Product Reviews

[guidofatherof5]

I was thinking a thread where we could do product reviews might come in handy. Many things we use may not be designed for our Thamnophis friends but sharing the good and the bad of these products might save someone money and a headache. It also shares the great ideas that are out there.
I'll get things started with this:

Digital Heat Mat Thermostat by Hydrofarm Horticultural Products. Hydrofarm - Grow Lights, Hydroponics and More for all Your Horticultural Needs! (http://www.hydrofarm.com) I purchased mine off Amazon for under $26.00 delivered. Model MTPRTC

It is made to control 1 heat mat. It is rated at 1000 watts max. Mine is controlling a 12" long section of 11 inch flexwatt.
I placed the temp. sensor under the substrate. Setting it up was easy. Adjusting the max. temp you want the heat mat to reach was very simple. It will reach the max. temp you have entered and turn the mat off. Looks like the temp drops 3 degrees then it cycles on again.
There are other thermostats out there, some that control up to 4 mats at a time but they are in the $350-$400 range. Granted these other thermostats have alarms built-in and other features but they are pricey.

I feel this is a very good entry level device. I personally would rather buy 4 of these for $100 and at some point probably will. It comes with a 1 year warranty so be sure to keep for paper work.

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/hydrofarm.jpg

[Invisible Snake]

Great idea on starting this thread Steve!

[BUSHSNAKE]

ZooMed "moss brick"...im lost without it.

[guidofatherof5]

ZooMed "moss brick"...im lost without it.

Joe, It would be great if you can tell us about this product and maybe supply a link also. Thanks.

[BUSHSNAKE]

ok..ok...for 10 bucks you get a bunch! i put it into open deli cups for my baby enclosures, it raises the humidity and the snakes love to hide in it...same for adults but i just throw it in there and again its good cuz you can spray it to raise the humity the snakes can hide in it, it spot cleans easily and it doesnt threaten your pets life if they swallow some and it looks good, adds color to your enclosures

[kueluck]

Sani Chips for substrate. Low to no dust so Zena breathes easy, she can burrow in this better than anything else I've used i.e. aspen chips, carefresh and carefresh ultra. It clumps like cat litter so cleaning is a breeze. Check out the review, I love this stuff. Native Earth Aspen Sani Chips 2.2 Cubic Foot Bedding | NationalPetPharmacy (http://www.nationalpetpharmacy.com/product/9215/Native-Earth-Aspen-Sani-Chips-2.2-Cubic-Foot-Bedding?utm_source=nextag&utm_medium=cse) There are several different companies that offer this product.

[kueluck]

Amazon.com: Zoo Med New Zealand Sphagnum Moss, .33 Pounds (150 grams): Pet Supplies (http://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-Zealand-Sphagnum-Pounds/dp/B0019J2MA2) is it this? Zoo Med has lots of different kinds of moss.
ZooMed "moss brick"...im lost without it.

[BUSHSNAKE]

oops no its the exo terra forest moss i use, it comes in a brick like cocofiber:)its green, light and fluffy

[snake man]

I can give a bad review, Do not waste your money on the "specail" reptile bulds sold at pet stores. I mistakenly bought 2 bulbs and I think collectively they lasted 2 weeks before burning out or something going wrong. When I use just a regular bulb(from walmart or anywhere really) it is still going and works just the same.

[MCwyo]

I would like to give a review :) I recently purchaced a hide for my snake, Ember (she is currently sharing it with a litter of scrubs aprox. 1 month younger than she is). This hide is AWESOME!!. It's the Hagen Exo Terra Reptile Den, small sized. I know Ember will out grow it, probably within a year or so, but I will be buying a larger one when I move her into a larger tank.

It's a 2 piece rock hide. The den goes in the tank, and there is a rock shell that is held on the outside of the tank by strong magnets. Remove the outter shell, and you can check on the snakies without stressing them out as much. It ads a cool 3-d effect to the enclosure and my snakes absolutly LOVE it. I currently have 12 little snakes in the tank and they all curl up in the hide together. I got it from amazon for about $15 Amazon.com: Hagen Exo Terra Reptile Den, Small: Pet Supplies (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002AR5BK/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i01)

Now, the magnets are VERY strong!! The den should be placed firmly in the enclosure so that it can't shift when you remove the outer shell. I dug it into the substrate and also lightly wedged a piece of driftwood against it just to be sure. It dose not move around at all and I have had not problems with it.

http://img607.imageshack.us/img607/3623/picture360h.jpg
By mccpc (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/mccpc) at 2012-08-19

http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/5496/picture361g.jpg
By mccpc (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/mccpc) at 2012-08-19

http://img703.imageshack.us/img703/7383/picture353v.jpg
By mccpc (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/mccpc) at 2012-08-19

[snake man]

Thats really cool. In the last picture is that just one half of it?

