hot/cool sides

should i have a heat lamp and UTH on one side and nothing on the other? is there a better way to keep the whole tank warm with one side warmer? my bp curls up on top of her humid hide (and anything else she can) and basks in the heat lamp, is this normal or does it mean something?

[Adam_Wysocki]

What's important is that you have a thermal gradient that goes from 80-84 degrees on the cool side over to 90-95 degrees on the hot. (I prefer the higher ends of the spectrum, but anything in that range can work). Sometimes you need to use UTH's on both sides and heat lamps on the hot, somtimes just a heat lamp, or sometimes different combinations of each. It all depends on the surrounding temps. The most important thing is to figure out how to get those temperatures set up and keep it that way.

You ball python should be thermoregulating. You should see it spending time on the cool side AND the hot side of it's enclosure. If it is only spending time on the hot, it may be too cool and need more ambient heat in the cage, or there could be a lack of secure places to hide on the cool side that makes it not want to go over there.

Hope this helps.

-adam

thanks, there's certainly no lack of places to hide in there. she does spend time on the cool side too, i guess i just need to go shopping today

[Adam_Wysocki]

If you don't already have a digital thermometer, I get mine from either Target or Walmart and they run right under $10. One of the best purchases you can make for your ball python.

-adam

[sophie42204]

The digital hygrometer/thermometer combo is a better choice IMO. You can get those at Walmart for approx. $15. It has two temp readings (one probe) and a humidity reading as well.

[Adam_Wysocki]

The digital hygrometer/thermometer combo is a better choice IMO. You can get those at Walmart for approx. $15. It has two temp readings (one probe) and a humidity reading as well.

Of course, if money is not an issue. I was going with the minimalist approach. bp_pandora already has a humid hide set up from NERD, so the hygrometer really isn't as important (thought I'd try and save a couple of dollars).

Nuttin wrong with bein frugal!

-adam

[sophie42204]

True that! :wink:

thanks, both of you. i'll be going to wal mart soon. so digital is better than the one that sticks to the tank and changes colors? that's what's there now and there's only one in the middle. yes, frugal is better but when it comes to taking care of my ball (or my cat) i'll spend whatever i have to if it'll help them be happier.

[Adam_Wysocki]

oh yes, the digital ones are MUCH better ... I'm not even sure if those stick on ones work out of water? I always thought they were for fish?

Happy shopping, I think you'll like the digital a lot!

-adam

i think it works, it changes :blushes: i guess i'll be shopping tomorrow?