u/mercfh85

I've been in the industry about 14 years, mostly test automation, and I'm moving toward DevOps/platform engineering. Day to day I work with GitLab CI/CD, Terraform, Helm/Kubernetes deployments, and some AWS. I'm currently leading a migration of a large number of services onto Kubernetes.

The problem is that I work at a .NET/Windows shop, so I've barely touched Linux in years. I took a basic self-check recently (systemctl/journalctl, finding what's on a port, disk usage, apt, file ownership) and did badly. I knew roughly which tool to reach for but not the actual commands.

My employer pays for certs. My current plan is KCNA, then CKA, Terraform Associate, and AWS Solutions Architect Associate. I wasn't planning on a Linux cert, just a refresher course plus using WSL daily and running a homelab.

Questions:

1. Is LFCS, RHCSA, or Linux+ worth adding for someone aiming at cloud/platform roles, or does CKA cover the "can use Linux" signal well enough?
2. If one is worth it, which, and would you do it before or after CKA?
3. For those who came from a Windows-heavy background, what got your Linux skills to stick when your job didn't require it?
4. How much Linux do you really use in a platform role, compared with what the certs test?

Not looking for reassurance, honest takes welcome.

I've been in the industry about 14 years, mostly test automation, and I'm moving toward DevOps/platform engineering. Day to day I work with GitLab CI/CD, Terraform, Helm/Kubernetes deployments, and some AWS. I'm currently leading a migration of a large number of services onto Kubernetes.

The problem is that I work at a .NET/Windows shop, so I've barely touched Linux in years. I took a basic self-check recently (systemctl/journalctl, finding what's on a port, disk usage, apt, file ownership) and did badly. I knew roughly which tool to reach for but not the actual commands.

My employer pays for certs. My current plan is KCNA, then CKA, Terraform Associate, and AWS Solutions Architect Associate. I wasn't planning on a Linux cert, just a refresher course plus using WSL daily and running a homelab.

Questions:

1. Is LFCS, RHCSA, or Linux+ worth adding for someone aiming at cloud/platform roles, or does CKA cover the "can use Linux" signal well enough?
2. If one is worth it, which, and would you do it before or after CKA?
3. For those who came from a Windows-heavy background, what got your Linux skills to stick when your job didn't require it?
4. How much Linux do you really use in a platform role, compared with what the certs test?

Not looking for reassurance, honest takes welcome.

Has anyone used this course? It's already paid through my job (the subscription to the site) but I'm not sure if this course is "enough" to pass.

FWIW I work as an Automation Engineer/SDET and work with AWS fairly regular...but on a limited scope. Mainly Secret Manager/SMM pieces, cloudwatch and then the usual EC2/Beanstalk stuff (With a few random pieces sprinkled in).

I def. don't have the "breadth" of knowledge for everything, but Im hoping at least with my experience I can pass via a video course and not "too" much else.

Found a tiny tick attached to my son's back (he's 7, we're in Kentucky). My wife noticed a mark on it Monday but assumed it was a scab; I pulled the tick out today, so it's possible it was attached for about 2 days.

What it looked like:

• Extremely tiny — smaller than a grain of rice, more like a large grain of sand/poppy seed
• Cream/tan colored body
• Legs and what I think was the mouthpart looked reddish-brown
• Six legs (I'm fairly confident). I mean this thing was SUPER small.
• Still flat/not engorged when I pulled it, even though it may have been attached ~2 days
• Removed cleanly with tweezers, slow steady pull, no mouthparts left behind that I could see
• Didn't manage to save it — it fell off after removal, so no photo either

Based on the six legs, size, and time of year (early September), I'm guessing lone star tick larva, but I'd love a second opinion from anyone with more tick ID experience.

My main questions:

1. Does this sound like a lone star larva to those of you who've seen a lot of ticks?
2. Anyone have experience with how long larvae typically attach before falling off / whether "flat after 2 days" is normal for a larva?
3. Any red flags in what I've described that I should be more worried about?

He's otherwise totally fine right now — no rash, no fever — just watching for symptoms over the next few weeks per the usual guidance. Appreciate any insight!

