coarse shredded coconut substrate (CocoSoft) as this is supposed to be good so the snake can burrow. I know there is a really fine coconut substrate but it tends to be very dusty. Aspen is supposed to be an acceptable sustrate also... i'm not sure what the price difference is though.

Just make sure you stay away from pine and other types of wood substrate as some have acids and oils that are toxic to snakes.

Hope that helps.

chris.
 
Here is a link to the husbandry FAQ section.
http://www.cornsnakes.com/forums/showthread.php?t=28341

A UTH alone works best. Whichever you use, make sure there is a warm side and a cooler side. You really need to be able to measure your temps and adjust your heat. Instead of me going on about it, read the FAQ section. I'm glad you're doing research before getting your new snake. Thats definitely a good start.
Cheers!
 
If room temp stays in the 70s, you won't need any lights, just a UTH with a thermostat or rheostat to control it. Also a digital thermometer with a wired probe.

Corn snakes do not require any UV light, just belly heat around 85 for digestion.
 
Flagg said:
If room temp stays in the 70s, you won't need any lights, just a UTH with a thermostat or rheostat to control it. Also a digital thermometer with a wired probe.

Corn snakes do not require any UV light, just belly heat around 85 for digestion.
Click to expand...

Actually, I just ordered a UTH and a ZooMed 500R Thermostat and a Digital Thermometer with probe from bigalsonline.com I hope to save some electric and retire the Infrared bulb. I know that cornsnakes don't need UVB light as they are Nocturnal, but I hear that this can help them with their appetites. Fortunately I haven't had an issue with feeding problems.
 
Spotting the Poo in Lighter Substrate is much Easier

I like the look of the coconut substrate too! When I first got my snake the small Mom and Pop reptile pet shop that I got my supplies from only had aspen , reptibark and some white looking styrofoamy stuff (like the technicall terms-lol). So I preferred the look of the darker substrate too but they didnt have any there that said it was safe for snakes. I read that Pet Smart has the coconut substrate but I wasnt going to be near a store. So the guy explained to me that the lighter colored substarate will make it easier to see the snakes Poo for easier spot cleaning of his viv. I am glad I went with the lighter Aspen..its hard enough trying to find his poo in that! :rolleyes:
 
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