3 day BP owner seeking sound advice

[asupython]

Let me just start off saying that I am a complete newbie. Hell, I just start back touching snakes since elementary school. And even though I've been reading literature (forums and such) like crazy, nothing has prepared for the real thing. I have a TON of questions but I wont bombard you guys. So anyways, after setting up the tub for my baby bp for a week (before i got him) to tweek things. To fix my ambient heat issue (64-66 deg) I decided to go wth a space heater, and position it close to the tub (but not too close). The week prior to getting my snake things were great and I got the ambient temps to 78-84deg. Depending on where I place the dial and the temps in the room, it will cut off automatically when temps are reached (not a real t-stat tho, no numbers). However, this week temps have dipped to 23 deg outside (im in metro ATL, thats crazy) and it keeps my heater from cutting off at night ( and probably the day) because its so cold, while ambient temps have dipped again to 74-77 deg. Two questions: 1. The space heater emits a red/orange light when on. Does it bother the snake? If so, what are my options other than turning my heat on. 2. If the space heater is cool then is there a t stat I can get for it?

Side note: He ate the next day I got him so I dont think he's stressed. but he doesnt leave the cool side EVER. It'll be 48 hrs since eating when I get home so ill try to coax him to the hot side later.

[Rickys_Reptiles]

The red glow from the heater isn't an issue.

You could get an on/off thermostat with a probe. Put the probe inside the tub and set it to 80 degrees. Then your heater will turn on and off as required to keep the inside temperature correct.

*Note* I don't know which heater you're using, so this is just general advice

[asupython]

The red glow from the heater isn't an issue.

You could get an on/off thermostat with a probe. Put the probe inside the tub and set it to 80 degrees. Then your heater will turn on and off as required to keep the inside temperature correct.

*Note* I don't know which heater you're using, so this is just general advice

http://www.amazon.com/Comfort-Electr.../dp/B001MYQA16

I thought of that. Wont the heater require too much energy the t stat doesnt have?

[Rickys_Reptiles]

If you can't get the temps right, you may do better with a tank with a lid. That way you can use a heat lamp. Unfortunately heating a tub with only a UTH can be hard to achieve in a cool room.

Check this out, it may help. http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...light=solution

[bcr229]

he doesnt leave the cool side EVER. It'll be 48 hrs since eating when I get home so ill try to coax him to the hot side later.

What is the temperature on the surface of the substrate/paper towel/newspaper/etc on the hot side as measured with a temp gun or IR thermomenter?

[MrLang]

He knows how to thermoregulate so I would let him do his own moving around in the tub. If you want to heat the area around the tub, I would recommend using this with your space heater: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1 or try other options for keeping it warm. If the ambient temp dips into the mid 70s that is fine.

As for bombarding us - bombard away. You accepted that you're new and have learning to do and are reaching out for advice and suggestions on how to improve. Lots of people here are very eager to help people that want to be helped and are receptive to criticism and advice.

[dgring]

I don't mind being bombarded, bombard me

[asupython]

What is the temperature on the surface of the substrate/paper towel/newspaper/etc on the hot side as measured with a temp gun or IR thermomenter?

89-92 substrate is paper towel so i have the probe taped to the bottom

[asupython]

He knows how to thermoregulate so I would let him do his own moving around in the tub. If you want to heat the area around the tub, I would recommend using this with your space heater: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1 or try other options for keeping it warm. If the ambient temp dips into the mid 70s that is fine.


As for bombarding us - bombard away. You accepted that you're new and have learning to do and are reaching out for advice and suggestions on how to improve. Lots of people here are very eager to help people that want to be helped and are receptive to criticism and advice.

that thermometer looks ok. payday is tommorrow. Ill propbably get it. I keep reading about oil filled radiators. I have no idea what they are. I posted the cheap one i bought from walmart ($30). IYO should i take it back and invest in one of those?

Thanks for permission to bombard. Ive been googling everything but questions are coming, I assure you.

[asupython]

I don't mind being bombarded, bombard me

Thanks man. This bp is my only pet so besides my immediate fam (wife and two kids) it totally consumes my time. Im constantly checking temps. Hell I cant wait to get home to check them now. Hope the little guy is ok.