Need help with perfecting my enclosure.

[Acheuro]

So I'm getting a 24-27 inch female ball python from LLL Reptiles and for its enclosure I followed this guide. http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...e-Basics-*DUW*

However, I'm having some issues. My humidity is currently at a mint 57% but on the cold side of the tank the temperature is at 75° and not changing. Not sure how to fix that problem (I have an extra heat pad but I don't know where I'd put it). Also, on the hot side a thermormeter says its 75° all the same but when I shoot a temperature gun at the ground on the hot side it says like 104° but if I hold it in the same spot it falls down to like 97° which is weird. How do I make my temperatures what they need to be? Also a few more questions: my tub is 22x13x10 inches is this big enough? Also the hides are of good size but the entrance to them is only 2 inches across. Will the snake be able to fit? Thanks.

[PitOnTheProwl]

Sounds like you are running wide open? Regulate that UTH....

[Acheuro]

TIL that UTH temperatures could be regulated

[PitOnTheProwl]

TIL that UTH temperatures could be regulated

What

[Acheuro]

I had no idea the temps on the UTH could be regulated by a thermostat

[PitOnTheProwl]

They need to be to avoid cooking your animal.
You can also use a lamp dimmer available at most hardware stores.

[chrid16371]

You can always use a $15 lamp dimmer from Lowes to regulate the uth. Any heating device you use will have to be regulated in some way. With uth your only options are a a thermostat or lamp dimmer. If you get a thermostat get a proportional thermostat. They work just like a lamp dimmer. Stay away from zoo med and other companies like them when it comes to thermostats, they make the style known as on/off which means full power then no power which makes a constant temperature fluctuation 84-92. You will never have a constant hot spot temp.

[Sauzo]

I personally don't trust UTHs but that's just me. If I was to use one, I would for sure buy the best T-stat, Herpstat imo. I personally just use CHEs or RHPs as they both operate on the same principle, just one can go in the cage and one cant. I still use Herpstats for them but the good thing is if for some reason the T-stat goes bonkers and somehow sticks on, it wont cook my snake like a UTH can. Also I use 2-3" deep aspen for substrate so a UTH would be useless for me anyways. And actually, you should buy the best T-stat anyways as that piece of equipment is the most important item other than the snake itself.

As for the tub, that tub might work but why use such a small one? Tubs are cheap, just go buy a Sterilite or a Rubbermaid. You can get a big one for around $10 and it will give you more control for a temp gradient. 2" door on a hide is fine assuming the door isn't a complete circle so the snake cant get stuck in it. I use Reptile Basic large hides for my BP girl and she is about 4'. She fits pretty snug in the doorway but still manages to double back in the doorway somehow haha.