Heating for ball pythons

I recently purchased a baby ball python and was wondering about a heating pad and do not want to use Flexwatt. I have no substrate in the tank only a terrarium carpet so I do not want to buy something that will burn the snake. I currently own several corn snakes and have never used heating pads (with great success) as they do not require the higher temperatures that ball pythons do.

Why don't you want to use flexwatt? It's the most reliable thing you can get IMO. You can buy one of the pet store UTHs, but you NEED a thermostat (or at the very least a dimmer) to control it. Any heat pad is going to get too warm without something to regulate it.

Even if they seem ok, corn snakes really do much better with an 85-88 degree basking spot. It makes digesting easier on them and boosts their immune system.

Why no flexwatt?

With any UTH, you will also need a thermostat to run it at the proper temperature. Do you have any specific questions about UTHs or are you just looking for a brand to buy?

I would use flexwatt. It's the best thing that i've found to use as heat for ball pythons. Howcome you don't want to use it?

I have to jump in here as well with an endorsement for flexwatt - economical, easy to use - what's not to love?


As everyone else has said, any UTH that you use needs to be on a thermostat, any UTH can get too hot without it.

In addition, belly heat aids in digestion.

Thanks everyone for your replies. I'm going with flexwatt