The best
Plant Germination Kits:
Reddit reviews
From 3.5 billion Reddit comments
The best of Plant Germination Kits by number of unique Reddit comments:
![Hydroponics Sponge Grow Sponges [Pack of 50] – Organic, Sustainable, USA-Made AeroGarden Compatible Refill Sponges – 100% Coco Coir Seed Sponges – Garden Sponges with Seed Divots by Urban Leaf](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41azrEfyOLL._SL500_.jpg)
Top Reddit reviews mentioning Plant Germination Kits:
Grow your own!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CD0KZ78/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_HI.fCbFYYDN3N
Search for mushroom growing kit on Amazon. There are a bunch of them. I gave one to my Secret Santa and they loved it!
Wow, your roommate sucks. Thank you for being willing to help this poor snake!
You can get a cheap plastic tub at Target (or similar) and use a couple bungee cords to reinforce the lid locks. The 27.5 gal Sterilite bin is $15 and can support a 4 foot snake (bulls would prefer a bit more space, but this will meet its needs in a pinch). If you can find a clear Christmas tree storage tub, that would work even better size-wise, but they're hard to come by this time of year.
Yes, they do need a hot spot at all times of the year. She'll be okay if you need some time to gather supplies, just hold off on feeding her. If you do get a plastic tub, you'll need to use a heat pad (can buy from any pet store, they're not expensive) and thermostat (all heating elements can reach dangerous temperatures if left unregulated). You want a hot spot of high 80s. Throw that heat rock into the garbage right now, they are dangerous and ineffective.
Ambient humidity is usually just fine unless your area is super dry. You can use a spray bottle to bump it up, though. If you use a substrate like coco husk, cypress mulch, or a bark blend, that will help retain moisture if you're having trouble.
Reptile-specific rescues are few and far between, but they do exist. You would probably have better luck posting on a FB group - look for some combination of "[your area] + reptile/snake" and you will likely find something! Sometimes people have even successfully rehomed snakes through posts on this sub.
Good luck!
25 bucks on amazon!
EarlyGrow 93763 Medium Seed and Herb Domed Propagator with Vented Side Height Extension, Extender, Green https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HHR5DGN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabt1_1NUUFbSBQ9TJ4?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Keep your heat mat on a thermostat! Check Amazon for the Hydrofarm Jumpstart. Do this ASAP, before anything else. Snakes don't feel pain the same way we do, and they have been known, commonly, to literally cook on an unregulated heat mat. Jumpstart
Make sure you have lots of clutter in that tank, and at least two hides which would be relatively snug fits. It is a very large tank for a young BP. Use black/dark paper to cover the back and sides of the tank. BPs like to feel safe, and that will help especially since the tank is so large.
Moving around at night is normal. They are nocturnal creatures. Being nocturnal, you should look into switching the lamp to a ceramic heat emitter (think light bulb, but without the light, only heat). Artificial light is unnecessary for them.
Don't handle them for 36-48 hours after feeding. You don't want to stress them and cause them to regurgitate.
Try to keep temps around 82, even at night, and no higher than 88 or so during the day
Actually, there is a kit for 100$ with 4.6 stars on amazon. Its made from a chinese source but this is the cheapest that I found, im looking to save up to buy it instead of my diy co2 system
The visible mushroom part doesn't live so long on most species so they wouldn't be great decoration. But you can get these very cool little foam things that grow mushrooms on them! I had this one and it was great https://www.amazon.com/Back-Roots-Mushroom-Mushrooms-Gardening/dp/B00TUYGRU4/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=mushroom+log&qid=1606877306&s=grocery&sr=1-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzVUFENDdFVVZOVks4JmVuY3...
No it won't really give belly heat, you need a heating pad for a ball generally, and they are literally not usable without a thermostat. I got one for $18 on Amazon and it works fine. This isn't exactly it but close:
https://www.amazon.com/MTPRTC-ETL-Certified-Thermostat-Germination-Reptiles/dp/B000NZZG3S
You know your limits better than anyone else, but really, we're all here cheering you on. Once you get the tools you need for a snek, they're so easy to care for, and they are wonderful pets. My snake was out last night and both my roommates got to hold her for the first time. She also chose to perch her head on my roommates thumb for a straight 90 seconds and I basically died of how cute it was.
Just because corns are easy doesn't mean that you were born with the knowledge to care for them. A thermostat from amazon will regulate your temps for you and then you can rule out the temps being an issue. Feeding is probably the most stressful part, but with patience,that can be overcome too. All snakes can go long periods of time without eating, so a couple more weeks of trial and error won't make him any worse for wear. You can do it!
