Too hot?

Is 95 °F too hot for a ball python? It is the temperature of the glass with THG heat tape on it. She decided to kick all of her substrate out from her hide, so instead of the 92° with substrate it is now 95°.

What are you using to control the temperature of the heat tape and the temperature of the glass surface?

95°F for a hot spot is rather high. I aim for 90-92°F

I also aim for 90F. Generally, when you take the temperature of the hot spot, you should do it at the hottest area your ball python can get to (which includes under the substrate since some ball pythons are known to burrow).

You should monitor the temp on the glass, not on top of the substrate. Your snake will be able to burrow and move the substrate so you need to plan accordingly.

I shoot for 88-90.

I use a herpstat thermostat and I used the herpstat probe to test the temps since it is probably more accurate. Also note that there is a probe in direct contact with the heat tape. I didn't plan on her excavating out her hide, but she is shedding atm too.

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Originally Posted by Jon14

I didn't plan on her excavating out her hide...

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If I had a nickel... :)

I wouldn't say that's too hot. Nature isn't exactly 92 degrees a few degrees higher or lower is all good

I set my gals temp to 88F. In nature, they're temps are anywhere from mid 70s to 90. Dottie spends most of her time in the 78F cool side. She really only sits in the warm hide after food and that's not for too long either.

Bottom line...95F is too hot, drop it by at least 5F. A little too cool wont hurt your snake as much as too hot.

I will drop it 3°, so it will be at 92°. I do not want to drop it too far as it contributes to ambient.

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Originally Posted by Jon14

I will drop it 3°, so it will be at 92°. I do not want to drop it too far as it contributes to ambient.

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It really doesn't.