Ball python heating.

http://ball-pythons.net/gallery/file...cage_thumb.jpg

I just set up a new tank for my baby pastel a few days ago. I moved him to a 20 gallon long tank from his 10 gallon tank. He is thriving and doing really well and is getting used to being handled since I have only had him for 2 weeks and only picked him up twice. I just would like to know does anyone use a dimmer as a control for a heat pad? I would invest in a herpstat or hydrofarm but they are pretty pricey to only heat one tank. I might get a hydrofarm though. My Acurite probe measures the temperature directly on the bottom glass between the bedding and heat pad at 93 degrees but this barely warms the surface temperature above the bedding. The Dimmer I am using is set in the medium setting, the highest setting bringing the probe measurement to 113 degrees which is way to hot but still barely warms the substrate. My snake would rather bask under the red lamp or go under the log on that side which is around 85 degrees. I can't seem to get a accurate warm and cool side since the heat pad gives off little heat into the air or on the surface of the substrate since my house is so cold. ANy input will be appreciated.

A lamp dimmer will work, but they have to be constantly monitored and adjusted. You would be much better off just going with a hydrofarm.

UTH's do NOT change the temperature of the air in the tank at all. All they do is increase the surface temperatures. The thinner the substrate the better. You can safely allow the bottom of the tank to get up to 95 degrees so the top of the substrate is between 88-92 degrees.

First things first I would really suggest a thermostat an it is a one time purchase for the safety of your snake and consistent temps makes everyones lives easier. Herpstat 1 is not a bad cost for a reliable and safe t-stat. I understand the. Pat seems high but it is probably the most benificial thing you could spend money on.

You could thin the substrat a bit it looks pretty thick. That would help the heat get through. You didn't mention if you enclosure has a screen top on it. If so cardboard and tinfoil can be used to section a lot of it off so heat and humidity don't escape so fast. Card board or styrofoam on three of the four sides would also help insulate it.

After you get your heating down you will need to check your humidity.

Hope this helps a bit.
Others will chime in as well.

Congrats on your new BP BTw!

- - - Updated - - -

Serpant Merchant beat me to it. Took to long typing on the iPod LOL.

Thanks for the info. I just spent alot on his new cage so next paycheck ill order a hydrofarm or herpstat from amazon. I had foil over half of his old 10 gallon tank i will do the same to this one its just a little difficult since its a slider top. The humidity has increased by 20% by switching from aspen to cypress. Its now at a constant 45-50% compared to 30% with aspen. I have the tank evelated by blocks so if i rest it down on the wood with just the feet the heat pad supplies maybe it will hold more heat. My bp doesnt seem interested in borrowing so i raised the dimmer to 95 degrees so i really dont need to worry about the glass being a little warmer.