So I’ll be adopting a new corn snake in a bit. I’ve recently purchased a new enclosure ( REPTI ZOO 34 Gallon) at Amazon. The enclosure measures 24" x 18" x 18". I want to make sure that I set it up properly so I figured I’d ask the MM community about doing so.
My first question is concerning using proper lighting for my snake. So far, looking into this I’ve found contradictory info and I feel the MM community will have info I can have better trust in.
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Info I’ve found is that corn snakes are neither classified as nocturnal (active at night) or diurnal (active in the day), but crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk) . So I am not sure if I need to have a heat lamp (halogen) for them to soak under. Also not sure if having a UVB light providing UV lighting in the daytime hours.
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Additionally, there is a possibility that I’ll be getting an albino morph. In my research so far I have found that due to the albino morphs having pink eyes the UV lighting can cause them damage. I don’t want to hurt the little fella if I can help it. Any input on this subject is welcome.
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I have a good understanding about water dishes, hides, plants and climbing branches, etc.
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I plan on having a humidity chamber in the enclosure. I’m thinking that I will put it in when I see the snake begin to show signs of shedding appear. Anybody think I should have it in my enclosure full time? The enclosure has a fairly small footprint so keeping the humidity chamber in there full time would really affect what else I can put in there.
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I would like to hear what folks have to say about substrates though. I haven’t settled on what I want to get. Please fire away with your opinions! (I’ve considered the bioactive alternative but feel that it doesn’t provide the benefits many say. I’ve decided to go with a naturalistic version. Seems much easier to me.)
Thanks for reading, and thanks in advance for any input!
Mike