Do i have to have a heat mat?

I'm interested in getting a ball python but had a question about heating. Instead of using a heat mat and having to buy a thermometer so it doesnt melt the tub could i just heat my room up and close all the vents so its the right temp? and what temp would i have to keep it at? Also is newspaper or aspen better for bedding? I will be housing the bp in a plastic tub if that matters.

Snakes cannot regulate their body temperature like we do, they need a temperature gradient (cool side and warm side of the tub) to regulate their body temperatures as needed. If the tub is one temperature all throughout they have no way of regulating their body temperatures no matter where in the tub they go. It is best if you invest in a heat mat along with a thermostat in order to achieve this temperature gradient. If you want to go the less expensive route I suggest buying an Ultratherm heat mat along with a Hydrofarm thermostat.

http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-MTPR.../dp/B000NZZG3S

http://www.reptilebasics.com/ultratherm-heat-pads

You will need a heat source for your enclosure. Your snake will need to be able to thermo regulate. If you just raise your room temp, they can't do this. You need a baking spot around 90°f and a cool side temp of around 80°f. I suggest you read the care sheet under the forum section.

Are the under tank heater and thermostat reliable? and also how do u use the thermostat? and should i buy a tub with a lid thats see through or a lid that doesnt let any light through? or does it even matter. thanks and sorry for all the questions.

You plug the uth into the thermostat, then plug the thermostat into the wall. Put the temp probe on the heat mat under the tub, and set the temp where you need it. Let it warm up for about an hour or so and check the temps inside the tub. Adjust your thermostat setting until you get the right temp inside the tub. I don't think the tub lid will mater.

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Originally Posted by AMP1998

Are the under tank heater and thermostat reliable? and also how do u use the thermostat? and should i buy a tub with a lid thats see through or a lid that doesnt let any light through? or does it even matter. thanks and sorry for all the questions.

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Questions are always welcome here. Better to get it right the first time then learn the hard way!

I use the ultratherm heat mats and they work fantastically. Plus, Reptile Basics is a great company. The owner will answer ANY questions you may have through email even if you aren't purchasing from him! I haven't use the hydrofarm myself but there are many threads on here about it and many people have given it great reviews.

Thank you so much!

[QUOTE=AMP1998;1619213]I'm interested in getting a ball python but had a question about heating. Instead of using a heat mat and having to buy a thermometer so it doesnt melt the tub[quote] Thermometers do not prevent tubs from burning they simply read the temperature what you are referring too is a thermostat

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could i just heat my room up and close all the vents so its the right temp? and what temp would i have to keep it at? Also is newspaper or aspen better for bedding? I will be housing the bp in a plastic tub if that matters.

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Yes it would be possible for you to do this however you would need to be prepared to have your room at a 84/85 degrees year round and I can tell you that it would be very costly especially if you only have one animal.

In the long run a heat pad and a reliable thermostat are the best option for one animal, it would be different if you had a dedicated herp room with 100's of BP.

Unless you enjoy living in an 88 degree room year round it's easier to just use a thermostat and under tank heater. If you had several hundred snakes, a heated room is easier. Many breeders will just use a radiator heater in the center of their snake room hooked up to a thermostat.

As mentioned if you don't want to heat your room to 84-85 degrees and keep it there you will want to use a heat pad and thermostat.

Flexwatt = $10 delivered
t-stat = $30 delivered
Tub = under $10
thermometer = $10 - $20
water bowl = $1 to $10 depending on size on place of purchase
Roll of paper towels or free newspaper, I prefer paper towels, brawny to be specific :P

Ball pythons can do fine in ambient temperatures and no hot spot, but I find they digest better and faster and continue to eat more often.