Ball Python Setup and DIY Snake Hide

Good Morning, Reptilians! This week, I'm finally giving Sterling's tank a bit of a makeover - he no longer has that hideous igloo or that bright silver water bowl. I also am upgrading his substrate to something a little more humidity friendly. I do this while explaining what all ball pythons need in their tanks. Soooooo.......... here's that.
Our Links:
www.etsy.com/shop/ellesreptiles/
ellesreptiles.com/
Everything I used in this tank(many of these are affiliate links, the prices are the same for you, but purchasing from the link supports the channel 😊):
Tank - 40 gallon breeder from petco
Lid - go.magik.ly/ml/1bod1/
Locks - amzn.to/2ZaSEw7
Background - amzn.to/2KTZVLA
Sides - black poster board taped to the outside of the tank
Heat Pad (I'm not sure what this one is, but I use these in most of my other tanks) - amzn.to/2YUDb8h
Thermostat - amzn.to/31OXcKz
Temperature Gun - amzn.to/2WdXxXI
Hygrometer/Thermometer (forgot to show) - amzn.to/31MJU0O
Eco Earth - amzn.to/31JHkJa
Repti Bark - go.magik.ly/ml/1bod2/
Cypress Mulch - amzn.to/2TEV3OB
Forest Moss - amzn.to/2Hc2J5Y
Exo Terra XXL Hide - www.joshsfrogs.com/exo-terra-...
Wood - from my local river
Middle Plant - Dollar Tree
Large Thick Plant On DIY Hide - amzn.to/31QdUct
Dark Green Other Plant - amzn.to/2H9O2QK
Water Bowl - It came from the clearance section of WalMart. It's a Vibrant Life Ceramic Pet Bowl.
To Make The Hide:
Foam Boards - I can never find these. They're basically this, but at home depot, they come in a pack of multiples for $10 - go.magik.ly/ml/1bod3/
Foam Cutter - amzn.to/31L6cjC
Grout - amzn.to/2KSV9Oy
Paint - Any Non-Toxic Craft Paint
Shellac - go.magik.ly/ml/1bod4/
Need Roaches? Don't forget to use code ELLE at thedubiadude.com for 10% off your order! :)
Thanks for watching! :)
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Curious about what I use in my tanks or what you need for your new setup? Check out my Amazon Store:
www.amazon.com/shop/ellesrept...
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🦗Want to support the channel? Buy my reptiles some feeders at: www.buymeacoffee.com/ellesrep...
Instagram: / elle.622
Twitter: / ellesreptiles
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What I Use To Film (nothing exciting here, but for those that are curious):
Camera:
amzn.to/2UUNUJp
Microphone:
amzn.to/2SOIRwx
Ring Light:
amzn.to/2IdotkG
Vlog Tripod:
www.target.com/p/joby-griptig...
*******
Disclaimers:
Although I have a few reptiles, I am in no way a reptile expert. I just research a whole bunch and make videos. Please always do lots and lots of research before getting any pet! :)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This just means that I receive a small percentage of your purchase, but don't worry, the prices are the same.
I'm just a girl with a love for animals. :)
Don't forget to subscribe! I upload every single Sunday. Come hang out with me and watch me talk about animal things... and watch my animals do animal stuff.
#ballpython #ballpythonsetup #ballpythontank

[@illyannaturtle6950]

I once put a plant in my ball pythons enclosure and the next morning it was dismembered 🤣

[@ellesreptiles]

🤣 that's exactly what I'm afraid of

[@shiy6055]

F

[@ragnarlothbrok1561]

Same that happened to me

[@speedybear3878]

Same

[@MrDamonster94]

Love the Hide, You should start selling those things. For those of us who don’t have the talent, to make such a vital part of a successful reptile enclosure. Awesome video

[@ellesreptiles]

Thank you! And haha my husband has suggested that a few times as well. I wish I had time to do that!

[@ramxzey]

yesss like on etsy

[@fireinateacup89]

I love that you made the hide have a nice large platform on top so the snake can chill on top and maximize the space he gets! So thoughtful. Looks really nice, too!

[@johncarter9129]

Love the video, I have a 100 percent bio active tank. I love it. Love everything about it.

[@Chinstrap-99]

That’s such a cool set up. And I love the DIY hide!

[@MiBackpacking]

Love how you designed his habitat! I am completely new to snake ownership, got my first ball python today and I’m in love! I would love to go bioactive too but haven’t seen too much about it. If you end up doing that, I would love to see how you do it! Love your videos Elle! 🙏🏼

[@AuntBsSouthernSerpents]

My Brother just bought me my first Ball Python. Tiberius is Pied. I love the way you set this up. I have almost everything you have. Except for the pieces of wood.