Obviously scared shitless of the diseases he could get, but I mean I guess people get bit every year and don't get it. I'm not asking for medical advice. It's just really hard to get an ID because I look at larvae tick pictures on google and it's really hard to tell (FWIW I could not make out any "dot" if it was a lone star).But it's body was def. a cream colored/reddish brown (I know that sounds weird) but it was def. lighter than what I would expect. But when I look at other tick larvae types they are much darker so....

I'll try to keep this short, basically I have maybe around 20-25ft of ethernet I need to run from my PC to my rack. I did some reorganizing in the office, and moving my PC was easier than dropping a new coax line and ethernet line for my AP.

Looking for some white cable that's easy to hide but also I guess a suggested "kit" for hiding it around a door frame. A lot of cable is hidden behind a media center thing so I don't need a huge amount of cable hiding.

I know "flat" cables are a thing, but I dunno if they are good/fragile/etc...

Thanks!

So I locked myself out of the Selvus questline amulet Magic Scorpion Charm. I had mixed up the quest and I am wanting to try an Int/BattleMage build.

I thought about using the shopkeeper mod that lets you buy everything JUST for that singular item. However since my character technically is locked out from it I didn't want to get banned for playing online.

This is on PC and I would only turn the mod on (offline) to get the item) and then turn off the mod.

password mercfh

im at right before the fog gate after u take the coffin down

I am at Prince of Death's throne site of grace

Password: mercfh

Thanks!

At the twin gargoyles fog room. password is set to mercfh

So I purchased a Corn Snake last Sunday, he's clearly alive but mostly been hiding in the substrate. He was last fed on July 15th but I have not seen him come up at all for example to drink water (unless he's doing it at night).
I feel like I should feed him, but if he's still hiding I don't want to disturb him either.

Basking Temp: 88/ Cold Temp: 74/ Night Temp: 67-68
Humidity sitting around 60-75% (only at night/ rarely)

So temp stuff should be ok? He's in a 80/20 Cypress Mulch/ReptiBark mix.

My house gets close to 70% humidity at night which I know is above range. Humidity typically sits closer to 55-66% during the day.

The substrate (Cypress mulch/reptibark) mix doesn't seem like moldy or anything. Is this a huge deal for nighttime? I imagine it's from just the natural drop in temp (Which typically drops to about 67 for us)

I'll try to keep this short. I've been researching getting a snake for probably all in all about a year, if not more off and on.

I finally made myself go to a ReptiCon and purchase a very nice pre-set up enclosure and a corn snake (Juvenile)

Soon as I got him home, I was immediately filled with anxiety about:
- Salmonella
- Germs in general from the snake/frozen mice
- The snake itself, like making sure his enclosure is clean/etc....
- Getting the right things right (Temp/Humidity/lights, all that stuff)

it's making me wonder if this is a mistake, I mean these are all real things and it'll be hard to enjoy the pet if I am constantly anxious. Has anyone felt this way?

I dunno why but ever since I got my snake i've had this weird worry about Salmonella. I went to a reptilecon and mentioned it (probably cause I am a bit of a hypochondriac) and people were lol like lol no, and they've never heard of anyone getting sick.

Is this something I am overthinking?

I dunno why but ever since I got my snake i've had this weird worry about Salmonella. I went to a reptilecon and mentioned it (probably cause I am a bit of a hypochondriac) and people were lol like lol no, and they've never heard of anyone getting sick.

Is this something I am overthinking?

20g Thrive Long

So this is my first snake ever, it's a corn snake (he's hiding). I purchased this setup from a ReptileCon yesterday. I have a few questions however, especially when it comes to lighting. My Snake is a Juvenile they said and his age was about 2 they said (maybe 1.5 or so years old). Also I know it's a lot of questions but I want to make sure I have it down right

From what I was told this is a 20g Long Thrive Enclosure. It's 30inch by 12 Inch Depth (and approx 14 inches tall). I think this makes it a 20g Long. I'll be eventually upgrading this is just a short term enclosure.

Anyways, let me get mainly enclosure questions out of the way. As most breeders were able to explain handling/feeding.

