Quote Originally Posted by mercerasian View Post
I'm also new to owning a ball python (I have yet to actually get the ball python, just finished setting up the enclosure this weekend) but it's my understanding that day bulbs are not good for snakes as they don't really like light. Use the night bulb and pick up an extra heat pad to put under the hot side hide. This heat pad should be regulated automatically by a thermostat or manually with a combination of a thermometer and rheostat. Note the difference between a thermostat and a thermometer. Temperature inside the hot side hide should be about 90 degrees, ambient air on the hot side should be higher 80s while cool side is lower 80s. Humidity should be about 50 percent regularly and 60 when the snake is shedding.

The difference between a day and night bulb is they both put off heat but day bulbs have visible light while night bulbs are not, which is why most ball python owners use night bulbs or infrared bulbs in their enclosures so light isn't shining on their snake so much.

All my info comes from days and days of researching. I tend to do as much research as possible when I take up a hobby and ball python herpetology is no different. Good luck with your new snakes!
Good on you! You seem to know your stuff.

The only thing I feel needs to be added, is that the heat bulbs WILL be a pain for humidity unless you change the set-up a bit.

Try covering the screen top with tinfoil, Saran wrap, or a wet towel (obviously leaving a small space open for ventilation)

Or you could get a piece of plexiglass, and drill holes for ventilation.

Also, how are you measuring these temps? Honestly, a heat gun is amazing. If you're using an analog thermometer, chances are your temperatures are way off.