[@charleswhite5482]

Cool setup! Im getting a second hide for one of mine tomorrow, got her a new large hide today but it's letting a lot of light in with little shade.

[@jarrodackles9112]

Just found your video and recreated the Rock Hide! Made one for the hot zone and one for the cool zone and they came out great and super cheap to make!! thank you for sharing!! I wish I could show you a picture of the hides!

[@followtherabbit203]

Just found this channel, very in depth and I feel you on the destructive ball pythons. Def stealing the the hide idea. I appreciate it in advance 😬

[@jesusbeloved3953]

The hide is fantastic! Two things I would do differently. 1) Put the probe for the thermostat right on top of the heat pad directly. Not ever a good idea to put anything sticky near a snake. 2) You can make a humidity hide by using a plastic container and adding moist sphugum moss inside. Cut a large enough hole in the lid for the snake to get in and out. Put it in the tank when he goes into blue.

[@AJTurbo]

My Menagerie ! If you are using that type of substrate from experience no sphagnum moss is needed it would just be over kill and cause scale rot.

[@julieaime4594]

I LOVE your shirt! That show was so underrated!

[@SupremeGecko]

Another great video. I did a build like this years ago. LOTS of work but well worth it. Thanks you for sharing.

[@ellesreptiles]

Thank you so much 😁

[@nancyridgway5032]

Love the homemade hide idea!!

[@rileyl0123]

Looks good! Thanks for the inspiration. I’ve been going around getting ideas

[@gabbrielewilson6702]

I might have to make a hide like that. So far, for my 5’ ball python I’ve been using litter box trays with a “door” cut in it lol

[@lewislighting7776]

Not bad I've used oil pans for water and caves in the past too lol

[@Ahriman_II]

Another awesome upload 🦎👀s.

[@ellesreptiles]

Thank you! 🦎👀

[@Chrisdafer199]

Great video! One suggestion, use silicone to hold down the temp probe or place it on the mat directly under the glass. A snake can fatally damage themselves on adhesives. Nothing sticky at all should be used in the enclosure.

[@dakotarohrer5520]

MY GOD I just stumbled upon this video completely by accident and I have to say, you are absolutely stunning! like... im speechless.... I also love your video ! been looking for a new way to set up my ball python enclosure!

[@ragnarlothbrok1561]

Wildland Warrior Kota that’s nice 🙂

[@TheStephany1219]

Sterling is such a beautiful boy❤️ I bet he loves his new enclosure

[@ellesreptiles]

Thank you! He has been non stop exploring, to the point where he's not even sleeping in either hide haha. He just falls asleep on top of them or halfway in.

[@khalisaestes7282]

Hey Stephanie guess what Your Bored

[@AugustDreamScape]

Great setup!!!

[@spencer6459]

i love that background! great vid =D

[@IAMGiftbearer]

The enclosure and new hide looks nice! I don't have a bioactive one yet but want to do that for at least one of my Ball Pythons in the future. I think if you use alot of moss (and wood like you have in this cage), ferns, and some heavy-duty plants like a small ficus tree he won't be able to really destroy it. The key is to make sure things are anchored in. You can surround some plants with rocks, logs or driftwood and the moss will also help hold things in place. Watch some of Josh Halter's videos on Bioactive set-ups (The Bio Dude). He has lots of really nice techniques for holding things in place, and he has a Ball Python in a bioactive set-up.

[@ellesreptiles]

Thank you so much! That's a good idea, anchoring everything in. I love the bio dude, but I don't think I've seen the bioactive video with a ball python. I'll have to watch that. Thank you! 😁

[@NadoriKaija]

Thank you for this!! I'm getting my first ball python in a few weeks and have a 75-80gal tank on hand I want to fix up for her. I'll probably build real stone hides for her, have a couple deer antlers to use instead of a climbing branch, might use one of my large seashells as a hide too, we'll see. Just doing all the research I can on tank setup before we make the trip to go get her and bring her home.

[@donttellthefbiimhere9426]

I hope that it’s going well with your bp!

[@NadoriKaija]

@@donttellthefbiimhere9426 Thank you!! She's doing beautifully. Growing steadily bigger. She's SUCH a sweetheart, never strikes or hisses at us, very chill little thing. Likes to coil up on top of our heads like she's our crown lol. She's on rats now and just as beautiful as she can be.

[@donttellthefbiimhere9426]

@@NadoriKaija Awww!! Congrats, I’m so happy for you!