• The substrate is a mix of Cypress Mulch and Reptibark the person said. I know aspen is popular but based off who I talked to (and the internet) this would be ok? You can see a little moisture in the bottom but it seems to be evaporating. This person mainly had Pythons/Boas I think but said for a Corn it should be ok. He seems to like burrowing in it.
• Is this cage suitable size wise for now? He's not super big and I will upgrade but I am hoping it can last me a year or so.
• "moist hide" is on the cool side, with some moss. He said it would keep the hide less dry which makes sense (I dunno why I thought moist hide would be on the hot side)
• Humidity stays around upper 50's, I am in Ky so it's a native corn snake area.
• Is it bad that it's on the floor? I have an Ikea kallax coming today so maybe would be better to be on top?
• Anything else look "wrong" here outside the light/heat situation

Heating/Lighting (This needs it's own section): Ok so this is where I am SO confused, it came with a CHE but it took forever to bare probe on the ground heat to 85 (It's on a thermometer). So I am going out today to fix that since it's clearly too weak. The other bulb is a UVB bulb (5% I think? or 5 watt) he threw in. Anyways here are my questions (I know for sure to get a thermometer too/etc..., but this one came with a cheapo one)

• Utilizing this guide: https://imgur.com/RFxbLRO and https://reptifiles.com/corn-snake-care-guide/corn-snake-temperatures-humidity/#howheat (I hope these are accurate because they do help)
• Since the CRE isn't providing much, it sounds like I should get a "Basking bulb" which I guess is Halogen? Is there ANY reason I should get anything else besides this (Claude/ChatGPT (I know i know..lol) I get a heat mat too. But I don't know if that's necessary?
• If I am getting on. Wattage suggestions?/brand suggestions? I think my Dual Clamp light goes up to 150w (but I don't mind buying another one). Although the second guide mentioned getting two?
• Is there any other lighting I need? I'd like to re-use my dual lamp for the Halogen and UVB. But if I should replace something let me know. I think the UVB is 5 watt or 5% but I know the mesh cuts that down a lot. But if I can buy something that will help let me know
• What temp should I aim for in the Hot area? What about "cold area". Should the hot area have a branch or log he can go over?
• I see people recommend DHE? is that better?
• One thing worth noting, our house stays around 68f, at night that room can get down to 66.5-67. I read that the drop isn't necessarily a bad thing for Corn snakes (since it gets down to about that here in Ky) but there is conflicting information. I thought about keeping this cheapo CRE to maybe heat at night? if so up to what temp?

Hi all, first snake/reptile. I got a ceramic heater bulb and uvb light over my snakes hot side. I put the probe in the log part to simulate temp underneath but it's only showing 69-70.

I can tell the bulb is emitting warmth and is hot to the touch. I did get this pre set up enclosure from a reptile con. It's for a corn snake.

Is it likely the probe is just cheap/crappy? I set it to 88 and it's been on for awhile.

The room temp is around 70 but it is on the floor. Still though feels like it should be showing warmer?

Not sure if it's a bad bulb or bad sensor. The probe/thermometer control does feel pretty cheapo

I have circuit clerk jury duty coming up, for some dumb reason I didn't put this on the initial form we filled out.

I was able to get a doctor's note, explaining my medical history. I have to go to the bathroom multiple times a day, it takes a long time and it's unpredictable.

I talked to the circuit clerk and they said while it's too late to submit I can bring the letter and she said the judge is very understanding.

What's my likelihood of being dismissed? Since it is a real issue and probably I imagine is probably pretty disruptive

So I am going to a reptile con near me tomorrow. I want to talk to breeders and such and possibly pick up a corn snake.

However I've held off buying anything cause I am not sure what is to sure needed before talking to breeders.

This isn't an impulse decision I've been researching this quite a bit. That being said we get cons very rarely near here so I am trying to figure out the minimum stuff I need that they don't sell at cons.

And then order the nicer enclosures/etc.. later

What should I absolutely have before getting it, cause I don't know what breeders usually carry. I figure a large tub as a pre buy just in case?

Reptile expo this Sunday — is it too late to have a setup ready, or should I go just to meet breeders and buy later?

First-time reptile keeper here, deciding between a corn snake and a blue tongue skink. There's a reptile expo near me this Sunday, and these cons are pretty rare where I live, so I don't want to waste the opportunity — but I also don't want to rush and do it wrong. Leaning towards Corn snake btw.

