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Heating help

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  • 08-04-2008, 03:51 PM
    p0ink
    Heating help
    I currently have a regular heat lamp on one side of my BP's 30 gallon aquarium.

    I want to get something else, because I know it is not a fan of bright light (understandably so), but I am unsure what is best?

    Would I be better off getting a ceramic heat emitter, a red/blue bulb, a UTH, or both?

    If I get a UTH what is the best way to maintain air flow under an aquarium which is on a wooden stand?

    I just want to get what is best for the snake without burning my house down in the process.
  • 08-04-2008, 03:56 PM
    blackcrystal22
    Re: Heating help
    A lot of brand name UTHs have rubber feet that you can prop your tank on to keep airflow.
    I suggest getting a UTH with a herpstat or t-stat to control it. Use tape to secure it under the tank though, if you use the adhesive that comes with it, it's very hard to remove and reuse. :]
  • 08-04-2008, 03:56 PM
    rrupp1179
    Re: Heating help
    The UTH that I purchased came with little plastic footies that I could place at the bottom of the tank to allow airflow. It was a reptitherm UTH.

    I use both lamps and UTH with dimmer switch to make sure that the floor isn't getting too hot. The only problem I am having now is that my ambient air is getting a little too warm during the day and warming up the cool side. I switch to the red bulb at night so I can still offer some ambient warmth but keep the harsh light away.

    Hopefully I could help some...I am a newbie and still feel a little funny offering advice lol
  • 08-04-2008, 04:51 PM
    Argentra
    Re: Heating help
    A UTH or heat tape are the optimal heating methods for Ball pythons. Lamps should only be used to boost ambient temps, as they suck the humidity right out.

    With a 30gal, I'm assuming you have an adult BP. :) The best thing to do here would be to get either an Ultratherm heat pad from ReptileBasics.com sized to cover 1/3 the bottom of the tank, or look for a ZooMed UTH 30-40gal size.
    Make SURE you can get a thermoSTAT as well, as any heat method really needs one. The Johnson on the same site as above is only $80. With a t-stat, you won't really need to fear that stand getting too hot or catching fire...unless it's got flammable gloss on it. :)

    And stay away from CHEs(ceramic bulbs)...they destroy humidity.
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