A possible new garter keeper, and a bunch of questions!

[infernalis]

[ProXimuS]

Hello and welcome! You may want to introduce yourself in the Welcome Lounge for a proper welcome Welcome Lounge

So I will do my best on the questions you've asked. I'm still slightly new, with my one snake!(most members have nuuumerous snakes!)

1. I started mine with a Zilla, with the locking lid and loved it! I think they are a good choice if you can get the appropriate size. Mine started in a 5.5 gal, and now have him in a larger one(don't know what size, it was given to me by a friend) with a lid that just "sets" on top, and I'd much rather that locking lid! I keep heavy stuff on top for now to keep it on, until I can get some clamps for the lid. I'm honestly not too sure how big a 15 gal is/looks like, but I would think for two males, you may want to start at least with a 20 gal(?), but not really sure...I definitely wouldn't go smaller than a 15 gal. for two males...

2. I do believe it's best to have both. I don't know that they need both. I do know that it's good to have the under tank heaters(UTH) for the belly heat, to aid in digestion. The lamp is to provide heat(if needed) and and just a little basking spot. Some like to bask, some don't. Edit: I also use a 40 watt bulb.

3. Thermometers: I, personally, have a Zoo Med digital thermometer, which has a "probe" on a long cord, so you can move it around the cage, from hot side, to cool side, and back, when needed. I like to check the temp. around the bottom where he usually is, on the substrate level, but also will move it up to the top of his basking branch to see what temp. it is up there. I keep the humidity guage in the middle of the cage, middle of the glass.

4. I use distilled water, but also only have one little snake. I know other members use tap water, left uncovered, for 24 hours. From what I understand after 24 hours(apperantly the more surface area exposed, the better) the chlorine and what-not evaporates(?) out and makes it safe for the snakes consumption. I can see how buying distilled water when you have numerous snakes could get expensive!

Hope I've helped...I also feel like I just wrote a novel!


Also when you aquire the snake, pics, pics, pics