Ball pythons lay on the hot spot(belly heat) to help digest their meals.
A rheostat is worthless unless your room temp is fairly stable 24/7
ihome sells reptitemp 500R thermostats for 28 bucks shipped and The bean farm sells 11x12 flexwatt heat pads for 3.60 each.
For $10 more than a rheostat and a heat bulb you will have a thermostat and a UTH for your snake to enjoy![]()