[MCwyo]

Yes, that is the den/cave half, which goes inside the tank. The other half is just a facade which clips on the outside of the glass using magnets.

[chris-uk]

Yes, that is the den/cave half, which goes inside the tank. The other half is just a facade which clips on the outside of the glass using magnets.

How do you feel about the strong magnets pulling a hard surface (ie the outer part) towards the glass? One of my concerns with the design was that the glass could be shattered if the magnets are too strong.
It looks like a nice way to view the little guys so I'd consider getting one or two if there isn't really a chance of breaking the glass.

[ProXimuS]

If that is/was a concern you could probably even alter it with velcro or something. At least for the outside part and just leave the inside part resting against the glass. That is a really cool little hide!

[-MARWOLAETH-]

You could put pieces of leather or similar over the outside magnets to protect the glass.

[MCwyo]

I have no worries about it shattering the glass. The main worry would be the inner den shifting slightly away from the glass, allowing a little snakie tail to come between the den & glass, thus pinching the snake when you replace the outer shell. No worries as long as you properly place it within the enclosure so that it remains firm against the glass. I have mine firmly placed in the substrate & wedged with the snake's climb. Easy peasy! :)

[guidofatherof5]

Zoo Med Digital Thermometer

I have a number of these in use here on the Ranch. They are simple to use and if bought on sale can be somewhat cheap. I see them on Amazon for $7.00 delivered and have bought them on sale at PetCo/Pet Smart for under $4.00 This design is used by many different companies. I've seen them advertised for reptiles and fish both. The name on the front changes but they are all the same device.
Comes with a 43"/106cm probe cord. A simple on/off button and a slide switch for either Fahrenheit or Celsius. It is powered with a button battery (LR44/A76)
I've gotten over a years use out of 1 battery.
I don't have a temp gun so I have never checked the accuracy of this device but I would think it is very close to the actual temp.
I hot glue the sensor to the bottom of the enclosure otherwise the snakes will dig it up and you will not get an accurate reading. If used in an aquarium or tub situation caution must be used as the snakes will use the sensor cord as an escape rope.
If you are not using a thermostat on your heat pads I strongly recommend this as a way to monitor heat mat temps. though a thermostat that will cut off power to the mat is the safest way to go.

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//805/medium/digtemp.jpg

[ProXimuS]

I also have one of these digital thermometers and really like it. I move mine around to check the cool side, and warm side, and sometimes his waterbowl just to keep tabs on everything. It's pretty handy!

[EasternGirl]

I have seen the magnetic hides and have thought about purchasing one...they look so cool. BTW...coolest and cutest pic ever of the babies in that hide!

Here is a recommendation from me...love these:

BAH-1000DC Reptile Thermostat New Model - Incredibly Reliable Digital Chip for Accurate Temperature Control (http://www.bigappleherp.com/BAH-1000-Thermostat)

I have a couple of them and plan on getting more. They have the most accurate temp reading I have seen. Oh that reminds me...definitely recommend this...can't live without it....

Pro Exotics PE-2 Laser Sighted Temp Gun (Tempgun.com) [PEXPE-2] | Tools - A Main Hobbies (http://www.amainhobbies.com/product_info.php/cPath/89_77/products_id/14537/n/Pro-Exotics-PE-2-Laser-Sighted-Temp-Gun-Tempguncom?utm_source=Google-Base&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Product-Feeds&source=google_ppc_ext&gclid=CKuD-dua-bECFYTd4AodFBsAqQ)

Of course, I got mine on Ebay...but it was the same price as this one. Great gadget to have...then you don't need separate thermometers for each tank.

[Invisible Snake]

I'm thinking of getting Zoo Med Wipe Out 1 Terrarium & Small Animal Cage Cleaner at PETCO (http://www.petco.com/product/11364/Zoo-Med-Wipe-Out-1-Terrarium-And-Small-Animal-Cage-Cleaner.aspx) to clean all of my enclosures. Has anyone ever tried it or see a reason why I shouldn't get it?

Ingredients:
Active Ingredients: Alkyl (C14 50%, C12 40%, C16 10%) Dimethyl Benzyl Ammonium Chloride 0.13%Inert Ingredients: 99.87%.

[guidofatherof5]

Though I would say a few words about a wonderful feeding tool.
Hemostats are a great tool for picking up small items(food). They give you some distance from the snake and for some that is needed.
With practice you can give out a lot of food in a short amount of time.
I'm fortunate to have access to as many as I could ever use.
I highly recommend them for anyone feeding babies.
Anyone needing a pair please PM me.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/hemostats.jpg

[snake man]

I really like this thread idea so I am going to bump it. I would like to review the Repti-hammock. My snakes absolutely love this product and it is a great way for them to closer to thier basking light or get a higher vantage point. Heres a link

Zoo Med Repti Hammock Reptile Basking Platforms (http://www.petmountain.com/product/reptile-basking-platforms/11442-512442/zoo-med-repti-hammock.html?utm_source=googleproductads&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term={keyword}&gclid=CJqLtoX-tbQCFQiqnQodGR4ATw)

http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z438/redcar122/2012-12-24_10-41-13_136_zps94113135.jpg

[Greg'sGarters]

I will review the Zoo Med's "Mite Off". It does kill mites and I keep an extra bottle of it lying around. However, even though it kills mites on contact, it is only good in the short term. I use this in case I am out of Provent-a-Mite. This will not kill off all of the mites, but instead just keep their population well below a lethal level. Think of it this way, if you smell bad, a little Axe/Old Spice can help cover up your scent to the point where you're not badly offending people, but only a shower+antipersperant can keep the smell away. It is handy to have though, just in case.

