Undertank Heater size for a 75 Gallon Tank

[YMS_1975]

I'm doing some research on Ball Pythons. I would love to buy one (eventually) but for now I'm happy just researching them. I have an empty 75 gallon aquarium (with a terranium lid).
If I was to purchase an undertank heater, what size would you recommend for my aquarium? Zoomeds Repti-Therm line has heaters for various sizes (10-20 gallons, 30-40 gallons, 50-60 gallons, etc.) So how much of the tank underneath should be heated????

Also, can somebody PLEASE recommend a controller? (And be sure to provide the manufacturers name and a website link if possible) From what I read on this site, it's dangerous to just use the UTH as they can burn themselves if it shorts out.

Looking forward to your responses.

Cheers.

[zachbinger]

http://www.freshmarine.com/ce-pet-096316680364.html

[KMG]

Usually its recommended to have about 1/3 of the cage floor heated but a 75 gallon tank is pretty huge for a ball so that would not be needed. If your getting a baby ball you should research tubs as that would be a good cheap option that can easily be upgraded as your snake grows. Then when your snake has some size you could try out your tank. If a snake does not feel secure they can be trouble eaters and frustrating for new owners. If you choose to use the 75 starting out you will need to offer multiple hides and plenty of clutter to make your snake feel secure.

I use Herpstat and love them.
http://www.spyderrobotics.com/home/products.html

[Eric Alan]

Also, can somebody PLEASE recommend a controller? (And be sure to provide the manufacturers name and a website link if possible) From what I read on this site, it's dangerous to just use the UTH as they can burn themselves if it shorts out.

They're dangerous to use even when functioning properly without a controller. They can reach 100+ degree temperatures in a hurry, which is definitely too warm for a BP.

Check out this awesome discussion/guide if you want to stick with the fish aquarium route: http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...With-Pictures!

Also, I'll also put in a good word for the Herpstat thermostats. I have three (a 1, a 2, and a 4), and they're all awesome.

[LLLReptile]

For a large tank like that, you can use a thermostat that has multiple plugs to control a couple of heat pads. In larger cages, you can stick one to the same side that you have one underneath, and create a nice little warm pocket on that side of the cage.

I love the helix, but we have a ton of options, most with multiple plugs so you can control two heat pads/heat lights etc. The link is in our signature, I can't link you directly here on the forums, but you can always message us for details as well

-Jen

[YMS_1975]

I've seen some YouTube videos where the pet owner placed the heater on the outside of the tank (either at the bottom or on one of the sides). Then I've seen some where the under tank heater is inside the tank.

So which one is optimal for ball pythons???? Is it an innie or outie?

[PitOnTheProwl]

From what I read on this site, it's dangerous to just use the UTH as they can burn themselves if it shorts out.

The burning has nothing to do with "shorting out". They heat until a regulator tells them to stop.

I've seen some YouTube videos where the pet owner placed the heater on the outside of the tank (either at the bottom or on one of the sides). Then I've seen some where the under tank heater is inside the tank.

So which one is optimal for ball pythons???? Is it an innie or outie?

Outside only.