[@stephaniebrawner7626]

I love your chanel! And your curls are ON POINT!

[@sammyd976]

Loved your video!!

[@justinbonet6753]

Best ball python setup vid ever.

[@ellesreptiles]

Awww thank you 😊

[@kaitlynnbaker7556]

Thank you. This was super helpful. 💙

[@ellesreptiles]

So glad I could help! 🥰

[@MT-qf7nu]

I'm looking at getting a ball python with a setup like this all artificial but looks natural love this setup definitely give me some inspiration

[@EclipseFirefly123]

Hey isn’t he your blind ball of joy lol love his colors and your vids

[@WattsReacts]

Love your videos. Can't wait to get my first snake soon!

[@ellesreptiles]

Thank you! And that’s awesome, what are you getting? 😊

[@WattsReacts]

@@ellesreptiles Right now I've narrowed it down to a corn snake or a hognose! lol

[@jtibs1]

Love the shirt!!!!

[@boab9794]

If you're having major problems with keeping humidity you might want to look at herp husk I use it for my pythons and boa constrictor works really well

[@i-84grow.49]

Very cool idea...🐍🦎🐢

[@ellesreptiles]

Thank you! 😊🐍

[@lewislighting7776]

Ok was your probe on the other side of the glass or directly on the heat pad? Can you please tell me I wanna make sure I'm doing it right thanks

[@dougmorissette459]

Great video! My ball python took her rat inside her hide and then coiled around it again. She lifted the hide 2 inches above the substrate while doing this. But then she flexed outwards against the sides of her hide. That was when I heard the cracking sound of the hide breaking.

[@ellesreptiles]

Oh wow! That's so crazy. 😬 That's a strong snake. Did she end up breaking the whole thing?

[@dougmorissette459]

Ellie, No, it was a large store bought cave hide made out of resin. But now it has a 2 inch long crack in the top of it that starts at the entrance. I really like the look of your hide but I would have to strengthen it somehow to stop her from breaking it.

[@RickyGIII]

The wood and sticks don’t mold or erode from the misting and humidity?

[@DavisLensch]

I’m going to set up a bioactive vivarium for my female ball python

[@ellesreptiles]

Are you going to make a video setting it up? I'd love to see it!

[@DavisLensch]

Elle's Reptiles yeah I will!

[@DavisLensch]

Here's Jonny yep she’s in it! I should have a video about it up on my channel in the next few weeks

[@hannahthefallenangel788]

Cute ball python. Have any suggestions for a new owner?

[@leksilou1427]

Not bioactive but I have a few plants in tiny pots buried under the substrate just to liven it up lol she does pretty good with them. She will slither on top and sometimes squish the leaves but that’s okay lol

[@isabellamaclean8890]

Do your ball python videos also apply for pythons such as children's pythons, stimson's pythons or spotted pythons?

[@kidvicious2227]

How do you keep it up to temp with a heat mat under all that sub

[@rentorange9450]

hi! what is the mixture for the diluted bleach disinfectant you used ?? the pieces i have are too big to boil or bake 😭

[@leyva_lifts]

If you don’t have a heat pad can you also use a heat lamp

[@shpresaa.1207]

Did you put the black cardboard inside or outside the tank? Tysm for this video, I don't have a BP yet but I'm saving this vid for when I do

[@ellesreptiles]

It's on the outside. And I'm glad the video was helpful! 😊

[@rxge_thunderrose6226]

that baby was so cute

[@dominicsexotics3266]

I’m going to attempt to make this! Also I hope you know how inspiring your channel is! I’m a new exotic pet KZbinr from the Middle East, you don’t see many people of color in this community at least on KZbin so your channel is very refreshing.

[@Sunny-lt1zl]

That’s so cool. I’m middle eastern and have a ball python

[@Sunny-lt1zl]

Subscribed

[@swolelemur6596]

Love the setup especially the background looks dope. I do have two questions tho is it ok to use a exo terra 5.0 uvb bulb with a ball python? And can an adult male stay in a 40 gallon for the rest of it's life?

[@bribrewster5754]

Yes it can stay in a 40 gallon for the rest of it’s life & ball pythons do not bask so a light is not necessary. Mines have a heating mad underneath his terrarium

[@cherridavion1634]

Bioactive works great for ball pythons. I have both of my pythons on bioactive, I also have a Kenyan sand boa on Bio as well. Pothos and other sturdy plants like work well for balls.

[@ellesreptiles]

Interesting. And yours don’t pull the plants up? I love pothos, they’re one of the few plants I can grow haha

[@cherridavion1634]

@@ellesreptiles Nope and the male burrows

[@sandyelliott3350]

Did you put the heat mat on the inside of the tank ? Or underneath ?

