Need Help With Temperature!

[Meadow910]

Hello All!
This is only my second post here, so please bear with me. I can't figure out how to get back to my original post to thank those who replied and update them on my prgoress. Oh yeah, I also haven't figured out how to add pics of my Ball Python. Lol!
My current problem seems to be regulating the temp in my BP's tank. We adopted a female BP about 3 weeks ago who was living in a 10 gallon tank with no "heat source" other than an incandescent bulb. So we started out by getting her a 20 gallon tank and adding a red 100 watt heat bulb. The tank was only getting up to about 77. So I went back to the pet store where I was advised to either try an undertank heater in addition to my 100w bulb or move up to a 150w bulb only. I opted to buy both and start out with the undertank heater and 100w bulb first. The temp under the hide had gotten up 106! So I turned everything off and called the pet store. I was told to come in and exchange my 100w for a 75w bulb. So I did. The temp under the hide still reaches over 100. I also have trouble getting the cool side of the tank above 75. This morning I decided to turn the bulb off all together to see what happens. The temp under the hide sits at about 94 and the cool side of the tank is about 65. I thought I'd be able to compromise by putting the bulb over the cool side to raise the temp while the hot side stays about where it should be but the pet store sais not to. I'm so confused. I could use any sugestions available. I'm like a nervouse mother, I want her to thrive. She got a clean bill of health from the vet so I don't want to freeze her to death or boil her. Plus I noticed she's starting to shed but not in one piece. HELP!

Thanks so much!

P.S.- Some good news is that she's an excellent eater!

[kitedemon]

Ok, UTH's need to be regulated so they do not get too hot. A rheostat, thermostat or proportional thermostat is needed. Rheostats really need stable room temps to work so they are likely not a good idea as you sound like the room is unregulated and cool. Look at thermostats there are lots of posts on them or start a new thread about them.

The other issue is the ambient temps typically 80ºF is a 'normal' target point for that . The simplest way to get there is to heat the room to 80. This is also likely to solve all the too cool heating issues. That may not always be the possible. The rest is a complete balance of basically trying to heat a small space in a controlled way to that target. There is not many simple solutions the typical methods are to reduce heat loss (insulation) and adding some secondary heater to lift the ambient air and surface temps to 80 then the uth to lift one part to 90.

insulation alone usually is not enough and a secondary heater sometimes is not either it takes both. The cooler the room the more difficult the task is.

The height of the tank is often an issue the heat rises and dissipates, Open tops don't help but you still need ventilation too so again a careful balance. Some will say plastic tubs but they don't insulate at all and limit secondary heat options so for a cool room (let me guess your room is 69-75?)

A side turned tank might help if you have the ability to make a 'plug' for it. I use a fluorescent light inside to help heat the air some. That might also help and lots of insulation to hold as much of that heat during the night as you can.

77ºF is a bit cold but not completely horrible 78 would be better that isn't that much really. Insulation might do that but you need a tstat!

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...arium-Solution

[pigfat]

Kite gave some great information. I couldn't get my temps up and keep humidity either while using a tank, but I finally went to the store and got a sheet of foam insulation. It was a 4' X 8' sheet, but it was only $7.00. I cut the foam to fit on the back and sides. One side has foil on it so I put that facing in to help bounce the heat back in. Here is a pic of what it looked sorta looks like:



Your UTH MUST have a thermostat as Kite said. I use this one and it has worked great for me, just having one snake, and its cheap, order it today!!!

http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-MTPR...2833943&sr=8-1

To help keep the heat in and humidity up, wet a towel with warm water, and lay over the screen, THen place another damp towel over it. The pic below shows this. I was having to use two heat bulbs to heat my tank, and now I am down to the one lamp on the hot side, which has a dimmer switch. Hope you figure it out!



To Add Pictures:

Go to photobucket.com and create an account if you dont already have one, (its free). Then click on "upload photos" and browse your computer for your pictures of your ball and click upload. AFter its through go to your gallery and there should be a URL right below the picture, just copy and paste that URL on your posts (it will only show up as a URL or website on your reply). Then when you submit your post it will have the picture on the page Hope you figure it out! We all love pictures!

[Meadow910]

Thanks so much for your input. I just ordered the thermostat. So hopefully I'll get this under control.

[pigfat]

Good deal! Let us know how it goes!

[mark and marley]

i had the same issue til i got a heater for my room.cold desert nights ill tell you.i might even take my collection to my walkin closet cause its easier to regulate ambient temps in a smaller room.