My instinct is that a few days isn't enough time to get an enclosure fully set up and stable (temps/humidity dialed in and holding) before Sunday, so bringing an animal home that day feels irresponsible. I'd rather do it right than fast. However...I could maybe get the "minimum" (or if they sell stuff there) and the other stuff would arrive maybe a week after?

The reason I bring this up is because my location doesn't have cons very often. I've basically studied and research close to the past year to try and decide and get all the information.

What I'm thinking instead: go to the con as recon — handle both species, talk to breeders in person, and either arrange to have an animal held or shipped once my setup is running. I'd prefer to buy from a breeder anyway.

So my questions for people who've done this:

1. Is going "just to look" and connect with breeders (rather than buying on the spot) a normal/reasonable way to use an expo?
2. Do reputable breeders generally hold animals or do safe shipping later, so I can get my enclosure stable first?
3. For a first-timer torn between a corn snake and a BTS — anything I should specifically ask breeders or look for while I'm there?
4. Am I overthinking the "setup must be stable first" thing, or is that the right call?

Appreciate any input — trying to be the responsible kind of excited here. And at WORST case I think I would be able to probably source from local pet stores for everything but a nice enclosure (Which I would just order). And maybe use like a large 40g sterilite container temporarily?

Do con's "sell" stuff?

Weird title I know, but i've gone back and forth on getting a snake. I'm pretty experienced with taking care of animals, just not reptiles. I've done a lot of research but I sort of want "exacts" when it comes to buying things.

I do understand that Corn snakes can live a long time, and i've thought about getting one for many many months. Years even i've gone back and forth on it. I feel finally ready to pull the trigger. The good news is that there is an Upcoming reptile expo! Bad news....it's this Sunday (and there won't be another for many months).

If there is a chance I want to take it (to get what I need). That's where I need your help! (if it's doable). (FWIW The Expo is in Indiana, I live in Kentucky. I think it's a pretty popular one). and Id really rather get one from a breeder than a pet store obviously. I'd also probably lean towards getting not a super baby? maybe one thats a bit older?

Shopping list (What I know and don't + questions). Price is mostly "not an issue" unless something is just insane. I'd rather spend more for better + less need to "upgrade later". Focusing on the "absolute needs" right now

• An Enclosure: I'm SUPER torn on this. I've heard about 10 different opinions on "who is the best". I know the "Petco" kits obviously suck. Regardless I've heard 4x2x2 is sort of the "max" needed? I'm ok with spending 3-5 hundred dollars on something like this. I want something that will last. It doesn't need to be fancy.
• Bedding: I've heard many things. I know Aspen is recommended (but has issues? with dryness and maybe "lung issues?). I've seen ReptiChip (or HerpChip in the UK I think) recommended. I've also heard Cypress Mulch (ZooMed forest floor I think?). I'd again rather spend more for something decent. If it can be BioActive that's even better
• Hides: 2 Hides, one on each side. (Does the "Wet/Humid" hide go on the cool or warm side?) + How do people make it humid?
• Climbing things (branches/etc...) + Decor (Maybe live potted plants?) Leaf litter if bioactive. Cork branches etc.. (these I can get over time I figure)
• Drinking bowl: Which side does it go on? It needs to be big enough for the snake to go in right? Is there a material that works best? (plastic vs stone/ceramic/etc...)
• Food/Etc: Obviously some frozen mice + tongs for feeding. Someone mentioned a snake hook is a good idea too
• Light: So i'm super confused here. My assumption is Basking Lamp + UVB. I heard coil UVB = bad? I've also heard like a basking rock (like a rock under the lamp can burn them). Unsure here? I know UVB is sort of "optional" but again....i'd rather get it just in case. I guess also a fluorescent long bulb for just like "light", or is that optional. (Also I heard temp gun is a must)
• Presumably something that can measure humidity. I am in Kentucky so we probably stay around 50%. Not sure if I am supposed to mist? I doubt it?

Anything else I am forgetting? Is this even doable? The enclosure is probably the hardest thing but maybe if I could find a temp large 40 gal sterilie + some basic aspen bedding for now?