well i went to the petstore to get a heatpad for my new tank. well they didnt have the size i needed. but she said not to use one for a ball python. that they like to burrow to get warm or cold. she said to use nothing but lights. i use a light just for the day. she said it helps them shed better with the lights. i think that she is full of crap!!!!!!! i have always used a heat pad. what do yall think?