controlling cool side temp?

I did read around first but still need a specific answer, as in the future I will be able to buy the stuff to control temps every where but right now I only have a pad and 1 light, the pad can keep the temp 85-90 (used by its self)on high, but during the day I combine the light and pad in same spot to keep 85-88 so that ralf has "top and bottom" heat, BUT . . . .. my cool side is apparently too cool, 70-75, max.
Would it "cook" ralf's belly if I used the pad (by its self) on high to obtain all warm side temp, or is it just heat rocks that do that?
Then I could center the lamp on top of the screen (covered) therefore raising the temp on the cool side more around 80'sh?
BUt what do I do at night for the cool side when light is off?

BTW: I have recently corrected multiple things that were stressing him out, (humidity,hiding, 24hr light etc) and he is choosing to STAY in the 70 deg. hide spot 80 percent of the time, PLEASE HELP. . .

Why not run the pad and a slightly higher wattage "red" light on one side and a second pad on medium on the other side ... since ball pythons aren't bothered by red light, you can run the setup 24 hours a day ... that should put you right around 92-94 on one side and 82-84 on the other ... perfect!

Also, try getting some smaller tighter hides ... as similar as possible if not the same on both sides ... he's probably on the cool side 80% of the time because he feels more secure over there.

-adam

The red light is my plan, e bay is the only place i have found one and I have no one to order it but thats a whole nother story, both hide spots are about the same in size, and were costly(not relevant), both aren't too much larger than the snake once coiled inside, I will switch rocks though to see if he's choosing security over temp.

is the temp prob the reason I never see my snake active?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by myballsandmyword

is the temp prob the reason I never see my snake active?

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Could be ... or your snake is too insecure to explore it's surroundings.

-adam

heres a couple of his enviro pics, he actually uses the escalade to aid in shedding. .

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y34...5/ralftank.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y34...ch05/ralf1.jpg

sorry so big I couldn't refresh post page after resizing. . .?