BP temperature question

[breadpython14]

I'm so confused, if your not suppose to use a heat lamp for heat then how are you suppose to keep the tank warm? Right now I'm using a 75 watt bulb on 20 gallon long tank. My hot side is saying 96 degrees with the heat lamp. I haven't bought my first BP yet, just testing things out. Now 1 is that too hot and am I suppose to use a heat lamp at all? Also when I cut the heat lamp off I notice the humidity goes from 47% to 75% in the tank. OVERALL IM CONFUSED WITH THIS TEMPERATURE THING, PLEASE HELLLLLLP

[Eazyyyb]

Using a heat lamp is OK, most people just dont, because using a UTH (under tank heater) is much better for heat and to maintain humidity. 96 is also too hot, it should be around ~90 for the hot side. And the humidity goes up when you turn the bulb off because lamps burn up the moisture, causing humidity to be low, that is why people dont use them

My opinion, and most likely most people's opinions on this site, will be to purchase an UTH and a thermostat to control that heater.

Make sure you read this care sheet, also: http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...ius)-Caresheet

[Firemaniv]

With a 20 long I think you may want to change to a 50 Watt heat bulb. Also how are you measuring you temp on the cold and hot side?

[breadpython14]

I do have a reptitherm uth by zoo med at the bottom. Now how exactly do I control the uth with a thermostat? I have a digital thermometer that has a probe that I move from hot to the cold side to check Temps and it was a end that checks humidity percentage. I'm a super rookie so I'm glad I'm testing this before getting a BP because I know I'm definitely not ready yet.

[Eazyyyb]

I do have a reptitherm uth by zoo med at the bottom. Now how exactly do I control the uth with a thermostat? I have a digital thermometer that has a probe that I move from hot to the cold side to check Temps and it was a end that checks humidity percentage. I'm a super rookie so I'm glad I'm testing this before getting a BP because I know I'm definitely not ready yet.

you should get a thermostat like this one: http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-MTPR...ile+thermostat

you should also think about getting a temperature gun to help take temps

[breadpython14]

Excuse my ignorance but it will regulate the mat itself???? How?? So as far as the lamp, do I need it or just need a smaller wattage bulb like a 40 or so????

[Firemaniv]

Hey if you have not already checkout this thread on setting up a 20 gal long for BP use.
http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?t=201740
How to Setup a Glass Tank (20 long) With Pictures!

[Eazyyyb]

Excuse my ignorance but it will regulate the mat itself???? How?? So as far as the lamp, do I need it or just need a smaller wattage bulb like a 40 or so????

yes, the mat will plug into the t-stat that plugs in to the wall, then you set you temp, and probe you will put under the mat will keep the heat from going to high. And as long as the room the tank is in is relatively warm, a lamp is usually not necessary with a heat mat

[breadpython14]

Oooooo ok well the room that its in normally is about 72 degrees, so is that adequate enough? Or would it need a little heat? Ok thanks @firemaniv

[breadpython14]

Now can I still stick the probe in there even though I've already sticked the uth under the tank? Will it restick?