New to Pythons

I am using the same thermometer I use for all my other critters, and its about 90 in the hot end (I have an under tank head pad, and a red light when needed) Once in a while it gets up around 93, and i turn the light off. (and at night) The other end sits around 80.
By "hot end" i guess i mean directly under the light, when its on.
The tank is also in the bedroom, which rarely has a light on. The wife works early, and I work late, so she is in bed early (lights out) and I am up later, so lights dont come on till plenty after the sun is up.
I also have a towel over half of the tank, and the other half is against a shelf that holds the chameleon's cage, so there is really very little light getting in.

I can try and post a pic of my set up soonish.

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Originally Posted by ElWray

I am using the same thermometer I use for all my other critters

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Is it a probed thermometer?
If not, how do you get temps directly on the floor of the tank where the snake lays?

i still go with what I said, 90+ is too hot for the ambient temperature on any end.

I'm glad you committed to getting a Ball Python. One thing I didn't see you mention in your post is how you are heating the enclosure.

Heating Pads are the best way because its gives them belly heat for better digestion Lamps are really no good only cause they are humidity suckers but I use both the Lamp and the Heating Pad. Heating Pad temps should be 93-94 and there should be a hide on top of the Heating Pad. The Warm Side of the tank should be 90-91 the Cool Side should be 80-81 and the Humidity should be 50-60%. Make sure your Heating Pad is also hooked up to a Thermostat to make sure its not getting to hot. If you use a Lamp use a Plugin Dimmer to control the temps. Another thing I wanted to ask is how big is the enclosure your snake is in?

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The hot spot should be around 90

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And thats what its at. I use a heat pad under one side of the tank, plus a red light during the day.

I have the heat pad set up just like hunter said, with a hide directly over it. The cool side (80) also has a hide.