Heat light question

[Finnsmom]

Hello! I recently got an adult bp! He's super friendly! He's already eagerly eaten! And seems to be doing great!
the only questions I have are about heating. I currently just have a 50watt red infrared bulb that was given to me when I got him. I was told from the Rescue I got him from that was all I would need and he would be fine.
I don't really want a uth because I just don't trust them. I've read so many things about them catching fire or being faulty even when hooked up to a thermostat.
So I am just wanting to make sure- is the 50watt enough heat for him? His warm end seems to stay between 82-86.

Thanks.

[Streller]

That would depend on how large the enclosure is for him. I have a 4ft wooden vivarium for my elder male, and his heat bulb has a 100 watt infrared, directly under the bulb gets to about high 80's to 91/2, and the low end helps to create a nice gradient over the vivarium.

Almost forgot, congratulations!

[JodanOrNoDan]

Be aware anything electrical can be dangerous. My nephew unintetionally set a bed on fire with my lizard's heat lamp.

[Dumdum333]

I use a 100 watt as well, the warm end should be closer to 90, so might be worth getting an upgrade

[Finnsmom]

Ok. So maybe a 75 watt infrared would be better? And that's ok as the only heat source?

[PitOnTheProwl]

Are you measuring actual surface temperatures or ambient?

[FlynnTheBP]

Ok. So maybe a 75 watt infrared would be better? And that's ok as the only heat source?

I use a 75w infrared and a UV white light, keeping the hot end around 92 degrees and the cold end 82. Is your snake's name Finn? Mine's named Flynn.

[JodanOrNoDan]

Ok, let me try it this way. I am very much against heat lamps for ball pythons. It can be done but it is more trouble than its worth in my opinion. Also, I believe that heat tape and undertank heaters are safer than a heat lamp when done correctly. If you must use a heat lamp then we probably need a better idea of what your actual setup is. 82-86 is too low for a hot - cold side setup. Also u have not specified how you are taking the temp and where. Floor, Ambient???

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...ius)-Caresheet

[Kaorte]

Are you measuring actual surface temperatures or ambient?

ding ding ding. It is important to know what kind of thermometers you are using and where they are located in the tank.

Lamps are fine as a heat source, but most people find that it becomes nearly impossible to keep your humidity up.

Don't be scared of UTH's. They fail very rarely and with a good thermostat, your snake is perfectly safe.

[Finnsmom]

Yes I realize it's hard for the humidity to stay up with the heat lamps. I currently have him in a 20gal long.
The warm end fluctuates between 82-86. The cool end stays around 75.
and that is the ambient air temps.