Heatpads, Thermostats, Dimmers, and Frustration

[MisterDespair]

I have a 20x20 heat mat for my ball python, that was getting the proper temps until yesterday, when it was around 110. When I picked up my snake today, his belly was very noticeably warm.

I went to Walmart, Petsmart and Canadian Tire looking for a thermostat to adjust the heat on the pad. I ended up, with the advice of the Canadian Tire clerk, to get a light dimmer switch and to wire the mat to that.

But is there a better option? I haven't yet altered the mat, and I'm just kind of freaking out. I really do not know what to do here to get that temperature down.

Does anyone know online where I can buy EXACTLY WHAT I NEED in order to maintain the proper temps? I feel like Ive probably just wasted a bunch of money, and I need to know if I'm on the right track here before I go re-wiring my heat pad.

Please help, I am extremely frustrated.

[Herpking]

In your case I would probably just get a cheap on off thermastat if you only got one ball python. ( Idk much bout the dimmers though, that might work)

[gman8585]

herpstat, thats all i can say. spyderrobotics.com/products/herpstat.html
buy a herpstat, i trust my herpstat, they are great at answering questions, and it works at keeping perfect temps.

[RichsBallPythons]

Herpstats, helixs are not economical for one snake.

Look into the Johnson or Ranco thermostats their about $88 shipped. their are others cheaper in the 30$ range but you get what you pay for.

www.reptilebasics.com

[llovelace]

Home depot carries light dimmers, that you plug the heat mat into, no alterations needed, they run about $8-10, this will suffice until you can get a proper thermostat.

[Herpking]

Home depot carries light dimmers, that you plug the heat mat into, no alterations needed, they run about $8-10, this will suffice until you can get a proper thermostat.

What exactly does the dimmer do never used one before.

[gman8585]

I have had bad experiences with non proportional thermostats, this is just my opinion. But if you plan on getting more then one snake in the future get a herpstat.

[Herpking]

I have been looking at VE-300 seems pretty impressive.

[llovelace]

What exactly does the dimmer do never used one before.

A dimmer will restrict the flow of electricity to the mat, here is a link

http://www.homedepot.com/Electrical-...atalogId=10053

[MisterDespair]

Can anyone just tell me if I'm on the right track here?

The ambient temp in his tub is usually between 75-80 degrees, and the heat pad itself (as told by the temp probe) is reading in at 108 degrees right now.

I have the heat pad taped onto to the bottom of the tub. Should I just let it rest under the tub instead of be tapped to it? Will that help whatsoever?

At what temperature is the heat pad unsafe? I'm keeping the area of the heat pad covered by lots of paper towel right now to keep him from getting burned (as I imagine 108 degrees directly could be harmful) and hopefully I will be able to get a thermostat ASAP (I looked all over town for what I needed and found nothing...)

Ugh I am so frustrated by this. Why don't the pads just stay the safe temp if they're built for snakes?