I don't recommend the ones with them built in. Do you have a glass tank? When I had glass tanks I used an appropriately sized Zoomed Reptitherm heat mat, and used this thermostat from amazon. it's cheap and does the job well enough. I still use that one for my quarantine enclosure and I've had no issue with it.
If you want to get the best thermostat you can, spyder Robotics makes really nice ones. I use a Herpstat 2 for my ball pythons and it's fantastic, very safe and reliable.
To address your first question, rats and mice are different. If the breeder said she's eating ft (frozen thawed) hopper mice, then you shouldn't have any issues feeding her a small mouse. That is, if her set up is correct. Ball pythons don't ever really need to be eating mice to be honest. I know there are more differences between rats and mice than I'll get into here, but for one mice have higher fat than rats while rats are higher in protein and that's important for a growing ball python hatchling. She'll soon grow out of mice entirely so you should switch her to rats as soon as you can. But try to get her to eat what the breeder says she's been eating first.
​
Your comment about the temperature makes me concerned that you don't have a thermostat for your heating. You need to buy one immediately. This regulates the temperature of your heat mat. Otherwise (like you mentioned) it's going to get hot and stay hot. 103 is WAY too hot. You want to have her warm side at around 91. This amazon link is a very reliable brand of thermostat that a lot of people in the reptile community use: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NZZG3S/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 You should also get a temperature gun if you don't have one to accurately check the temperature regularly and make any necessary adjustments.
Amazon. Let me dig up a clean link. I searched forever looking for something tall enough, and found these seedling starters with a middle height extender. Bingo. There’s adjustable FAE holes - two on the sides, and two on top that the picture doesn’t show.
On its own, I don’t think there’s enough FAE, which is why I have the exhaust bringing in a lot of fresh air and making sure it circulated for a bit.
Okay. You don’t need any lights, I was just making sure you didn’t have any. Temp on the warm side should stay around 90 F. If you don’t have a thermostat for your uth, you need to get one. I have this one: (https://www.amazon.com/MTPRTC-Controller-Thermostat-Germination-Reptiles/dp/B000NZZG3S). You should also get a temp gun.
As far as hides go, you should have at least 3, one hot, one cool, and a moist hide. Even if they aren’t shedding, it’s good to keep one out at all times. Make sure he isn’t on loose substrate, I prefer tile or paper towel. And you should keep a pure calcium supplement out at all times. Just put some in a milk cap.
Here is my set up: https://imgur.com/a/lQAeCac
It’s very plain and I’m actually going to be buying some more stuff to put in soon, but it can give you an idea of the basic necessities.
I've been growing sprouts with this for about ten months now with no issues. I eat them daily, but never expected to "feel" a difference or improvement.
You could do an indoor herb garden. My dad has one and it works really well. The herbs grow like crazy. He’s always giving me basil.
https://www.amazon.com/AeroGarden-901100-1200-Harvest-Black/dp/B07CKK8Z78
I just got the chihiros c2 rgb and really like it for my 10 gallon. It seems similar to the onf flat you listed.
For co2 I actually do a diy because there is no where in the my city to refill a tank for me. I think a paintball 20oz tank could be ideal. I was really nervous about moving into the diy tank below, but so far it’s been working really great and I have had no issues.
Link for the co2 system I use
CO2 Generator System Carbon... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Q9YC25Y?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Hydrofarm RS5GALSYS Root Spa Deep Water Culture Bucket System, 5 Gallon, black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01326JYTG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_Y9QNANCYAN23PEWEYZ20?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Something like that is probably the easiest way to get started. That’s not a bad price either.
I’m talking about something like this:
CO2 Generator System Carbon Dioxide Reactor Kit with Auto Valve and Diffuser for Plants Aquarium Greenhouse Grow Tent Grow House https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Q9YC25Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_6R6GKHHYBTY6TW549S06
The comments suggest it’s cheaper than refills
68 is too cold; having a thermostat hooked up to your heating pad would help with that! (shouldn't go below 77).
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NZZG3S/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
​
heat wise it shouldn't go above 84/85; maybe a fan like another user suggested??
I use this thermostat: Hydrofarm MTPRTC Digital Thermostat for Heat Mats https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NZZG3S/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_q.ryub0RX2RPF
And I got a strip of LED lights, a remote control dimmer, and a power cord on Amazon for lighting since it gives off no heat and can be adjusted. I can link you if you're interested in that :) Although I will add that my BRB freezes and/or retreats to a hide with lights on. Pitch black and he'll pop out within ten minutes!
I would get a thermostat ASAP. They're only 20$ on amazon for a cheap one! 98 isn't very comfortable and you're right that he might not be moving despite it being hot because he's still scared. My worry would just be if the heating pad spiked or something malfunctioned and it went above 100 degrees, which is burn territory.
