Kaa

[Kaade]

So I have my ball python in a 10 gallon tank. I have a heating pad on one side with a 60 watt black ceramic bulb above it. On that side I have the water and small hideaway cave, for her to hide in, closer to the middle. On the other side I have a log tunnel, and a small branch to climb on for the cool side. I have the two sides of glass, and back glass blacked out, and the top has foil covering the screen everywhere except the heat lamp, and a hole about 3 inches in diameter. The temperature is about 90 degrees on the warm side, and the humidity is around 40 - 50. Does this sound right? This is my first ball python.

[shorty54]

Post a picture if possible! Also, I've never heard of putting a heating pad on the side. You should use a UTH (Under Tank Heater). Just what I have from my experience!

[K2exotics]

Post a picture if possible! Also, I've never heard of putting a heating pad on the side. You should use a UTH (Under Tank Heater). Just what I have from my experience!

Kaade is my other half and the heating pad is a UTH I read some where in the miles of threads I have been reading that if you really need more heat ( our house is only 68 on a warm day) that you can apply a second one on the side.. though I could be completely confused.

[anatess]

Sounds like a good starting point. Now just to regulate the heat - which would need some thermometers and a t-stat - and get the humidity correct, then clutter up empty spaces for security and you're all good!

[Vypyrz]

to BP.net
I don't really know how much putting the UTH on the side helps, but here is what I would suggest. First is to put the UTH under the tank. This will give your little guy a warm place to lay. When you do this, you will need a way to control the temp of the heat pad. This can be as simple as a $10 lamp dimmer from Lowes or Home Depot, which is just a little slide switch that will increase or decrease the temp of the heat pad depending on which way you slide it. Another option is a rheostat, which works the same way and are available at some pet stores and online suppliers. The drawback to using these is that you will have to adjust them as the ambient temp in the house changes so that the heat pad doesn't get too hot. The best choice is to get a thermostat. These will monitor the temp of the heat pad and turn on/off to maintain whatever temp you set it to. There are several types and brands available with a variety of features. Some pet stores carry them, however, your best deals will be to order them online. These will run anywhere from $25-$40 for the basic ones, all the way up to $300+. If this is something that you want to look into, let me know and I can post up a bunch of links to online suppliers which will cover the whole spectrum of thermostats.

Since your house stays fairly cool, I suggest insulating the tank some. There are a few things that you can use for this. Cardboard, styrofoam sheets, polystyrene insulation, or black foam board is nicer looking. It is available at Wal-Mart in the school supplies section with the poster board. What ever you decide to use, just cut it into pieces to match the three sides that you already have blacked out and tape it on.

For the top, cover about 3/4 of it with aluminum foil. This will help hold in the humidity and some of the heat.
Lastly, I would suggest getting rid of the log hide and getting another cave hide so that both are identical. If a Ball Python doesn't feel secure in a hide, they won't use it. They will stay in the one that they do feel secure in, choosing security over comfort, they won't move back and forth to thermoregulate. Plus, once the log hides get urine or feces on them, they are almost impossible to clean. Hope this helps some...