Worried about over heating

[Fhoward09]

We just got a baby pied ball python, it's our first snake so just concerned and wanna make sure he's happy and healthy. We are using a 20 gallon tank with a UTH and a 60 watt ceramic heating element on the warm side to bask under. I know you really can't answer with out seeing him but wasn't sure if there is any signs or anything I should be looking for. Thanks guys!

[spider_ball]

What are the temps on the warm side? On the cool side? Do you have a thermostat hooked up to the UTH?
If the snake never leaves the cool side, then you are probably over heating it.

[OsirisRa32]

whats the humidity? whats the substrate? how thick is the layer of substrate?

[Trackstrong83]

Pictures would be great

[brobertson]

Is your UTH on a thermoSTAT? If not, I would unplug it ASAP until you get one. Commercial UTH's tend to run far too hot and can easily burn your snake if he/she gets too close. A decent, cheap thermostat is the hydrofarm http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-MTPR.../dp/B000NZZG3S and your ideal thermostat would be a herpstat http://spyderrobotics.com/products/herpstat12.html

Best of luck!

[Fhoward09]

We have him on a lil more than an inch of substrate. The temp on the warm side 80 degrees. We just put in the thermostat this morning cuz he ate a couple of days ago we didn't want to stress him. Humidity is at about 60%.he usually on the warm side but he cruises to the cold side quite often. I'm pretty sure he's okay just wanted to get your guys opinion much appreciated!

[TheSnakeGuy]

Your warm side needs to be closer to 90 and your cool side about 80. Did you put it a thermoSTAT or a thermoMETER(not the same thing)?

[Fhoward09]

Oh and I put up a pic of his habitat on my profile. Hope that helps.

[Fhoward09]

Thermometer. It's at about 80 and climbing after we just installed it. His heating pad under his hide is also nice and warm but not regulated by a thermostat.

[Willie76]

UTH mat should be regulated by a thermostat. Temps can get far too hot for your snake...or burn your house down. Even with an inch of substrate, my BPs have been known to burrow. Here's what can happen if it's not:

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...-Failure-story

Good, basic thermostat (on/off type): http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-MTPR...ords=hydrofarm
Best, recommended (proportional type: http://www.spyderrobotics.com/store/