A Few Questions about my Ball?

[FireStorm]

Do you have a thermostat controlling your heat source? If not, you really need one.

[Cortland V.]

Do you have a thermostat controlling your heat source? If not, you really need one.

Sadly, I don't. Do you think you could give me a link to a good one? What does it do?

[FireStorm]

It regulates power going to your heat source. It will help you keep the temps constant, and also prevent the heat source from getting too hot and burning your snake. Here's a link that may help:
http://firestormreptiles.com/weblog/...hermostat.html

[Cortland V.]

It regulates power going to your heat source. It will help you keep the temps constant, and also prevent the heat source from getting too hot and burning your snake. Here's a link that may help:
http://firestormreptiles.com/weblog/...hermostat.html

So do I plug my heat pad into that? Like I said, the heat pad is under the warm hide... Should I use another source of heat besides that?

[FireStorm]

You will plug the heat source into the thermostat, and then plug the thermostat into the wall. Then you put the thermostat probe in between the heat mat and the bottom of the enclosure. You may have to play with the temp you set the thermostat at to get the right temps in the enclosure, but if you can keep things warm enough with just the heat mats that is ideal. Lights dry things out a lot.

[FireStorm]

What are you using to measure your temps?

[Cortland V.]

What are you using to measure your temps?

Im using a digital probe. I'm guessing a thermostat would be better? That $35 one on amazon looked pretty nice. So that can control the heat of the pad and tell me how hot it is?

[FireStorm]

You'll still want to use the digital thermometer to verify the temps in the enclosure, you just want the thermostat there to control the temps. In other words, you need both. Adding the thermostat will really help level off your temps. The Hydrofarm is definitely your best bet if you are on a budget...the cheap ones they market for reptiles don't seem to be as reliable. Otherwise, if you want to spend the money ($100+) on a high end one the Herpstat is great. The other thing is, what are you using for tops on your enclosure? If they are screen, covering them 2/3 of the way with foil may help with the humidity.

[Cortland V.]

You'll still want to use the digital thermometer to verify the temps in the enclosure, you just want the thermostat there to control the temps. In other words, you need both. Adding the thermostat will really help level off your temps. The Hydrofarm is definitely your best bet if you are on a budget...the cheap ones they market for reptiles don't seem to be as reliable. Otherwise, if you want to spend the money ($100+) on a high end one the Herpstat is great. The other thing is, what are you using for tops on your enclosure? If they are screen, covering them 2/3 of the way with foil may help with the humidity.

I have another repticarpet on top of the screen (The pack came with two)
but I leave enough space for ventilation and for the lights.

[FireStorm]

It sounds like you are off to a pretty good start...I think the main thing you were missing is the thermostat.