Help?! Figuring out under tank heating

[LaurenMitchell]

Hi!

I am getting my first ball python on April 23. I have purchased a 36x18x12 Exo-terra, and I was wondering how to heat it?? I believe its about 30 gallons. My room at night is about 65 degrees, and 70 during the day (I have a bearded dragon on the other side of the room with basking lights). So I was wondering what heat mat to get? I am able to get an additional source of heat, I have a fixture, and a 40 watt ceramic heat emitter, as well as a 50, and 75 watt red heat light bulbs, (and I could buy something other than this too) from previous animals. I would also be open to having some sort of day time bulb, for viewing, and a bit of heat, but that would be instead of the other lights, so only if I don't need them too much, as I don't want to have too many things plugged in.
To recap: I was just looking for suggestions and guidance on purchasing a heat mat (wattage, brand, etc.) as well as what additional heat I need.

Thank you!

[redshepherd]

Using your 40 watt CHE combined with a UTH would be fine! You can use any UTH, but I like the ultratherm ones on reptilebasics, because they're flat and not sticky.

Be aware though that if you live in a dry area, you'll want to keep the screen top covered with a wet towel or foil (or both), because the exo-terra screen top doesn't hold humidity in.

eta: make sure you get a thermostat for both your heating elements.

[LaurenMitchell]

thanks!

any suggestions on how many watts or size or anything?

[LaurenMitchell]

I was thinking maybe a zoo med reptile therm 16 watt? I am not sure though. unlike fish (as far as I know) theres no rule of thumb- watts per gallon type of thing, just guess and tweak.

[redshepherd]

I was thinking maybe a zoo med reptile therm 16 watt? I am not sure though. unlike fish (as far as I know) theres no rule of thumb- watts per gallon type of thing, just guess and tweak.

Whatever size fits about 1/3 of the bottom of your cage. UTH's all work the same way, since they'll be hooked up to a thermostat to regulate the heating.

Check this out for the equipment necessary and setting up your tank (though I personally HATE foil tape, because it sticks to everything and doesn't come off... using regular paper tape is just fine, using a thermostat) A ball python would also need more hides and more cover than that https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...-With-Pictures!

[Randall L Turner Jr]

I have a few exo terra terrestrials set up for snakes at the moment. The way I set them up is I wrapped the sides and back with reflectix/bubblewrap insulation, had a piece of glass cut to fit the top (if you do this, make sure to measure inside of the tabs, otherwise the glass won't fit), drilled the top and mounted a radiant heat panel to the top glass. With this setup I am able to keep the enclosure nice and warm and not have issues with humidity loss.