Hi, just received my first ball python!! Before I ask my questions, here’s my setup:

A 20 Gallon long glass tank with screen lid. Roughly half the lid is covered by a towel to maintain humidity. I have a UTH on the warm side connected to a thermostat in addition to a 60 watt CHE. Two hides, one on each side, and two thermometers, one on each side about 2 inches above substrate. With this, I was able to reach daytime ambient temperatures of 85-87 on the warm side and about 78-81 on the cool side.

However, waking up this morning I found my temps significantly lower... my cool side was running around 73 while the hot side was hovering around 81. I know there is a heat mat which my snake can utilize but I feel as if these ambient temps are not suitable. Any suggestions on what I could do to maintain constant ambient heat 24/7?

also had a question regarding his behavior. I’ve had him roughly 48 hours and have yet to see him come out of the cool side hide. I’m sure shipping stressed him out quite a bit and yes I know they are solitary and nocturnal animals and that hiding is healthy. Yet I have yet to see him in temps greater than 82 degrees. Is there a point I should start worrying?