Heating for ball pythons

[littletrout]

I recently purchased a baby ball python and was wondering about a heating pad and do not want to use Flexwatt. I have no substrate in the tank only a terrarium carpet so I do not want to buy something that will burn the snake. I currently own several corn snakes and have never used heating pads (with great success) as they do not require the higher temperatures that ball pythons do.

[Shelby]

Why don't you want to use flexwatt? It's the most reliable thing you can get IMO. You can buy one of the pet store UTHs, but you NEED a thermostat (or at the very least a dimmer) to control it. Any heat pad is going to get too warm without something to regulate it.

Even if they seem ok, corn snakes really do much better with an 85-88 degree basking spot. It makes digesting easier on them and boosts their immune system.

[daniel1983]

Why no flexwatt?

With any UTH, you will also need a thermostat to run it at the proper temperature. Do you have any specific questions about UTHs or are you just looking for a brand to buy?

[mr~python]

I would use flexwatt. It's the best thing that i've found to use as heat for ball pythons. Howcome you don't want to use it?

[rabernet]

I have to jump in here as well with an endorsement for flexwatt - economical, easy to use - what's not to love?


As everyone else has said, any UTH that you use needs to be on a thermostat, any UTH can get too hot without it.

In addition, belly heat aids in digestion.

[littletrout]

Thanks everyone for your replies. I'm going with flexwatt