Heating Products

Hi, everyone!
I'd like to know what is better to keep the proper temperature in your ball python tank, a heating pads, ceramic heat emmiters, light bulbs, without hurting too much your pockets with the monthly power payment, also for the ball python safety ( burns).
Thanks!

Flexwatt heat tape or an under tank heater would be your best bet. This is generally regarded as being better for the snake, as it provides belly heat to aid digestion. They are also considerably less demanding wattage wise. However, be sure to control it with at least a rheostat or dimmer, preferably a thermostat. Flexwatt is typically not advised unless you are willing to buy a proportional thermostat. Hope this helps, but I am sure others will chime in.

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Originally Posted by betoiguanas

Hi, everyone!
I'd like to know what is better to keep the proper temperature in your ball python tank, a heating pads, ceramic heat emmiters, light bulbs, without hurting too much your pockets with the monthly power payment, also for the ball python safety ( burns).
Thanks!

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heat tape/ flexwatt and a Ranco

UTHs and Flexwatt heat tape, as well as RHPs(radiant heat panels), are the best way to go since snakes prefer belly heat to overhead heat. Flexwatt is also rather gentle on the pocket.

Lamps and other bulb heat sources are best for raising ambient temps.

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Originally Posted by Argentra

UTHs and Flexwatt heat tape, as well as RHPs(radiant heat panels), are the best way to go since snakes prefer belly heat to overhead heat. Flexwatt is also rather gentle on the pocket.

Lamps and other bulb heat sources are best for raising ambient temps.

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Ok, I've been using a UTH, but the temperature overall in the tank is 80 degrees so, do you think if I insulate the tank 3 sides, that would be enough for the ball, or I might need add another heat source?

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Originally Posted by betoiguanas

Ok, I've been using a UTH, but the temperature overall in the tank is 80 degrees so, do you think if I insulate the tank 3 sides, that would be enough for the ball, or I might need add another heat source?

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Insulating will definitely help. It depends on you room temps. If that's enough. I have also used a infrared lamp on a dimmer. For some extra heat.
Do you have a hot side and a cool side? It shouldn't be just one temp over the whole tank, ya know.

Oh, you should always insulate the back and sides of any tank. Just leaving them uncovered leads to a huge heat loss since glass does not hold heat. Try insulating and make sure your screen top is covered and see what that does.

Also, do you use only one UTH or do you have one on each side? I find that colder areas, and homes, require the use of a UTH on each side with a thermostat for each one. More expensive in the initial output, but a lot better for stable temps in the longrun.

Radiant heat panels are excellent for raising ambient temps if you keep your snakes in a chilly room; they'll do better than flex watt with this.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Argentra

Oh, you should always insulate the back and sides of any tank. Just leaving them uncovered leads to a huge heat loss since glass does not hold heat. Try insulating and make sure your screen top is covered and see what that does.

Also, do you use only one UTH or do you have one on each side? I find that colder areas, and homes, require the use of a UTH on each side with a thermostat for each one. More expensive in the initial output, but a lot better for stable temps in the longrun.

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Yep, I have only 1 UTH on the hiding place, however the room temperature is 80 degrees, but do you think that I should place another UTH at the other end, or above the other one, you know, on the side?

Hmm, what are your temps now? Warm cool and ambient. That would help us to determine if you need any other heat sources. Also, how do you control the UTH and how do you measure those temps?

Sorry for all the Q's, but info is good when trying to help others. :)