Lighting

[iSnake]

So, I bought a pack of two bulbs of 60 watts for the lighting of my ball python. It is titled 'DAY & NIGHT REPTILE BULBS'. The dark red 24 hour heat bulb, I know it is for the bask side of the enclosure. But, do I really leave it on 24 hours and never turn it off or what? I would appreciate it if someone told me what they are for. And can someone tell me what kind of bulb is good for the cold/ambient side of the enclosure. One more last thing, what can I do to raise my humidity? I only know one way is to add a wet towel on top. But, I don't really know if that is a good idea or not. Someone help. Thank you.

[The Serpent Merchant]

Depending on what you are trying to accomplish the placement and on/off cycles of the bulbs will be different.

Personally I would ditch the blue bulb entirely and just use the red bulb for heat. If you want a bulb for daytime viewing purposes a fluorescent bulb is the best choice as it produces light but very little heat.

The heat bulb needs to provide heat 24 hours a day. Depending on the temperature of the room that the cage is in that might mean running the bulb at full power 24/7 or it might mean purchasing a thermostat or lamp dimmer to reduce the heat output. The most important thing is providing stable temperatures, 90 F on the hot side and 80 F on the cool side. depending on the size of the cage a single heat source might be enough, or in the case of large cages multiple heat sources might be necessary.

We really need more information on your cage setup to advise on the humidity.

We need to know:

1. What type of cage/size
2. what substrate you are using
3. what you are using to measure temperatures/humidity and where in the cage the measurements are being taken
4. The average temperature the room is
5. What type of climate you live in (desert/tropical/etc.)
6. What your current temperatures/humidity are.

Pictures would also help if possible here is how to post a picture:

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...with-pictures)

Here are 2 threads that might help answer some of your questions:

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...t-Thermometers
http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...ius)-Caresheet

[MsMissy]

I'm still a bit of a noob, but have gotten a lot of my tips etc from the great ppl, here. Lets see how I do... *warning* I love details so tend to be long winded.

Not mentioned but #1 important thing is how you are gauging your temps. Belly heat is really important. UTH's requires a thermostat. Without one you are risking pretty nasty burns to your new family member. Can be as inexpensive as $30 on Amazon or pricier at $100-$200+ for a kickass herpstat from Spyder Robotics. A decent thermometer for temps and humidity is the Acurite. Can get it at Walmart for $12.00. It has a probe that can be affixed to the glass above the heat pad which helps you make sure your thermostat is functioning properly. <basically back up> It also measures humidity but accuracy is sketchy at best. Shows ambient temp as well.

The lights: Daytime this time of year, unless you live in Siberia, are likely not necessary for heat as temps are up. They also do not need a light cycle, our normal 'day/night' light from windows etc is fine. Not to mention, heat lamps tend to zap your humidity. If you have a night time drop in temp or your daytime temps are low, the red night light on the hot side, on a dimmer will help. The cool side temp will naturally increase as your hot side temp raises.

Humidity: The towel works for short term. Changing your substrate can help as well. Eco earth and cypress mulch are known for retaining moisture longer. Putting in a humid hide: a Tupperware container with a lid, dampened moss, hole cut at the bottom for mr scales to curl up in. Refresh moisture when you notice it drying.
You can also cover about 3/4's of the screen top with foil and tape or a piece of plexiglass, leaving enough open for ventilation.

Hope this helps....

[iSnake]

Sadly, I can not post any pictures because my webcam doesn't pick up the pictures good at all. But, I will try my best to do what you told me. Cage size; 20''L X 10''W X 12''H. Substrate; I am using Bounty paper towel. Temperature and humidity; I am using a normal temperature reader kinda thing and a humidity gauge, then I have a temperature and humidity gauge kinda thing together. Average temperature in my room; I really have no idea, it is warm in the mornings and then gets chilly throughout the day and night. Tropical where I live in; Well, I live in Oklahoma so I really don't know lol. Temperature and humidity atm in my snakes enclosure; Temperature on hot side is at 85F right now. Temperature on cold side is at like 70F which is very bad I am guessing, I really don't know how to raise it up either than adding colder water in the bowl and spraying water. Humidity is at 59% right now. I hope you can help me out. I bought my first ever snake yesterday, which is a ball python. It is doing very well, but I just don't know how to work the temperature that good. Sorry if I am not making any sense or anything, I am only 14 years old haha. Thank you very much!

[iSnake]

Thanks, I just might try that sometime!

- - - Updated - - -

Thanks, I just might try that sometime!

[MsMissy]

Trust me... Even us old ppl <namely me> have a lot of questions and issues. Main thing is that you are seeking answers.

If your humidity is accurate at 59, that is fine for shedding, balancing your temps may drop it a little, ideal is 50-55 ish. Temperatures.... 70-85 is a pretty big difference in a 20L. Is he staying on the hot side? If your room is cold, close the ac vent a little to raise the temp? Make sure it's not blowing right on the tank.

You didnt answer the thermostat question... You really need one if you are using an under tank heating pad. That and an infared temperature gun will be your new besties.

[iSnake]

Thanks to MsMissy, I remembered to tell you what type of thermostat I am using lol. I am using a Zilla Temperature Controller to control my under tank hear. And the thermostat keeps making a kinda click sound when that happens, the red light that is turned on next to the words 'Heat Source' which would be the uth, turns off like if it wants me to keep raising the temperature. I feel like buying a digital thermostat/hygrometer, I just can't seem to find them in Wal-Mart lol.

[The Serpent Merchant]

Thanks to MsMissy, I remembered to tell you what type of thermostat I am using lol. I am using a Zilla Temperature Controller to control my under tank hear. And the thermostat keeps making a kinda click sound when that happens, the red light that is turned on next to the words 'Heat Source' which would be the uth, turns off like if it wants me to keep raising the temperature. I feel like buying a digital thermostat/hygrometer, I just can't seem to find them in Wal-Mart lol.

Read this thread, it has links/suggestions/explanations on heat sources, thermometers, and thermostats:

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...t-Thermometers

[MsMissy]

You can find the Acurite at Walmart in the house section.... Like the aisles with fans etc. should be a few options, you want the one with a probe. I discovered though that some Wally worlds do not carry it, you can check it by going to their website.

the clicking sound is the thermostat working. Clicks on and off as it maintains temps. You'll want to set it at about 88? I question this because of the paper towels for substrate. I've never used them so not certain but I suspect lower than what I set mine at which is 90 because I use about 1/2" of reptibark and Eco earth mixed as substrate.

Aaron was kind enough to provide a link for you, read it... These guys know their stuff. <I'll be heading there as soon as I finish boring you to tears.>

[Coopers Constrictors]

You can find the Acurite at Walmart in the house section.... Like the aisles with fans etc. should be a few options, you want the one with a probe. I discovered though that some Wally worlds do not carry it, you can check it by going to their website.

These are absolutely horrible and have been proven to be off by 4 degrees... which is huge.

Do not waste your money.

Get these...

http://www.reptilebasics.com/thermom...l-thermometer/