Temp. question

[newsnakeowner]

Hello again,
I have a heat mat under the warm side as well as a heat light and get the temperature up above 80 degree. I've covered 3/4 of the mesh with aluminum foil. My tank also is more deep than it is long so the option to have gradient temperatures is practically impossible. I keep reading about 80-82 (coolside) and 90-92 (warmside), what can I do to achieve that? Also, what do I need to do at night for a good temp? Thanks

[newsnakeowner]

Hello again,
My tank also is more deep than it is long

Just to edit myself, the its a long tank but not as long as I think it needs to be to get a temperature gradient.

[JLC]

Sounds to me like you need a new enclosure. Ball pythons don't need all that height and it just makes it that much harder to achieve the ideal environment...as you've already found out.


A very economical solution for you is to go out and get a plastic tub...sterelite or rubbermaid. Melt some holes in the sides with a soldering iron...make sure your heat mat has some sort of control on it (thermostat is best, but a dimmer switch will work) and stick it on the bottom of one half of the tub. Line with newspaper...couple of hides and a water bowl.....make sure the lid is secure...and you've got yourself a first-class ball python home.