Ball Python Terrarium Temps??

[danipanda]

Im getting my first Ball Python in a few days and i have her terrarium set up and ready to go. I've read SO MANY different opinions on the correct temperatures for a BP and I'm looking to see if what I'm keeping her terrarium at is OK. I'm using a UTH and a heat lamp since i keep my house relatively cold. The hot side has been fluxing between 88 and 92 degrees, the middle "ambient" temp has been fluxing between 79 and 82 degrees, and the cold side has been fluxing between 70 and 74 degrees. I was also wondering if I keep the Basking spot the same temp 24/7 or if its just the ambient temp that has to be lowered at night? I know it's a lot of questions but I want to make sure it's perfect for her!!

[thejennabird]

Hot side surface temp of 88-92 is fine, but that cold side is a little too low. You want it to definitely be over 75, and from what I've seen around here, an ambient of 80 degrees all around is good. You don't need to lower the ambient temp at night if you're not breeding her. Just out of curiosity, do you have a thermostat for your heat pad? And how are you measuring your temperatures?

[danipanda]

I have three thermometers, one on the hot side, one on the cold, and one in the middle along with a hygrometer to check the humidity. I don't have a thermostat for the heat pad... I've just been leaving it on and the temps are holding on the hot side and the middle. I have two domes and have been using a 100W daylight bulb and then I switch the domes and am using a 75W infra red bulb at night but the heat doesn't seem to make it's way to the other side of the tank.

[thejennabird]

You definitely need a thermostat to regulate your heat pad. Without a thermostat, it can run dangerously hot and burn your snake! Plus [a reliable thermostat is inexpensive](http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-MTPR.../dp/B000NZZG3S). Is your thermometer on the hot side reading the actual surface temperature of the floor over the heat pad? If not, it could be much hotter than 92 degrees on snake-level where your BP rests! It's better to get a thermostat just to be safe.

As for raising ambient temperatures: consider insulating three sides of the tank with foam to help retain heat. If you haven't already, cover the top of the tank with tin foil to reflect heat and humidity back down. You can also try moving the heat lamps more towards the center of the tank to distribute heat evenly.

[danipanda]

I have about 2" of substrate between where the heat pad is and her hide. When I place a thermometer inside her hide its the same temp as the rest of her hot side. Is that OK? I live in Canada so ordering stuff online isn't always the easiest.

[thejennabird]

What is the temperature under the substrate, right above the hot pad? BPs are known to burrow into and under substrate. Your new snake will probably move the substrate around a lot. What sort of temperatures will she be encountering if she's resting against the bottom of the tank? Also, I believe there is a Canadian version of this thermostat available for approximately the same price.

Edit: BTW, I wanted to commend you for getting all of these things figured out BEFORE you got your snake. Many people don't show the forethought you do!

[danipanda]

What temperature do I set the heat mat to once I have the thermostat?

[thejennabird]

You may have to play around with it to find the right setting. You want to ensure the hottest part your BP can reach (ie. the bottom of the cage right above the heat pad) to never get above 95 degrees. 92 degrees for that hot part would be fine. I think my thermostat probe, sandwiched between the heat pad and the outside bottom of the enclosure, was set at 95-96 degrees to keep things 91 degrees on the inside floor. You may also have to reduce the thickness of the substrate, but this will have the added benefit of letting more heat radiate up from the UTH.

[frostysBP]

Do not put a snake in the cage until the heat mat is controlled by a tstat...im assuming you dont want pay for expensive vet bill for burns on its belly. Look up snake burn pictures and you will see why it is so important. The glass should be were u are getting ur temps from because they will move it all around to get closer to the heat..never above 95. 88_90 is good numbers to shoot for.

Sent from my A521L using Tapatalk

[bigSAK]

I had my UTH plugged in with no thermostat and I had surface temps over 130deg. I ended up just going to home depot and getting a lamp dimmer which cost me $12 and I adjusted it to be giving me a 90deg surface temp and kept the substrate thin over it. My girl loves it after a meal. This is a good alternative to buying a thermostat as they can be pricey, but keep in mind ambient room temperature will affect the temp of the heat pad slightly so you need to monitor occasionally with a laser temp gun.