New BP temp. check

[Amp625]

I just got a new ball python and have been having some trouble with the temperature. I think i got it right i just want to double check. On the cool side the temp is 80 and the warm side the air temp is 90 with a basking light, then i have a heat pad with a hide over it. I do have a hide in the cool side too. Is this set up correct?

[dr del]

Hi,

You want to measure the temp where the snake will actually be.

So try and find the temps inside the hides. I'd also try and check the temps unde the substrate above the UTH as this should be the hottest part of the enclosure - you want to make sure that this doesn't get to dangerous temperatures.

I generally try and arrange it so that this area has a max temp of 95f and then adjust the type and depth of substrate until the temp inside the hot end hide is 90-93f.


dr del

[Amp625]

it was too hot i just put alot more substrate in that hide im measuring the temp. now should a get a thermostat or if it measures out okay will i be okay?

[Maverick67]

you do have the heat pad (under tank heater) under the tank not in it right?

[snakesRkewl]

it was too hot i just put alot more substrate in that hide im measuring the temp. now should a get a thermostat or if it measures out okay will i be okay?

You answered your own question.
The heat pad is too hot because UTH's need thermostats to control their temperature.
I would unplug the UTH till you get a thermostat.
Substrate is not a way to protect the snake from the uth being too hot

If you don't already have one you'll also need a probed thermometer, it's the only way to accurately read the uth's temperature.

[dr del]

Hi,

it was too hot i just put alot more substrate in that hide im measuring the temp. now should a get a thermostat or if it measures out okay will i be okay?

Your snake is perfectly capable of moving the substrate around so no, that's not adequate temp control.

At a minimum I would use a dimmer but you really will be a lot better off with a thermostat.


dr del

[Amp625]

i just got a dimmer wont that be okay to fine tune the hot spot if i have that why do i need a thermostat

[snakesRkewl]

i just got a dimmer wont that be okay to fine tune the hot spot if i have that why do i need a thermostat

Because dimmers do not keep the temperature stable.
When the room warms up so will the snakes enclosure.
Dimmers only work well in a stable environment that is temperature controlled.

[Amp625]

okay, im getting a thermostat tomorrow, when i get it should i stop using the basking light and wait to use it for winter, also ive had him for about 5 days will the overheated heating pad have cause any damage to him, i unplugged it until i get the thermostat tomorrow, thanks

[snakesRkewl]

okay, im getting a thermostat tomorrow, when i get it should i stop using the basking light and wait to use it for winter,

If you have the right thermometer you will know.
You need a probed thermometer, the box goes in the cool end to read that temperature and the probe snakes over to read the hot spot directly on the bottom of the enclosure over the UTH.
When you get the cool end to read 78-80 and the UTH is fully operational(with t-stat) then place the thermometer box in the warm end and check the temperature there, hopefully it's at least 3-5 degrees warmer.
You can regulate the ambient temperatures with your over head light if your uth doesn't get the enclosures ambient temp up high enough, which is usually the case.

also ive had him for about 5 days will the overheated heating pad have cause any damage to him, i unplugged it until i get the thermostat tomorrow, thanks

Without observing it it's hard for us to say but unless it shows odd behavior or shows an obvious burn on it's belly I'd guess it'll be fine.