Under tank heaters?

[Stephanieteresa]

I just got my first ball python a few days ago. I work at a pet store and someone just came in and left an empty aquarium with the snake in it and a regular light bulb. BUT, we don't sell reptiles so he couldn't stay there and that also means I'm not familiar with reptile care. So I took him home and got a hide, coconut bark substrate, heating light bulbs (blue and red), and frozen rats. I also made a separate bin to feed him in out of an under bed bin. I did a bit of research on how to care for and feed my new snake, but I still don't understand how the under tank heaters work. Will they be a fire hazard sitting directly between the tank and the wooden stand? And how do I control the temperature? Do they come with a thermostat? Also, does anyone have any recommendations for the brand? I've read that some of them die quickly or don't work well or burn the snake. Thanks for any information!

[PitOnTheProwl]

regulate your heat source

[O'Mathghamhna]

I just got my first ball python a few days ago. I work at a pet store and someone just came in and left an empty aquarium with the snake in it and a regular light bulb. BUT, we don't sell reptiles so he couldn't stay there and that also means I'm not familiar with reptile care. So I took him home and got a hide, coconut bark substrate, heating light bulbs (blue and red), and frozen rats. I also made a separate bin to feed him in out of an under bed bin. I did a bit of research on how to care for and feed my new snake, but I still don't understand how the under tank heaters work. Will they be a fire hazard sitting directly between the tank and the wooden stand? And how do I control the temperature? Do they come with a thermostat? Also, does anyone have any recommendations for the brand? I've read that some of them die quickly or don't work well or burn the snake. Thanks for any information!

You must buy a thermostat separately, typically onlline (I've never seen pet stores carry them, although they carry plenty of UTHs grr). Anyway, you will also need to raise the enclosure slightly if using a UTH so it can have air circulation in the event it overheats.

[blue roses]

I know you mentioned you work for a pet store, but since they don't have reptiles you need to find a petco or pet smart. They sell not only zoomed UTHs, but the zoomed thermostat. The price is reasonable and the UTH comes with little rubber feet to stick to each corner of the tank, and this will lift the tank off the stand to allow air to flow beneath the tank. Also get a infer red thermometer at any hardware store, they are very accuratefor checking temps. When installing UTH, place the temp probe frim the thermostat between the UTH and the bottom of the tank. plug the UTH into the thermostat, and the thermostat into the wall. set the thermostat for 90 and check temps till the surface under the hot hide reaches 89 or 90. The cool side side should be around 80. Hopes this helps.

[chrid16371]

The zoo med thermostat is junk! Drops 5 degrees before it starts heating again!!! If you have some money to spend on a thermostat get a spyder robotics Herpstat 1 or Reptile basics VE-200. If you don't have that much to spend order a inkbird itc-308 from amazon, only drops 1 degree before it heats again.

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[PitOnTheProwl]

The zoo med thermostat is junk! Drops 5 degrees before it starts heating again!!!

Hahahah........That is how an ON/OFF thermostat works. Just like the one for your A/C in your house.
I love people complaining about something they live with every day.
Temperature control is not that hard, its just like your house on a smaller scale.

[LittleTreeGuy]

So, the truth, you should probably invest about $150-$200 into your setup. A good tub, at least one good UTH/heat tape, a good thermostat, and some thermometers or heat gun. Also, what is the temperature of the room you're keeping the tub in? If it's 70F or below, you'll likely need something else to warm up the room or at least another heat pad (also on a thermostat) set a lower temp to keep the cool side in the mid-70's at minimum. If it's in a tub, I'd skip the coconut substrate and just paper towels. It's much easier to keep clean and it's easier to know your temps. Get two identical hides that are just big enough for your snake to fit into. They like dark, tight spaces. You don't need a separate container for feeding. Feed them in the container they live in. It's easer for you and less stressful for the animal.

Pet stores and too many people make it sound like snakes are something you can just buy, take home, and be good to go... in reality, there is quite a bit of setup and husbandry to get set first. Of course, once you have a good enclosure, a thermostat or two, and know and understand how to keep the temps and humidity in check, it is "easy".

If you're not ready for all of this, maybe consider looking around for someone that is already prepared.

[chrid16371]

Hahahah........That is how an ON/OFF thermostat works. Just like the one for your A/C in your house.
I love people complaining about something they live with every day.
Temperature control is not that hard, its just like your house on a smaller scale.

I was just saying there is much better choices for an on/off thermostat especially for a species that is sensitive to change. Local pet stores sell them for around $50 and you can order a on/off style that only drops 1 degree for cheaper than that. Plus it is a big guessing game to get them set up, they have a dial that goes from purple to red but doesn't even tell you what temp your close to. It doesn't stay at what you set either, it would heat to 90 then shut off and then drop to 85 then heat again and go to 93 and shut off and drop to 88. The only thing consitent was the 5 degree drop.

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[Stewart_Reptiles]

The best UTH for stand alone ecnlsoure regarless of the type are Ultraterm UTH (they are sturdy and will last YEARS) they can be purchased @ Reptile Basics , you will also need a RELIABLE thermostat to prevent over heating and achieve optimum temps.


http://www.reptilebasics.com/ultrath...ater-uth-6-x11

http://www.reptilebasics.com/ve-100

As for feeding feed inside the enclosure, feeding bin are unnecessary.

Finally make sure to read this.

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...ius)-Caresheet

[PitOnTheProwl]

Actually chrid......herp 1 and ve200 are both proportional. The ve200 can be set as an on/off and I am not familiar with the herp to know if that is also an option.
ANY on/off is going to have about a 5 degree swing as it is usually +/- 2 degrees so if you figure 2 below + set temp+ 2 above.... Thats about 5 degrees. I have several and havent had problems with them but I also trust my IR gun more than the sticker with numbers on it.