Ball Python Temp Help

I’m currently new to owning a ball python snake. I purchased my snake when it was a hatchling, and during the summer I’d no problem with temperatures. Now since the season has changed (winter months) I’m having difficulty keeping my cool side warm. My snake enclosure is a 40 gallon breeder. My ambient day time temperature will not go any higher than 75 degrees, but the basking side is at its correct temps all the time. I recently bought an under tank heater to see; if this can help raise the heat on the cool side. As of right now I’m using a 75 watt basking light, and for night I usually use a 50 watt red bulb from zoo med. Should I continue with the basking light as well with the under tank heater during the day, and for night what is better the red bulb, or just the under tank heater? Thanks for the help!

When I used tanks, I had one uth(under tank heater) on each end to get my temps right! 80 cool end and 90 warm end! I did try a bulb and it worked but it dried up all the humidity! 75 for an ambient temp is okay! i wouldn't worry about it! It will stay on the uth if it gets cold!

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Originally Posted by seeya205

When I used tanks, I had one uth(under tank heater) on each end to get my temps right! 80 cool end and 90 warm end! I did try a bulb and it worked but it dried up all the humidity! 75 for an ambient temp is okay! i wouldn't worry about it! It will stay on the uth if it gets cold!

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Thank you for your help, but I do have a few other questions. Would you recommend using a basking light during the day, what color bulb, stick with only a UTH, or use both the basking light, and UTH? Also for night what do you recommend? I also only have one UTH for a 40 gallon, so I wont be able to put 1 on each side.

75 degrees isn't really a problem... I also have my snake with an UTH on the hot spot and a 75 watt night light for the ambient temp.... tho she rarely comes out of her hide since its cold....

I would recommend use use just the uth! If you really need to use a lamp then use it but you will need to mist alot to keep humidity up. I would use a infered bulb because they say snakes can't see it so it will not bother them night or day! Is he eating good? A 40 gallon is pretty big for a hatchling. I would put lots of stuff in there so he feels more secure!

Not using any bulbs is going to help you keep the humidity up, so i would just use the UTH's and make sure you have them controlled with a thermostat or rheostat. Glass tanks can be hard to keep the temps in, especially if your house is normally pretty cold.

Considering this is a hatchling or little bigger, id lose the 40gallon.

Main reason for temps to be low is too big of caging not enough insulation. Drop down to a 15qt tub or 10g tank. And your temp issues should go away and should help you learn on how to tweak temps if you do decide to work with tanks.

Temp regulation isnt something you learn over night. It takes time to figure it out, but once you do its like tying your shoes

1.Yes he is eating very well.
2.I do have a lot of decorations to make him feel more secured in the 40 gallon tank.
3.What thermostat do you recommend that’s accurate, but isn’t way over budget?
4.I’m definitely going to try to use UTH instead of bulbs since they are nocturnal, but how do I go about on creating day/night times for the snake? Would I need the red or blue bulb on during any part of the day?

Also I want to buy a good thermometer and never again buy a stick on glass one! What should I invest in first the thermostat, or thermometer. I’m thinking thermostat.

I’m sorry for all the silly questions. I read a lot before purchasing the snake, but I guess you learn every day. Thanks again for all the help. Appreciate it a lot!

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Originally Posted by Druzy

1.Yes he is eating very well.
2.I do have a lot of decorations to make him feel more secured in the 40 gallon tank.
3.What thermostat do you recommend that’s accurate, but isn’t way over budget?
4.I’m definitely going to try to use UTH instead of bulbs since they are nocturnal, but how do I go about on creating day/night times for the snake? Would I need the red or blue bulb on during any part of the day?

Also I want to buy a good thermometer and never again buy a stick on glass one! What should I invest in first the thermostat, or thermometer. I’m thinking thermostat.

I’m sorry for all the silly questions. I read a lot before purchasing the snake, but I guess you learn every day. Thanks again for all the help. Appreciate it a lot!

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you need to get a smaller tank like a 10 gallon or a tub exspecially if its a hatching.