Heat tape (aka UTH's) do not increase the air temperature inside the cage. This means that you need thermometers with probes to measure the hot side temperature. This also means that if the room that the cage is in drops below 75 degrees you will need a heat lamp or CHE to increase the air temperatures.
Do you have a thermostat for the UTH? without one it will get hot enough to kill your snake.
Please read through this thread on cage heating. it should answer most of your questions: http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...t-Thermometers
I would also read this thread on care (pet store employees almost never know anything about how to care for reptiles. Their recommendations on caging and heating show this to be true once again): http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...ius)-Caresheet
A BP needs a hot side temperature of 90 degrees and a cool side temperature of 80 degrees 24/7. Night time temperature drops are not recommended. no part of the cage should EVER get below 75 or above 95 degrees.
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