Hi there, this is my first post! I'm trying to perfect my temps/humidity before getting my first ball python. I apologize for this common question, but I've read most of the "ambient heat and plastic tubs" posts and still can't decide on a "best" option for this scenario.
My current set-up is as follows. 66 quart Sterilite tub (23x16x13) with UTH underneath running off a Hydrofarm Thermostat. I got a 100W ceramic heat emitter on a dimmer clamped 8" above the tub to help maintain ambient heat. Any closer and I'm afraid it'll melt the plastic. As expected, it does very little to improve temperatures within the tub. Here is a potato picture of the setup (Random side question: if I can comfortably hold the metal of the lamp with CHE running on full power - is it not getting hot enough?)
The Accurite thermometer within the tub reads a consistent 90-92 under the hot hide, but only 68-70 on the cool side. My humidity is too high, around 85, but I can fix that by adding more holes in the tub.
SO, the way I see it, I have several options for improving the ambient temperature:
Option 1) Use soldering iron to cut a lamp-sized hole in the tub lid. Cover the hole with wire mesh and aluminum tape. Put CHE lamp directly over the hole. Pros: No additional purchases necessary, may help get humidity to proper level. Cons: May reduce humidity too much. Giant hole in top of tub. I'd be grateful for pictures/examples of where this has been done successfully.
Option 2) Buy a small space heater to heat the surrounding area. Pros: Doesn't require cutting holes into tub, no risk of snake getting burned. Cons: Inefficient and costly, don't want/need to heat the whole room. Recommendations for cost-effective space heater models would be appreciated
Option 3) Use FlexWatt or a Radiant Heat Panel on the side of the tub as additional heat source. Pros: More direct heat than space heater. No need to cut hole in tub. Cons: High cost, more useful for heating surfaces than ambient air.
Option 4) Get a second UTH and thermostat for the cool side of the tank and set it to 80 degrees. Pros: Direct, controlled temperatures where needed. No holes in tub. Cons: Ambient air temperature still a problem. I'm getting conflicting information on whether ambient temps even matters for terrestrial snakes?
I have seen all of these options suggested on various forums. I need help picking the most effective one for my setup. What do you guys think? Suggestions, advice, and other options to consider are all appreciated! Thanks very much to everyone here for getting me on the right track to responsible snake ownership.
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