Baby ball python heating help

[Abigail23]

Hello, I rescued a baby ball python from a girl who impulsively bought the baby and soon realized she wanted nothing to do with him. I set him up in a 10 gal glass tnk, lots of foliage, two hides, water bowl, the essentials. I'm waiting to feed him on Saturday so that he has time to settle in first. I own many other pets, but this is my first reptile/snake. I've wanted one for a long time so I knew the care for one and all that good stuff. I know the cool side should be at 80-85 degrees, and the hot at 90-96. I'm using a small zoomed UTH. and a Jumpstart thermostat as recommended by many people. I connected the pad onto the thermostat and itll read the temp I set it on, but the substrate does not feel warm at ALL. The pad under the tank feels slightly, but the substrate doesnt.

I have the thermostats probe inside the tank on top of the glass, heat pad under tank. I've heard some people putting the probe in between pad and glass. I'm not sure if thats the right way or not? Please help with this.

Anyway, is the substrate suppose to feel warm?**** or do I not feel anything bc human bodies are already pretty warm. I bought an extra thermometer/Hydrometer by zoomed. I'm not sure at all if its accurate though. Do you guys recommend something else?

I only have about an inch of substrate. and the jump start under the substrate is reading 95, meanwhile the zoomed thermometer is reading at 88. Could it be lower bc of the substrate despite there only being an inch?


the baby, a dark champagne ball python (I named him October bc of his orange head) he rather spend his time climbed up the foliage right underneath the mesh lid instead of his hides. This makes me worry that the temp isnt right


I'm trying my best, but I could use you guys help.

Sorry this post is all over the place btw.

[tttaylorrr]

sorry for a quick response but im a bit busy:

PLEASE REMOVE the thermostat probe from inside the enclose, as the snake can poop, pee or otherwise move the probe to create an inaccurate reading and cook your snake. OUTSIDE the enclosure between the UTH and enclosure bottom is the CORRECT placement.

EDIT: 96° F is entirely too hot. don't go over 92 and remember a cheap thermostat like the Jumpstart relies on a 2° Δ (delta) which means the thermostat doesn't shut off until 2° above the set temp.

EDIT 2: substrate temperature is irrelevant as snakes burrow down; the bottom of the enclosure temp is what matters.

[bcr229]

The thermostat probe goes under the tank floor, sandwiched between the heat pad and the tank. Only put a thin layer of substrate over the heat pad and then put the warm hide over it.

[Abigail23]

Do I need to put it middle of the UTH or is it fine that I just pulled it off one edge and pushed it in? I heard the heat pad will get ruined if you tear it off and I dont have another at home. Would it be an accurate reading having the probe middle of pad just an inch pushed in?

[tttaylorrr]

Do I need to put it middle of the UTH or is it fine that I just pulled it off one edge and pushed it in? I heard the heat pad will get ruined if you tear it off and I dont have another at home. Would it be an accurate reading having the probe middle of pad just an inch pushed in?

yes, those heat mats are NOT meant to be removed once placed. as long as you were SUPER slow and careful, the internals shouldn't be damaged.

the probe in a central position is ideal, but not necessary.

trust your gut: were you truly careful? can you trust your snakes life to your gut feeling?

if you're truly worried about the UTH and can't afford something new let us know.

[Abigail23]

I was super careful, but I can always buy another one tomorrow to have it mid center for the most accurate reading.

What thermostats, Thermometers and UTH do you guys recommend? I've only ever tried zoomed uth.


Also hows the best way to check ambient temp? and should I get another thermometer for the cool side


ahh sorry for all the questions

[tttaylorrr]

I was super careful, but I can always buy another one tomorrow to have it mid center for the most accurate reading.

What thermostats, Thermometers and UTH do you guys recommend? I've only ever tried zoomed uth.


Also hows the best way to check ambient temp? and should I get another thermometer for the cool side


ahh sorry for all the questions

first: DO NOT SAY SORRY for trying to do right by the living being(s) in your care.

ima send personal pics of my equipment
IR temp gun:


probe thermometer



stand-alone thermometer/hygrometer combo:


and that's it!

[Abigail23]

awesome! Thanks taylor. & any thermostat in mind you recommend?

[tttaylorrr]

awesome! Thanks taylor. & any thermostat in mind you recommend?

i still keep my Jumpstarts in case i need an emergency electricity regulator.

Herpstats are my #1. they are EXPENSIVE, yet worth every penny.

Viviarium Electronics sells their own thermostats, but IMO i don't think they're made as well as their competition.