Heat mat placement

I recently got a ball python and when I was setting up his tank it said on the package and instructions that it's better to put it on the side of the tank rather than underneath it, so I did. But now I'm worried the tank's not warm enough, not that the heat mats not warm enough, but it's not making the hot side of the tank as hot as it should.
So what I'm asking is, is it okay to put the heat mat on one side or is it better if I move it to the bottom of the tank?

I prefer underneath for belly heat.

The under-tank heater goes.... under the tank. The probe for the thermostat to regulate it so it doesn't get hot enough to burn your snake should be sandwiched between the heat mat and the glass.

If you do not have a thermostat then go get one, noting that a thermostat is a different appliance than a thermometer.

UTA's (Under Tank Heaters) Are supposed to be placed as their name suggests. I find that they are more useful for belly heat than ambiance, so I would recommend moving it to the bottom of the tank.

Ah, alright. I'll try to move it. The instructions for it says that it's preferred to be on the side, rather than underneath, so I thought it would work just as well, but when I came home from work last night he was just curled up against the side with the heat mat, so I think the rest of the tank is too cold for him.
Can I take the pad off and it's still sticky to put it somewhere else? Also, should I get a heat lamp? I know ball pythons prefer belly heat since they hide a lot and are noctournal, but would a ceramic heat bulb be good for the hot side?

The heat bulb would be more for ambient heat although mine like to bask every once in a while. You need a thermostat and a thermometer / hygrometer. The lamp can also help with humidity

I also recommend a second hide for the cool side with the water dish in between

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Originally Posted by c0r3yr0s3

I also recommend a second hide for the cool side with the water dish in between

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Yeah, I do have a cool side and two hides! I'm just worried about the hot side being the right tempature. I also just got him so I'm scared I'll stress him out by moving him out and placing the heat mat in the right spot.

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Originally Posted by Robolover

Yeah, I do have a cool side and two hides! I'm just worried about the hot side being the right temperature. I also just got him so I'm scared I'll stress him out by moving him out and placing the heat mat in the right spot.

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Do you have a thermometer on both sides keeping track of the ambiance? It may seem overkill to some, but it definitely helps keep peace of mind that everything inside is fine and well.

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Originally Posted by Robolover

Ah, alright. I'll try to move it. The instructions for it says that it's preferred to be on the side, rather than underneath, so I thought it would work just as well, but when I came home from work last night he was just curled up against the side with the heat mat, so I think the rest of the tank is too cold for him.
Can I take the pad off and it's still sticky to put it somewhere else? Also, should I get a heat lamp? I know ball pythons prefer belly heat since they hide a lot and are noctournal, but would a ceramic heat bulb be good for the hot side?

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I'd just keep to the heat mat to be honest .. as others have said it goes under the tank ( has to be regulated by a thermostat though !) ..

As regards your question about re-using the sticky heat mat ... I've done it many times .. it can be a little tricky easing it off the glass but if you're firm and gentle they do peel off gradually.

It can then be stuck under one end of the viv. If it's not sticky it doesn't really matter as it's not going anywhere..


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Yes, the UTH goes underneath. It is also there solely to provide a hot spot to aid in digestion. It is not designed for ambient temps. If the temps in the room the enclosure is in don't remain a constant low 80s you will need an additional heat source.

ALL heat sources should be regulated by a thermostat to prevent dangerous heat spikes which can cause serious burns or worse to your snake.

So do you think it's okay to move him out of the tank to put the heat mat on the bottom even though he's settling in? I don't want to stress him out, but he's probably pretty uncomfortable, since he's been lying next to the heat mat side instead of in his hides, so maybe it's better to take him out and set up the tank right rather than have him stay like that for a week.

Yeah, you can definitely take him out and make adjustments. Your husbandry should be your top priority. Once you've got everything dialed in it's much easier. Then, just daily equipment checks.

Get the husbandry on point, let him acclimate for a few feedings and then start handling. You have 25+ years to handle your snake, so give him some time to get situated.

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Originally Posted by Robolover

So do you think it's okay to move him out of the tank to put the heat mat on the bottom even though he's settling in? I don't want to stress him out, but he's probably pretty uncomfortable, since he's been lying next to the heat mat side instead of in his hides, so maybe it's better to take him out and set up the tank right rather than have him stay like that for a week.

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As craig said, it should be ok. Id rather have my snake be a tiny bit stressed for a short period then risk him sitting in an improper environment which will do the same thing long term. You'd want him to get used to the proper setup, not the other one.

Okay i put the heat mat under the tank and he's in his hide now.

Should I get the kind of thermostat you can connect to the heat mat on the chord?

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Originally Posted by Robolover

Okay i put the heat mat under the tank and he's in his hide now.

Should I get the kind of thermostat you can connect to the heat mat on the chord?

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These are pretty much the go to budget thermostat, I prefer Herpstats but they'll work in a pinch.

Okay,so I don't think that the heat mat is heating up the hot side of the tank enough. Maybe the substrate is too thick?

The heat mat is to be only used with a thermostat, the thermostat probe goes on the heat mat. Never let the heat mat get over 92. The AMBIENT temperature of the air in the tank should be heated by a DIFFERENT HEAT SOURCE, such as a heat lamp controlled by a second thermostat. THE HEAT MAT IS NOT FOR HEATING THE TANK!!!! It is for creating a hot spot! I keep the ambients around 79-80 using a space heater (controlled by a thermostat of course!). Some
people use a heat lamp, or ceramic heat emitter, some use a radiant heat panel.

you need TWO HEAT SOURCES AND TWO THERMOSTATS. Imo, this should be required information give by the breeder, when selling a python!

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Originally Posted by Robolover

Okay,so I don't think that the heat mat is heating up the hot side of the tank enough. Maybe the substrate is too thick?

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How thick is your substrate incidentally?

I use orchid bark ( fabulous stuff) but only use a layer of about half to two thirds of an inch in depth ... so no more than 2cms .... That's my way ...


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It's maybe a 3rd of an inch to an inch and a half? I didn't use a lot. I'm using cypress mulch and just a little bit of ecoEarth.

Okay, so I measured and I was way off. The substrate is almost 3 inches in one spot. I'll scoop some out today.