Son getting ball python. Cage setup help please

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Originally Posted by dembonez

is a thermo rheo and a dimmer all the same thing??

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A thermostat is a device that measures the temperature of a heating device and adjusts according to the temperature that you set it to automatically. It comes with a probe that measures the temp. If the temp gets too low, it kicks on, if it gets too hot, it kicks off.

A thermometer is a device that only reads temperature, it does not adjust it in any way

A Rheostat is basically the same thing as a dimmer. It reduces the amount of power going to the UTH making it hotter or cooler. The problem with using a rheostat is it doesn't know when it gets too hot or too cold, you have to check it a few times a day and adjust it accordingly. The thermostat takes out the constant adjusting.

Well for the tstat u guys say dont put it inside the cage but put it between the glass and the uth.. How can i do that if its stuck to the bottom?

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Originally Posted by Kaorte

A thermostat is a device that measures the temperature of a heating device and adjusts according to the temperature that you set it to automatically. It comes with a probe that measures the temp. If the temp gets too low, it kicks on, if it gets too hot, it kicks off.

A thermometer is a device that only reads temperature, it does not adjust it in any way

A Rheostat is basically the same thing as a dimmer. It reduces the amount of power going to the UTH making it hotter or cooler. The problem with using a rheostat is it doesn't know when it gets too hot or too cold, you have to check it a few times a day and adjust it accordingly. The thermostat takes out the constant adjusting.

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so a thermostat is hands down the best cool


thanks for breaking it down for me! :P

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Originally Posted by f4n70m

Well for the tstat u guys say dont put it inside the cage but put it between the glass and the uth.. How can i do that if its stuck to the bottom?

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It is not REQUIRED to put it between the UTH and the glass. I never have and all my enclosures are just fine. Just make sure the probe is securely taped to the bottom of the UTH. Aluminum tape works the best for this.

idk how to delete a post :(

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Originally Posted by Kaorte

It is not REQUIRED to put it between the UTH and the glass. I never have and all my enclosures are just fine. Just make sure the probe is securely taped to the bottom of the UTH. Aluminum tape works the best for this.

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So your saying tape it to UTH outside of the glass.. like on the very bottom. Where the top is stuck to the glass?

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Originally Posted by f4n70m

So your saying tape it to UTH outside of the glass.. like on the very bottom. Where the top is stuck to the glass?

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I don't really understand what you are confused about. You just tape it right on the UTH outside the enclosure. The UTH has a top and a bottom. The top is stuck on the glass, and the bottom is open to the air.

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Originally Posted by Kaorte

I don't really understand what you are confused about. You just tape it right on the UTH outside the enclosure. The UTH has a top and a bottom. The top is stuck on the glass, and the bottom is open to the air.

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lol sorry :(

Ok well it seems I got all the info I need. Here is what im planning on doing.
Getting a tstat at the show. Hooking the uth up to that. Set it at 92-93 deg. Then keeping the lamp on a dimmer. This should allow the UTH to stay at a good temp and allow me to adjust the lamp to raise the ambiant air temp.
Sorry this has turned out to be so long didn’t mean for it to. But I cant mess up and let a snake die. My son don’t want just one snake.. he wants MANY. But we will just start out with one for now. Maybe next year we can move up and get another lol. I thank all you guys for all your help. Once I learn more about all this stuff I will make sure I repay my debt and help others as you guys have helped me.

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Originally Posted by f4n70m

lol sorry :(

Ok well it seems I got all the info I need. Here is what im planning on doing.
Getting a tstat at the show. Hooking the uth up to that. Set it at 92-93 deg. Then keeping the lamp on a dimmer. This should allow the UTH to stay at a good temp and allow me to adjust the lamp to raise the ambiant air temp.
Sorry this has turned out to be so long didn’t mean for it to. But I cant mess up and let a snake die. My son don’t want just one snake.. he wants MANY. But we will just start out with one for now. Maybe next year we can move up and get another lol. I thank all you guys for all your help. Once I learn more about all this stuff I will make sure I repay my debt and help others as you guys have helped me.

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thank you for making this thread i learned alot aswell! :oops:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by f4n70m

lol sorry :(

Ok well it seems I got all the info I need. Here is what im planning on doing.
Getting a tstat at the show. Hooking the uth up to that. Set it at 92-93 deg. Then keeping the lamp on a dimmer. This should allow the UTH to stay at a good temp and allow me to adjust the lamp to raise the ambiant air temp.
Sorry this has turned out to be so long didn’t mean for it to. But I cant mess up and let a snake die. My son don’t want just one snake.. he wants MANY. But we will just start out with one for now. Maybe next year we can move up and get another lol. I thank all you guys for all your help. Once I learn more about all this stuff I will make sure I repay my debt and help others as you guys have helped me.

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Sounds like a plan!

Don't be sorry, this is a forum for learning and you (and others) have done just that :) If you have any other questions, feel free to ask away. There is always someone here to answer your questions.

Believe me, most of us are just glad that you are sorting this out before you get the animal. Most people (including myself) get their first ball python as an impulse buy and end up getting a lot of useless equipment that they then need to replace. Doing the research before hand saves you time and money!

Everyone is happy! Hooray!