New to Ball Pythons

None of the reptipads by ZooMed have thermostats. They just attach to outside side or bottom and plug in. That's what they recommended at store when I got ball python.

J

You need to buy the thermostat separately
Take a look on Amazon for hydrofarm thermostat, it's fairly cheap at around $34.
Or a light dimmer at Home depot until you can get one.
Do you know the temp of the hot spot above the pad?
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It's about 89.

J

What are you using to take that temp?

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Digital thermometer

J

Ok is there a probe on the hotspot or is that the air temp in that area?

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Do please get a thermostat. The ambient temps may only be where you are quoting them but I guarantee that temp on the glass where your unregulated heat pad is, is much higher. I've tested is myself and saw temps of 120 degrees within 1.5 hrs. Scary hot and WILL burn your snake. You can get by carefully with a light dimmer until a thermostat can be shipped to you, but seriously, this is a necessity in order to safely keep a bp. For a better guage of temps... The Acurite thermometer found at Walmart for $12.24 is great. The probe goes inside, atop of the glass above where the heat pad is ousted underneath and the body goes n the opposite side to guage the temp on the cool side. It also helps you know your humidity.

As for humidity, what has been recommended so far will def work... So will a change in substrate. Reptibark, Eco earth, coco husk will all hold it much better than aspen will. I use a combo of reptibark and Eco earth because it not only holds it better, but also looks better.

Hold this helps...

I use eco earth as well

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Please post a picture of your set up.

No, thermostats don't come with heat pads. You have to buy them separately.

Any type of heat source, whether it's a lamp or heat pad MUST be regulated. Heat pads will reach unsafe temperatures in a matter of minutes. You MUST have a thermostat.

The best you can buy are herpstats.
http://www.spyderrobotics.com

The cheaper option:
http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-MTPR...ords=Hydrofarm

When you get your thermoSTAT, you plug your heat pad into it. You take your probe and secure it OVER the heat pad on the OUTSIDE of your tank.

Do NOT have the thermoSTAT probe inside the tank, as your snake can move it, pee on it, and will ultimately screw up your probe reading.

If you use a lamp, which most will suggest against, buy a light dimmer. They're about $10 from home depot and allow you to adjust how much heat is coming from the lamp.

Lamps will kill your humidity. Many will suggest covering half your lid with tinfoil/plexiglass/wet cloth. Misting will also help. Also, do not get white bulbs.

After your thermostat, a temp gun will be a wise investment. Or you can purchase a digital thermometer with probe. Many will suggest an Accurite, while others disagree. If you get an Accurite, you place the entire unit in the cage. The probed bit will be secured on top of the glass over your heat pad so you are able to monitor and be sure your thermostat is working properly. The unit goes on your "cool" side to monitor ambient temperatures.

You are aiming for:

Hot spot: 88-91 degrees
Cool side: 78-80 degrees
Humidity: 50%

When your snake goes into shed, you will need to boost your humidity up to 60-70%.

To help with humidity:

-cover the screen top with a wet towel, or wrap it in Saran wrap.
-mist often
-use a substrate like eco earth

Well it seems that temp may also be an issue as temp got down to 75 last night and humidity only got up to 46 after covering and misting the area. I know the area in hide is warmer but not sure since I didn't have time to check it before I left for work. Once I turned on turtle light temp in snake are jumped up 2 degrees in first 4 minutes and ball was out and roaming about a good bit. Kind of concerned but I pretty sure the lack of thermostat is least concern given that I can place my hand flat on glass where heating pad is and its not any where near 120 degrees as I'm sure I would feel that type of heat. Thanks for advice and welcome any suggestions that may help me get things on track.

J