Question about heating

[Billingsca91]

Hello all,
I haven't gotten my ball python just yet, but I'm trying to get an enclosure ready. I've been doing some research but I'm still a little confused on the heating. I know this is one of the most important parts so I want to make sure I'm doing it right. I am using a plastic bin with a UTH and thermostat. I was confused about where to put the probe but recently learned that I put it between the UTH and enclosure? I initially thought I would put in inside the enclosure. Also would I need any other heat source? I'm not sure if the UTH just heats up the spot it touches or actually warms up the cage? I live in an apartment and the temp normally stays in the 70s.

Thanks in advance!
and any other advice is appreciated as well!

[Pezz]

Yes the thermostat probe should be between the enclosure and uth. You want it to kick off before the bin gets dangerously hot. You'd want to put your thermometer and hygrometer probe inside the enclosure. The uth should be fine alone since you keep your apartment in the 70's.

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[dylan815]

pezz is correct. The probe goes between the bottom of the tank and you UTH. Never inside of the tank.

[cchardwick]

Personally I like to tape the probe to the bottom of the UTH, especially if you have one of those UTH that has a sticky side. That way if you upgrade your thermostat you don't have to peel off your UTH which could damage it.

[Billingsca91]

Okay! Probe on the outside. And that should be all I need in terms of heat?

[tttaylorrr]

Okay! Probe on the outside. And that should be all I need in terms of heat?

beeps need a hot spot that hovers around 90° F, ambient (air) temps that never fall below 75° F (most try to keep it at 80° F), and a cool side that stays around 80° F.

whether you need more supplemental heating to reach these temperatures depends on your own environment. once you get a digital temperature gauge in the enclosure you'll see where you ambient temperatures are at and whether you'll need something else.

so what are your ambient temps at now?

[PitOnTheProwl]

Okay! Probe on the outside. And that should be all I need in terms of heat?

A regulated UTH does little to nothing for ambient temperature. You will have to see if you need something to raise ambient.

[Billingsca91]

Oh okay. I just got home and the digital thermometer says 74, when I use the infrared thermometer gun it says it's 77 on the cool side and right at 90 where the UTH is. I will note though that my apartment is a little on the warm side right now so it may be a few degrees cooler at times. Do y'all think it would be a good idea to get a low watt ceramic bulb and lamp with a thermostat? Have it a little ways away from the container. It'll heat it up if the temp gets too low?

[tttaylorrr]

Oh okay. I just got home and the digital thermometer says 74, when I use the infrared thermometer gun it says it's 77 on the cool side and right at 90 where the UTH is. I will note though that my apartment is a little on the warm side right now so it may be a few degrees cooler at times. Do y'all think it would be a good idea to get a low watt ceramic bulb and lamp with a thermostat? Have it a little ways away from the container. It'll heat it up if the temp gets too low?

yes, a CHE would work very well to keep those temps where they should be. i would definitely recommend you get one with a thermostat.

[Billingsca91]

Awesome! That'll be the next thing I get before getting my BP. I should be ready after that! I just wanted to make sure cuz when I felt the UTH, I could feel the bottom was warm but wasn't like emitting heat. Now I know! Thanks everyone!