Question about Heat maintenance

[Echristoe827]

Hi all,

I am adopting a 3 yr old python and have been doing quite a bit of researching regarding the habitat etc. I am very confused though. I keep hearing different things. Is it better to use a heat lamp, a UTH (with rheostat and thermostat) or a combination of both? I've read from different sources, each having their own opinion. One says to have a UTH and a heat lamp on the same side. However, I've also read that BP's don't need lighting, and that UTH's can overheat. So is a combo, or one or the other best? Also, how do maintain temp different in the cage? I know one side needs to be around 75 degrees and the other around 85 degrees. How do I get one tank to be two different temperatures?

Thanks!

-Beth

[Stewart_Reptiles]

What you need is a reliable thermostat, I stress the point reliable because while a good thermostat might be a little more costly it will allow you to provide stable temps and will give you piece of mind.

For heating device I recommend belly heat compare to light, why? because heats travels upward and therefore with a heat lamp there is a lot more heat loss, making it more energy inefficient, a lamp will also dry out your enclosure which is often a problem for new owners.

As far as gradient, you do so by providing a hot side with your heat source and t-stat, and by providing a cool side which will directly depends on your room ambient temp.

If the ambient temp is not high enough you may need an additional t-stat and heat source set to the desired temp.

[Echristoe827]

Deborah, thanks f ii r that! Quick question, shou ok d also get a rheostat to control the temp of UTH? And if i end up needing another source for heat ,should i just get anotger UTH for the other side of the tank and regulate its temp as well?

[Stewart_Reptiles]

You can get a rheostat however if the temps in the room are not stable you will have to constantly adjust your settings (a t-stat does this for you) and you will not have temps that are as stable in your enclosure.

Because of this I only recommend rheostat or dimmer as a temporary solution.