Need help with the air vs. substrate temps for my baby ball python!

I actually think i just had to experiment with the terrain! he is cruising around. he was on the UTH for a little bit, then he got off and cruised to the cool side! first time since i got him which was yesterday. I think I got things working

And another problem, i got the python happy and cruising along, and then another speed bump......The new UTH I bought today sounded like it was buzzing. Soon after he went to the opposite side of the cage...I think the UTH was defective. So I need to take it back tomorrow asap

You should really get some sort of temperature controller to prevent your snake from being burned. Those UTH's in some cases can get VERY hot and cause damage to your snake. $10 will get you a lamp dimmer which will work to raise and lower the temps for the time being. Go and get yourself a probe style temperature gauge also. For $20 or $30 you will be taking away all the temperature guessing and will be able to provide a more consistent living environment for your little guy.

Yeah I will definitely get one of those when I get the money which is about a week from now. I just hope a 100W Ceramic bulb will do the trick for the time being. I have put aluminum foil on top of the screen to hold in heat.