What size bulbs?

We are fairly new to keeping a ball python. We have one BP in a 65 gal tank. At present we have a heat lamp, blue lamp, and red lamp. All are 60 watt bulbs, but we can't seem to keep the temp in the tank above 80. What sized bulbs should we be using. Our snake seems to be happy and is eating like a pig, but almost always seems to be cold, with temps in the tank between 77 - 81. Please help.

Perhaps get a 100 watt and put it on a dimmer so you can adjust it? And maybe move it away from any obvious ac vents blowing on his or her tank. That will also zap your humidity, although being in Georgia you may not have that problem. <oh how I miss the south>

just a few suggestions from a struggling bp newbie who does a LOT of reading.

Are u using under tank heating pad with a thermostat? I find that my female always feels cold but that's normal from what I have seen. The cool side should be around 80 no matter what and the hot side to about 90 with 50% humidity. As long as they stay around there your in good shape

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Originally Posted by bowshooter52ga

We are fairly new to keeping a ball python. We have one BP in a 65 gal tank. At present we have a heat lamp, blue lamp, and red lamp. All are 60 watt bulbs, but we can't seem to keep the temp in the tank above 80. What sized bulbs should we be using. Our snake seems to be happy and is eating like a pig, but almost always seems to be cold, with temps in the tank between 77 - 81. Please help.

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What are you using to monitor the temperatures? I feel that you shouldn't be having issues with ambient temperatures if you're using 3 lamps.

Are they the circular analog ones or are they digital? Where are they placed?

Are the lamps all you're using?

Those lamps are going to kill your humidity. Do you have any special things you do to maintain humidity such as covering half the lid with a towel or misting?

Our bodies are much warmer than a ball python. This is why they seem "cold" to us. Just how if you place your hand on an unregulated heat pad that has reached 100+ degrees, it won't feel hot to the touch. Even though those temperatures can easily burn a snake.