Beginner BP owner seeking advice

[mama_D]

My light fixture burnt out my day bulb yesterday. It was getting late so I switched to the red. The red bulb has been fine in there all night. This morning I tried to use my spare day bulb and it worked for less than 10 seconds and burnt out. I put the red one back in there and its still working fine. I cannot afford to buy a new fixture for about a week. I could afford a new bulb tomorrow but I'm afraid I would be wasting my money if the bulb were to burn out like the last two did. Is it safe for me to run the red bulb constantly? At least maybe temporarily until I can get a nice fixture next week. If so, how long would it be ok for? Has anyone had a problem like this before (is it the bulbs or the is the fixture bad) ?? I love my snake and worry about her. I hope someone can get back to me soon on this. Thanks

[apeterson2]

running a red bulb all the time is not a problem since it is a nocturnal bulb.

Are you running a daylight bulb during the day? The reason In ask is because they are not necessary since ball pythons are nocturnal. as long as they get some type of light such as light through a window during the day or a ceiling fixture for about 12 hours a day is all they require.

As far as the fixture It sounds to me more like bad bulbs than the fixture because the red bulb should have burned out if it was the fixture

[Inknsteel]

Ball pythons don't require a day/night cycle. They do fine without any light.

You'll be fine using the red bulb full time if it's keeping your temps and humidity where they should be.

The problem is probably that the light fixture isn't rated for the wattage of bulb you are using. If you put another of the same bulb in, you'll probably get the same result.

[K2exotics]

I say stick with the light you have and save your money Do you have a UTH? if not I suggest keeping the red bulb on and saving for one of those and a dimmer instead of a new light hood. Overall they heat better and preserve your humidity.

[mama_D]

Thank you all for being so helpful!!