Daytime light broke

[guywithaballpython]

I was opening my ball pythons enclosure when my day time light fell off, no cracks or anything and it wont turn back on.

I have a nighttime red light which heats up the enclosure more than the daytime, should I use the nighttime light but during the day leave my curtains open for extra light so he knows it's still day?

Should I be worried about only using my nighttime light until I get a daytime one?

[Charles8088]

Not a big deal. They don't NEED a dedicated light. But, that red light, you should switch out for a CHE. Balls do see the red light.

[Bogertophis]

The ambient light in the room (assuming you open the shades) is enough for a snake to know it's day or night. They do not need -nor do they like- bright lights, so stick with red or black bulbs if he needs the extra warmth, or better yet, use a CHE (no light) for warmth-only. Any equipment that produces heat should be regulated- preferably on a thermostat, or for lights, at least on a dimmer control: you'll not only save $ by not wasting energy, you also won't be "cooking" your snake. It's a matter of safety- for success in keeping snakes, you need to provide the right amount of warmth options they need. Not enough, & they won't do well (may go off eating, or if they eat & it's too cool, they'll regurgitate); too much heat, and they can suffer permanent neurological damage, burns or death.

By the way,

[Sonny1318]

I’ve been using infrared lights for over 25 years. There’s no proof any where that it effects them negatively in any way. My two 7 year old males are both over 1800 grams, and healthy as can be. Same goes for my two 5 year olds at 1400 to 1600 grams. I’ve also used them on multiple species of Boas. ✌️ Che’s are notorious for drying out enclosures much worse then bulbs.

[Bogertophis]

I’ve been using infrared lights for over 25 years. There’s no proof any where that it effects them negatively in any way. My two 7 year old males are both over 1800 grams, and healthy as can be. Same goes for my two 5 year olds at 1400 to 1600 grams. I’ve also used them on multiple species of Boas. ✌️ Che’s are notorious for drying out enclosures much worse then bulbs.

I tend to agree, as I use black or red bulbs at night in the winter for some of my snakes (as supplemental heating- they ALL have UTH anyway), & if they didn't like that dim light, I don't think they'd keep basking & sleeping under them as they do, but they go out of their way & appear to enjoy them. My bulbs are 40-60 watts, & all are dimmed way down- they'd be way too hot otherwise.

[Sonny1318]

I experience the same thing with my boys coming out to “bask” in the warmth. I buy 75 watt infrared bulbs and turn them down with dimmers. It dramatically increases the life span of the bulb. And as you mentioned the snakes sure do appear to enjoy it. 😊✌️

[Hugsplox]

I experience the same thing with my boys coming out to “bask” in the warmth. I buy 75 watt infrared bulbs and turn them down with dimmers. It dramatically increases the life span of the bulb. And as you mentioned the snakes sure do appear to enjoy it. 😊✌️

I know this is semi off-topic, but do the infrared bulbs keep the ambient temps up on their own, or are you guys using them more as supplemental heating? I'm waiting on my T10 with RHP but the 40 breeder I'm using now has a CHE, and I wanted to convert it to maybe keep tree frogs or something down the road, and this CHE has been a nightmare with humidity.

[Sonny1318]

I use it as my primary heat source. By my main house thermostat is set at 74* literally year round. I’ve been keeping for a good 35 years, I know Che’s can serve great purpose depending on the application. But for tropical snakes I see no benefits. I also have a whole house humidifier I run at 45% humidity in the winter. In Chicago, where I’m located the humidity in my place hits 45 to 50% on its own in the summer months, so no need to run it then. Hope this helps.

[guywithaballpython]

I open my shades, as his cage is near a window so he can tell if its day or night, I just have a major problem with keeping my heat up, I am basically his heat source alot as his light brings him to 80 and I bring him to around 85-88, and his cold side is around 74-76 most of the time, but I switch the light from one side to another if it gets too low

[Hugsplox]

I open my shades, as his cage is near a window so he can tell if its day or night, I just have a major problem with keeping my heat up, I am basically his heat source alot as his light brings him to 80 and I bring him to around 85-88, and his cold side is around 74-76 most of the time, but I switch the light from one side to another if it gets too low

I'm not sure what you mean when you say you're "his heat source a lot." What size enclosure are you working with? My room stays right around 74 and a 100watt CHE in my 40 breeder (heavily modified mind you with duct tape and foil, as well as insulated on three sides) keeps my temperatures both warm and cool where I want them.

I don't mean to come off as abrasive, but it seems like a lot of your issues are coming from having minimal equipment. Have you considered doing some alterations to your enclosure to make the most out of what you have? Below is a really good post about setting up a glass enclosure that will retain heat much better than a barebones set up.

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...With-Pictures!