[@ellesreptiles]

It’s underneath 😊

[@its_rafa_]

How big is this tank in cm? And the temps in C°?

[@camille-dx7jk]

can I put a baby ball python in a 40 gallon tank if I am doing shoebox feedings?

[@BrittasCreepyTreasures]

Is the DIY hide safe to be set over the heat pad?

[@christinesmith8330]

Love it

[@ttman6197]

Am getting mine April the 1st yeah am excited for my first snake

[@Chloe_Batty]

Looking for inspiration rn as I’m setting up a 120 gallon enclosure for a bp. I’ll be getting a rescue at some point and can’t wait.

[@keganjs]

What kind of grout did you use?

[@PooPoo-pe8cw]

SUN BRO!!! ☀️

[@ABaby-rd8zo]

Where did you get the fake leaves?

[@jessb9985]

I'm curious to know if you freeze your repti bark before using it? I used repti bark and eco earth with out freezing and two weeks later I had wood mites all over my tank.

[@mando_v]

Your fine don’t worry wood mites are harmless to snakes

[@zambam3481]

I would like to get a young ball python but is it ok if I get a 40 gallon even when the snake is young? If I provide enough enrichment, clutter and hides, would he still be stressed out?

[@missyhoops305]

Question about the shellac. We built a basking platform and hide for our bearded dragon. How does this shellac hold up with cleaning and things like that? Looks great, by the way!!

[@ellesreptiles]

It’s been holding up great! I also have a hide (with shellac) that I used in my BTS tank that’s doing great, even with daily misting 😊

[@missyhoops305]

@@ellesreptiles Thank you for the info!!

[@revelrestored8168]

Question how do you keep your snake from trying to escape with the probe inside the tank with the cord?

[@ellesreptiles]

My lid has a little notch out of the corner for the cord to go through, so the lid isn't lifted any by the cord 😊

[@JeremyGoneWildPets]

Oh wow sterling is so big

[@ellesreptiles]

Yea he is! He's a little over 4 years old. My next big purchase will be getting him a bigger tank, and hopefully it'll be a pvc one.

[@rhubiperez2946]

How big is your python? Both length and weight?

[@John52416]

Overhead heating is actually the heat doesn't give the the uv you get from overhead.

[@gemmahowell6011]

Yep my son’s ball python is in a bio active

[@kieranduffy3261]

Yes finally u r the best

[@ellesreptiles]

Awww thanks ♥️

[@bryancurrier1743]

O my God i love your voice and the video was great to lol

[@caldoesstuff7290]

Can confirm my ball Python is a destroyer of enclosures, digger of ground, impatient escape artist.

[@dm_for_feetpics9009]

U should use a humidity box

[@jose_xforward6297]

I heard ball pythons like close places, so is a 20 gallon okay for all its life? I’ve seen people put them in smaller plastic tubs because they like it better, is it true?

[@riflebabe7036]

40 is the smallest you should keep a full grown bp in. Mine is in a 75 gallon long. As long as you have plenty of hides and decor bigger is better. She likes to come out at night and stretch and explore.

[@williamclifton9508]

You so cute with you’re country accent

[@allgasnobrakes919]

@Tony Cheese 💯

[@jj32094]

You ever have feeding issue when in tanks like to this

[@ronzen666]

Sorry, my english is to bad. How do you call this tool, with which you cut the styrofoam? 🙏😱

[@ellesreptiles]

It's a Foam Cutter or Styrofoam Cutter. It came from Amazon 😊 (I always leave links in the descriptions, if you want that exact foam cutter.)

[@jwt8884]

So they don’t need lights on the top tank

[@tylerangel4073]

How many grams is that snake?

[@ernestmoore4158]

Girl you are so country but who am I to talk lol very well put together video for tank set up for a snake thanks

[@asiaaasia6502]

Finding another woman of color who’s passionate about reptiles was seriously a breath of fresh air 😭

[@jordanam3707]

What is the minimum amount of floor space for a ball python

[@ellesreptiles]

40 gallon breeder tank, so floor space alone I think that’s about 650 sq in

[@jordanam3707]

Thank you💗🐍

[@jacobshipley289]

Should I get a bearded dragon or ball python

[@donttellthefbiimhere9426]

Depending if you want a snake or a bearded dragon. Beardies are sometimes easier to care for!

[@GriffsFish]

Is he a banana pastel ?

