Can't get the temperatures right in a 20 gallon tank? Please help??

I'm new here and this is my first post. I'm a complete newbie when it comes to keeping ball pythons, so please bear with me... I did some thorough research on ball python husbandry before purchasing my snake, as I wanted to be able to provide the best care possible for her. As of today I've had her for 4 days and have her housed in a 20 gallon tank with a Zoo-Med 8-watt UTH connected to a Zilla thermostat set at 90 degrees, a 60 watt blue daytime bulb set on a 12 hour timer for a good photoperiod, a 100 watt red bulb for night time (which I also use in conjunction with the blue bulb during the day for extra heat), two thermometers/hygrometer, two hides (one on the cool side, one on the warm side), a water dish, some vines for decoration, and no more than an inch of coco coir substrate set on top of a Zilla terrarium liner. Now, on the warm side it's 88 degrees with both lights and the UTH running at the same time. This temperature drops to 86 degrees at night when the blue bulb is shut off and just the red one is on. However, on the cool side it's 75 degrees during the day and 72 degrees at night when the blue bulb is shut off! Based on my research, these temperatures are far from suitable for a ball python, and I would never be able to forgive myself if my poor snake got sick due to improper conditions! :( What can I do to raise the temperatures in the tank, especially on the cool side? Should I invest in another UTH to put on the cool side as well, or just swap out the one I have now for one that has a higher wattage? Should I get higher wattage heat lamps? Sorry for the long post, I'm just very worried about my snake and want to make sure she stays healthy :( Any advice anyone can give me would be greatly appreciated, thanks!!

Those temps aren't too bad. 86-88 is good especially with a hot spot. 72-75 is just on the low side, but not terrible. Is your screen top completely uncovered? You will retain more heat and humidity by restricting the ventilation.

Post a pic of the top of your enclosure to help us help you.

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I have half of the screen top covered with cardboard, with the other half uncovered so my snake can have some ventilation. But now that you mention it, that just might be my problem... perhaps I could try covering up most of the other half and restricting the ventilation like you said and see what that does. Thanks!

I hope it works for you! Also, not sure if your aware that your UTH will do nothing for the ambient temps, but will provide a hot spot to heat up and help metabolize meals.

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How many watts is the red bulb? The temps are actually aren't too bad. As long as you have two hides, your BP can choose between the warm and cool sides. Posting a photo of your setup would help us give you better suggestions.

Also, check out this thread regarding setting up your 20 gallon. http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?t=201740



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