Samantha, it's always great to see another Brazilian enthusiast on the forums!
There are a few potential pitfalls to consider when breeding this species. You've already eliminated the first -- breeding too young -- for which I can't say enough good things. Too many people rush it at 2.5 years, whereas an extra year makes all the difference. A second factor to consider is the risk to the animals. Breeding is very stressful, and sometimes things Go Badly Wrong, losing not only the babies, but also an adult (usually the female). One unique risk to Brazilians -- admittedly a small one, but I’d rather you be aware – is that breeding can cause a snake to “brown out” and lose its color. This seems to affect females, oddly…. To emphasize, not a large chance, but it *could* happen, so be prepared just in case. A final consideration is that given the economy, babies may not sell right away, so be prepared (as with any species these days) to care for the young as long as needed. Those extra mouths are not free. ;-)
If you still want to pursue breeding, chances are that it’s too late for this year. The Brazilian breeding process typically starts in November, with a slow cooling of the breeders. Not everyone follows this, but most of the experts do. The male may start refusing food and/or leaving sperm plugs after this, both of which are good signs. Warm them back up after cooling, and sometime early in the year introduce the pair. Females will often drop urates all over the place within an hour to 24 hours after the introduction -- another good sign. If you get this far, all is probably well.
With regard to your water question, the jury is still out. But a large water bowl by itself never hurts, as these snakes love to soak.
I hope this helps,
