What Wattage Heat mat to use ?

Which wattage heat mat would be ideal for a ball python if you had to choose between a 4, 8, 16, or a 25-watt heat mat?

Or has anyone had experience using a certain wattage to get the suggested temperatures for ball pythons without having to use a thermostat?

Hey there - I would never suggest running heat for a ball python without a thermostat or rheostat. Heat tape and Heat pads can reach temperatures in excess of 115 degrees which could severly injure your snake.

Alot of people run flexwatt heattape which vary in wattage (seen below). All of these would be too hot without the use of a thermostat, same as with heat pads.

3" at 6W/ft
3" at 10W/ft
4" at 8W/ft
11" at 20W/ft

Rheostats are often a good temporary solution to not having a thermostat. A "light dimmer" can be purchased from somewhere like Home Depot or Walmart and can be used along side a digital thermometer to ensure you have the right temperature. Keep in mind rheostats "FAIL ON" so if it were to malfunction your heat source will have full power.

Low wattage density heat pads are often advertised as "reptile friendly" and that they can be used without thermostats due to low wattage (8 watts and under), however you are running the risk of temperature spikes and the overall not knowing that your temps are regulated.

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Originally Posted by Cloud9

Or has anyone had experience using a certain wattage to get the suggested temperatures for ball pythons without having to use a thermostat?

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Flat answer NO:O
A Thermostat is always recommended to avoid cooking your snake.

The wattage of the heat pad won't matter much. It's the size of the heat pad that is important.

Pick the size that you need for your enclosure.

No matter the wattage, the heat will reach levels above safe for the snake and you will need a regulator.

The least you can do is buy a light switch dimmer from Home Depot for $10, but a $30 Hydrofarm thermostat is a much better investment.

Oh whoa, yikes, okay thanks guys, appreciate the advise :O :).