[@lementer123]

you forgot the light you used

[@samanthathompson4962]

How much substrate does he ingest when its feeding day? Ive been using plain eco earth and its awful when i go to feed they got a mouth full so i hate it

[@ellesreptiles]

Before it was none. He hasn’t eaten in this setup yet, but I’ll definitely keep that in mind. He’s usually pretty good about striking the rat in the air (I tong feed). He also only eats really dry rats, so it shouldn’t stick too much... hopefully haha

[@samanthathompson4962]

@@ellesreptiles lucky you! Mine only eats if i leave it sitting on the ground and cover the tank in a towel lol

[@ellesreptiles]

Haha oh wow. It never stops amazing me just how picky ball pythons can be.

[@solitary.witch0077]

Is it possible to feed in a different tank? I've been debating that

[@katpointer]

Check out this guy's natural setup. His snake also likes to dig and move stuff around so this is how he did his tank. He gave me a lot of ideas. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKWclJ6Ig9qWmas

[@ellesreptiles]

Yes I love SerpaDesign! 😊 He has, hands down, the best setups on KZbin.

[@staceyespinosa4599]

Hiii ellie, you inspired me to purchase my 2 ball pythons but I'm wondering if I can contact you personally.

[@ethelpullum3934]

Hulk pit bull .

[@mariehaugland9996]

Probe should go UNDER the glass

[@sofi-gk3ue]

this is so random but ur teeth are literally perfect LMFAAOOO

[@HollywoodColt]

Everything is perfect

[@Agreatchaos444]

My snake broke the glass on his tank

[@briannawarren4174]

Wow, how did that happen?

[@theonearkysnakeyt4875]

My two ball pythons live together and they always cuddle up in one hide and always knock off the lid of the hide

[@ODST930]

btw you want a heat lamp for a ball python because a heat pad burns there belly

[@raulcampoverde3159]

No Che?

[@adrianquiroz4470]

I have a 4 year old ball python, but I wanna get a baby ball python, so my question is, can I put them together or should I put the baby one in another enclosure?? Thank you..

[@ellesreptiles]

The baby one definitely needs to be in another enclosure. If you put them together, you risk the bigger one eating the smaller one.

[@karyna7662]

Ball pythons do not need light, try to get rid of the light. Even you said it!

[@ellesreptiles]

“Do not need light” doesn’t mean they can’t have it. It just means they don’t need special lighting (such as a heat lamp or UV). Don’t forget that they are exposed to sunlight and moonlight in the wild. In captivity, they also need some kind of lighting to differentiate between day and night. The way my tank is setup, not a lot of sunlight comes through to him, so I use a small LED to show him day/night cycle. You wouldn’t want to be locked in a room with zero light all the time, it would mess up your “internal clock” - the same is true with animals. 😊 Thanks for watching!

[@ash_plays8763]

Hey, I don’t recommend humidity for ball pythons if he has a hard time shedding when he is shedding use a humid hide ball python can get sick from to much humidity just to let you know

[@ellesreptiles]

I'm not sure where you got that information? But common ball python care shows that these animals thrive in a humidity of 55-65% 😊

[@ash_plays8763]

At pet stores they tell us to keep them a low humidity and I was told if I don’t listen to the pet stores I can’t keep a pet. But I use reptile bark and when he is shedding I mist him down 1 a day bc he won’t use a humid hide. I just don’t keep it humid constant bc I looked it up and it said keeping it humid constant could result in scale Rot. And he has been doing fine without high humidity for 5 years and he has never had a problem.

[@ellesreptiles]

Yea, unfortunately chain pet stores are (usually) the worst place to get care information. I have a whole series of videos going over pet store care guides and what's wrong with the information in them. Basically, chain pet stores don't keep up to date on information, and are still teaching care that is 10+ years outdated. While the care "works", it doesn't provide the best conditions for the animals, and usually the care taker is left depending on luck that the animal doesn't get sick 😕. As these animals have been kept in captivity for longer and longer, humans have constantly updated care requirements for the animals, to make sure they stay the healthiest. I'm happy that he's been doing well, and I'm glad you spray him down when he sheds! That's fantastic. And reptile bark is a good substrate, as it holds humidity nicely😊. As for scale rot - humidity and muddy soil are two different things. Since humidity is water in the air, a humidity of 55-65% definitely won't cause scale rot, but if water is left pooling on the substrate, that definitely will.

[@ash_plays8763]

Thank you that helped.

[@diarrarobertson5683]

ball python

[@joewebb6901]

Second

[@madisonbedfordsmith3804]

Tanks a bit small

[@dbmfr]

You are gorgeous

[@ellesreptiles]

Well thank you 😊

[@jacobmcmann6410]

For some reason this video is causing me anxiety