Please help!

[Zachattack]

Thanks for the input guys! I actually will be housing a snake though.. I just really like this site for the vivarium info so my temps will need to be a bit higher. And I wasn't planning on just slapping a uth in there by itself.. I was going to try to seal it with silicone or wrap it up with something.. I just really need a way to provide more heat with out a lamp. And I do know that the underground hide will be more work, but I like the constructing part. In the process of building my waterfall now

[deranged chipmunk]

placing a uth inside the tank is a very, VERY bad idea. sealed or not. when i do a false bottom, i use aquarium heaters to heat the water, which in turn will heat the air above the water. get a good, high quality, adjustable heater so you can adjust the temps to where they need to be. it will also create humidity via water evaporation.

worms have been a debated subject for a while. some say they are ok, some say no. i am of the train of thought that they are bad. i prefer springtails and isopods for a cleaning crew. when worms die (and they eventually will) you are looking at tearing apart the entire tank to clean them out, all the while cursing yourself for putting them in the enclosure in the first place....lol (i know this one from personal experience ) of course, you could always house dubia roaches in with the snake if you want a more complete eco system. madagascar hissers are also cool. of course, that all depends on the snake kept of course. they would be a bad idea with an insectivorous snake such as a common garter. but if we're talking a python, they will be fine.

[kueluck]

If you plan on going snake you don't want a moist substrate or you'll end up with scale rot or much worse.

Springtail & pillbugs are AWESOME as tank cleaners as Bill said.

Garters do not eat bugs, the exoskeleton will cause impaction & red wriggles are toxic to them also. Research your snakes carefully.

IMO you need to pick your new friend then do the housing according to species. This way you & new found friend can develop a long and happy relationship together.

[deranged chipmunk]

If you plan on going snake you don't want a moist substrate or you'll end up with scale rot or much worse.

Springtail & pillbugs are AWESOME as tank cleaners as Bill said.

Garters do not eat bugs, the exoskeleton will cause impaction & red wriggles are toxic to them also. Research your snakes carefully.

IMO you need to pick your new friend then do the housing according to species. This way you & new found friend can develop a long and happy relationship together.

thanks for that correction Gail, i am obviously NOT a reptile guy....lol

[kueluck]

That's cool. I have 3 Garters (Thamnophis) and they are some of my best friends.

thanks for that correction Gail, i am obviously NOT a reptile guy....lol