If you're really worried and can afford the thermostat now, I would buy one. :)
Cheaper option is the jumpstart thermostat you can grab from amazon. Not sure why it's 33$ right now though, I got mine for 20$ in Oct.
Yes!! I got them online on Amazon. It came in a seed sprouting kit so now I have 4 trays of alfalfa sprouts! Didn’t know what I was doing at first so I accidentally made too many. Next time I will definitely be rotating my crop so that I don’t have to eat them all at once.
Here’s the kit for those who are interested: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AJJOJD0?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf
I water them once in the morning and once and night and in about a week it has made really delicious sprouts! I also bought another seed variety pack with mung beans and broccoli sprouts so I will be trying them next :)
How do you sprout your beans? 😊
I wouldn't worry about the eating at all! Leos take a while to settle in and get used to their new surroundings and my girl waited about a week before she was ready to eat. Your gecko is just busy getting used to its new environment and I wouldn't be concerned unless it goes on for a few weeks or more.
As for the heating mat, if you don't already have one, my recommendation would be to purchase a thermostat for it that can directly regulate the temperature. Amazon has several good options. I use this one and haven't had any issues with it but there are plenty of other cheaper options.
Edit: I'm not sure what temperature gauge you're using now, but chances are you'll get much more accurate readings with the laser heat gun and be able to tell exactly what your floor temps are, which will tell you if you actually are having an issue with the mat heating the cool side or if your readings are just weird.
They were out of stock for a while on amazon and they just got some more and are shipping them out next week I believe. I just purchased another. Be sure to get the one with the solenoid because amazon also has the same one without the solenoid.
CO2 Generator System Carbon Dioxide Reactor Kit with Auto Valve and Diffuser for Plants Aquarium Greenhouse Grow Tent Grow House https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Q9YC25Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_0HpgDbFDK1BQG
Doesn't have to be this size obviously lol but here's what I mean by real heat tape that's flat https://www.reptilebasics.com/heat-tape/21-heat-tape-connected/
Here's a cheaper thermostat I used this one for over a year and it worked amazing. I did end up switching to the VE ones though. They have might drop and stuff for people who are into that and it also has an alarm if Temps get to high or low but here's a cheaper version https://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-Germination-MTPRTC-Controller-Thermostat/dp/B000NZZG3S?pd_rd_w=TybPc&pf_rd_p=cfa4cf35-69cb-416c-866a-04cb565837d4&pf_rd_r=K4D477PTSTMV8T5XHYRS&pd_rd_r=0550521d-5f04-4ed3-8687-3f9c00b8e11e&pd_rd_wg=w...
If you hook up the heating pad to a thermostat, that will ensure it stays at 90. Heat pads alone without regulation often overheat and cause digestive issue, and can start fires or cause burns in extreme cases.
She will defiantly get lighter, at the very least when her spot pattern develops and the pigment spaces out. In general though they can be rather dull when cold or dehydrated
This is a fantastic hobby for kiddos! But since this is probably the worst state in the country for anyone to pursue this hobby, if you wanna see if fungi/mushrooms spark his interest I recommend trying one of these out. These little kits are so much fun I've bought 5 diff kinds at this point and learned how to exploit them for multiple harvests. And if there's anyone in the fam who enjoys eating mushrooms, the harvests are great in ramens and stir frys.
Also yes I reeeeally do need to get a better camera and learn all it's fancy tricks for this hobby. Or at least something better than the HDR setting on my phone.
And thanks for the well wishes. I really did have a great time and appreciate how awesome the community has been about helping out and supporting the need for a break. Y'all are the best.
They mean the heating pad needs to be hooked up to a thermostat in order to safely stay at temps appropriate for your gecko. Then you can use thermometer/hygrometers to read the air temps and humidity of the tank
yeah my first grow was a complete disaster so this time I did it completely different and the results have been dramatically better
​
I spawned to bulk with the outgrow larger grain, let that innoc for around 3-4 weeks then S2B with the manure/coir mix I got from the same company
​
its going very well, its in the below device, real cheap and I havent had to add moisture once
​
I have a heating pad underneath it and really wet verm layer with the substrate in containers sitting on top of it
​
I keep the heating pad off unless I air it out or it starts to dry up a little, then I turn on the heating pad for several hours until everything is wet and I see really small tiny specks of water on the substrate, then I remove the top for 10-15 seconds just to get it some air then let it sit for a day or 2 with only the sides open for FAE
​
its going really good right now
​
​
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HHR5DGN?psc=1&ref=ppx\_yo2ov\_dt\_b\_product\_details