[ConcinusMan]

I can give a bad review, Do not waste your money on the "specail" reptile bulds sold at pet stores. I mistakenly bought 2 bulbs and I think collectively they lasted 2 weeks before burning out or something going wrong. When I use just a regular bulb(from walmart or anywhere really) it is still going and works just the same.

Exactly the same experience I had. I now use sunbeam household flood lamps I get for $1. They last longer than the $17 bulbs for reptiles, which are totally unnecessary. Slap a ZooMed label on it and somehow the value of a damn incandescent bulb goes to $17? C'mon.

[guidofatherof5]

Just got this product in (Merry Christmas to me).
Bioshield.
Not sure how to review it but the product info sure is looking good.
Buying it with a can of Provent A Mite saved some money also.
Pro-Products | BioShield (http://www.pro-products.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=49&Itemid=59)

[Greg'sGarters]

I can give a bad review, Do not waste your money on the "specail" reptile bulds sold at pet stores. I mistakenly bought 2 bulbs and I think collectively they lasted 2 weeks before burning out or something going wrong. When I use just a regular bulb(from walmart or anywhere really) it is still going and works just the same.

Exactly the same experience I had. I now use sunbeam household flood lamps I get for $1. They last longer than the $17 bulbs for reptiles, which are totally unnecessary. Slap a ZooMed label on it and somehow the value of a damn incandescent bulb goes to $17? C'mon.

I do the same thing. Although, I sometimes use the reptile bulbs if they have a certain hue to them that seems natural. I'm guilty of that.

[ConcinusMan]

I think you're hinting at the fact that incandescent are missing wavelengths on the blue end of the spectrum. Combining them with a white florescent solves that.

[Greg'sGarters]

I think you're hinting at the fact that incandescent are missing wavelengths on the blue end of the spectrum. Combining them with a white florescent solves that.

Yup. For example all my garters have Daylight Blue bulbs by Zoo Med.

[kueluck]

Cork Bark, my girls LOVE this stuff, easy to clean w/hot water & soft toothbrush.
Sadie & Mona 12-13-12a | Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/54868272@N00/8332590255/in/photostream) (only way I can get pic to post to thread)

[kueluck]

7798 WOOT WOOT able to post pics again
Cork Bark, my girls LOVE this stuff, easy to clean w/hot water & soft toothbrush.
Sadie & Mona 12-13-12a | Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/54868272@N00/8332590255/in/photostream) (only way I can get pic to post to thread)

[guidofatherof5]

A few weeks back I purchased (Amazon.com) a Celestron Handheld Microscope Model #44302 I thought it would come in handy for items not needing the powerful magnification my normal microscope has.


Handheld Digital Microscope Powered by a 2.0 USB Cable
Digital Camera - built-in 2MP for Snapshot Images and Videos
Power - 10x to 40x and 150x
LED Illumination


The one I purchased had been repackaged(used) and didn't come with the software. The software was downloadable from Celestron.
My biggest problem with this model is that the screen image is upside down and backwards. This makes using it very difficult for me. I contacted Celestron and was told that model had been discontinued(I wonder why) and that the new model(44302-A) has corrected those issues.
I fixed the problem with mine using a hot glue gun. I moved the clamp to the opposite side in the scope. It makes using the focusing wheel a bit more difficult but the image is correct now. All-in-all it was an easy fix to the problem. Beats paying retail for the new model. I think this scope will be great for taking photos of injuries and things like that.
Photo #2 shows the LED light ring and the camera(not microscope, who are they trying to kid)
Photo #3 shows how and where I glued the clamp.
Deluxe Handheld Digital Microscope [item # 44302-A] (http://www.celestron.com/science_education/deluxe-handheld-digital-microscope.html)
Amazon.com: Celestron 44302 Deluxe Handheld Digital Microscope 2MP: Camera & Photo (http://www.amazon.com/Celestron-Deluxe-Handheld-Digital-Microscope/dp/B004QF0A1Y/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1374504639&sr=8-2&keywords=celestron+handheld+digital+microscope+pro )
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//821/medium/hhmicro.jpg

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//821/medium/hhmicro1.jpg

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//821/medium/hhmicro2.jpg