New snake owner, temperature questions

Sorry, I'm sure this is referred to somewhere in the forums, but I looked through a few pages with no luck, so I thought I'd just ask. Hope that's okay!

I am getting my first Ball Python in a few weeks and I'm just trying to work out the kinks in my terrarium as far as heat goes. I have an actual thermometer with a probe and whatnot on it's way in the mail, for now I just use the stupid dial thermometers that came with my terrarium.

I am using UTHs to heat my tank, and with those dial thermometers laid flat on my bedding (aspen) I`m getting temperatures of 80F on the cool side under the hide, and 92ish F on the hot side. These are the substrate temps, but the ambient are temperature isn`t very warm. Is this a problem? I`ve tried to look online to find out whether or not ambient air temperature matters, or if it is just the substrate temperatures, but I`m not having a whole lot of luck -.-

Thanks in advance for your help! If anymore information is needed, or pictures, just let me know :)

Well this is very typical as UTH's do not affect air temperature. As long as the UTH is being regulated by a thermostat and the air temperature isn't too cold (below 75) you won't have any issues.

Yes ambient temps matter. My tubs usually stay btwn 76-80 for ambient air. I would suggest getting a thermostat for your uth. Otherwise you cant control how hot it gets and burns your snake.

I forgot to add: welcome and dont ever feel bad for asking a question. There are many helpful people here to answer you. :)

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Originally Posted by Mike41793

I forgot to add: welcome and dont ever feel bad for asking a question. There are many helpful people here to answer you. :)

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x2 if people didn't ask questions on this site we wouldn't have anything to do :rolleye2:

Yes I am definitely getting a thermostat, just trying to find a good one to order. My air temps aren`t really getting any warmer than my room temp, which is in fact below 75F. I was hoping to not have to use a lamp with the UTHs, but it may be unavoidable.

And thanks for the welcome :)

I don't stress about ambient temps since snakes don't float. Those temps sound good to me, just make sure your high side doesn't go above 95 and the cool side stays around 80, you don't want it to get too high or you won't have a cool side anymore. If you have anything that measures ambient temps accurately just make sure they don't go under 75 anywhere.

The best thermostats are herpstats, for you I would recommend the Herpstat 2 since it will be able to control both of your UTH's separately. The Herpstat 2 will cost you $195

http://spyderrobotics.com/

If money is an issue, then I would suggest that you get 2 hydrofarm thermostats. Hydrofarms are nowhere near as good as herpstats but they will do what you need them to do. (I can explain the difference between the 2 if you want) Hydrofarms will cost you $30 each

http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-MTPR...ef=pd_sim_ol_1

How cold is your room?

The heat is normally on in the living room (where the terrarium is) at about 60F. And I will probably get the Hydrofarms for the moment, I`m on a student`s budget lol.

I`ll probably just toss a lamp up on it until summer rolls in.