Friend might be getting a snake

My friend emailed me a while ago saying she wanted to get a snake. She's leaning towards a ball python but wants to handle other snakes as well before she makes her decision. I'm going to help her pick one out and help get her enclosure set up before she brings home a baby. The thing is, I use racks and she will be using a tank. I've only used tanks as QT tanks and I have never used an UTH. I've always used heat lamps and they suck when it comes to humidity. I know UTH are a better heat source and have recommended them to her. She will probably get a rheostat for the heat source but I have no clue how to use one. What is the proper way to hook up the rheostat to the heat source and how to set it right for a ball python?

I cannot offer any advice on the rheostat, but I do suggest spending some money on a quality thermostat. My research brought me to Spyder Robotics for my future set up, the pro model in particular. I have also heard very good things about Helix thermostats, either way IMO you cant go wrong.

From what I have read, a rheostat is a glorified dimmer switch. Now, like I said in the beginning of this post, I cannot offer any real advice on a rheostat because I have never had/used one. I have researched the product though, and found many negative points.

Here is a good link with a brief explanation on this issue. rheostat vs thermostat


Sorry I could not be more help. Good luck with your research! Cheers!

Im the rheostat master as i have used them for years untill getting my Ranco. Just get a IR temp gun to check temperatures because they can range from 85 when you have it set on med-high to 120 when its not even all the way on high. With rheostats its just playing with it constantly untill you get it to the right spot. A general rule of thumb is that medium on a rheostat is anywhere from 80-95 degrees, so just go to med and go up from there.


Stephen.