Hi All,

I have my first ball python and I did a lot of reading in regards to how to set everything up. I would like to think I have everything set up the right way as it should be, but the temperature and humidity seems to be off.

I drilled nine holes on each side, and the humidity was reading at 99%. I increased the size of every other hole on each side today to see if that would help diminish the amount of humidity, but the Acurite continues to say it is at 99%. Is this level of humidity safe?

I am using Zoo Med, forest floor reptile bedding (cypress mulch), and I know this maintains humidity well, but I read that bp's need humidity between 60-75% to help with shedding. I am concerned that I have too much humidity overall, in regards to the overall health for my bp.

The second concern is in regards to the Zoo Med UTH that I am using. I read that I could stick aluminum foil to it that way it can be reused without the worry of peeling it off. Well I have it connected to the Hydrofarm thermostat which is set to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, but the base of the tub is only 81.2 degrees Fahrenheit; the top of the substrate is 79.8 degrees Fahrenheit. Should I increase the temperature of the UTH?

I ordered the Zoo Med 10-20 Gallon size UTH, but the shipper sent me the 30-40 gallon size, so I have half of the UTH taped to the first quarter of the tub, that way there is a thermal gradient and the entire tub isn't covered by the UTH. I think the UTH is just too big and since I have half of it sticking out and the other half taped under the tub, it is not allowing for the proper basking temperature. Is this the problem?

I included pictures of the set up, so everyone can see what I have going on: they are shared from my Google Drive, may have to paste link into address bar to view.

I have the Sterilite tub sitting on plastic cartons, one of which is topped off with aluminum heat tape, because I have the UTH resting on that specific carton. In the picture you will see half of the UTH which is covered in aluminum foil; the other half is under the tub, with the thermostat probe in between the tub and the UTH.

This is a 25 Qt. tub which measures in at 24 3/8 L x 15 1/8 W x 6 1/8 H.

Further info that may help if needed:

The ambient temperature in my room is 75 degrees Fahrenheit with relative humidity at 54-60 degrees.

I ordered a Herpstat 2 which I will be receiving next month, and I am looking to order Flexwatt as well, in belief that it can better heat the tub than the UTH I am using. Would this be a better way of heating the tub?

Even at 81 degrees on the lowest part of the tub, my bp doesn't feel warm when I pick her up. I am concerned she is not getting the heat she needs.

Hope to receive as much help as possible regarding this matter. Thank you!


https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxB...ew?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxB...ew?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxB...ew?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxB...ew?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxB...ew?usp=sharing