New ball python - temperature and tips?

[emmywie]

Hi!
I just purchased a ball python (vanilla hypo/ghost) this past weekend. He is a male and I believe about two years old - it was the breeder's pet originally (he said that he was about a year old, but then went on to say that he was born in April of 2014, so I think the first part was a slip-up) - measuring at around 29 inches. I have a 20 gallon long tank with a water bowl at one end (big enough for him to fit) and an under-tank heating pad on the other side with a hiding place in the middle. He spends nearly all of his time in the tank (I do take him out and handle him, though not a great deal as to not stress him out) hiding, should I be concerned? Also, I won't be able to get an in-tank thermometer/probe until Wednesday or Thursday at the latest, so other than turning the heat up in my house (which I did), what else can/should I do to keep a consistent temperature? Also, is there anything else I'm missing and should get? Should I purchase something for him to climb on? If there are any other tips or tricks or things I should get, please let me know!

[Lady mkrj58]

First off Hello and welcome, I think you might what to go look at the care sheets on here they are very helpful and of course you will still have questions. Another ? do you have a Thermostat to use on that UTH this is a very important part of a setup those things can and will burn your Snake if left unregulated.

[Lady mkrj58]

Hi!
I just purchased a ball python (vanilla hypo/ghost) this past weekend. He is a male and I believe about two years old - it was the breeder's pet originally (he said that he was about a year old, but then went on to say that he was born in April of 2014, so I think the first part was a slip-up) - measuring at around 29 inches. I have a 20 gallon long tank with a water bowl at one end (big enough for him to fit) and an under-tank heating pad on the other side with a hiding place in the middle. He spends nearly all of his time in the tank (I do take him out and handle him, though not a great deal as to not stress him out) hiding, should I be concerned? Also, I won't be able to get an in-tank thermometer/probe until Wednesday or Thursday at the latest, so other than turning the heat up in my house (which I did), what else can/should I do to keep a consistent temperature? Also, is there anything else I'm missing and should get? Should I purchase something for him to climb on? If there are any other tips or tricks or things I should get, please let me know!

Can you post a picture of what you have ,that will help and also a picture of what you ordered ??

[Lady mkrj58]

Here are a couple of Pictures of what we talked about, depending on funds they do make High end Thermostats and if you will go to Reptilebasics.com and you will see the Herpstat brand. And lots of other Goodies.

Sent from my SGH-T999

[Lady mkrj58]

Geez I forgot the pictures


Sent from my SGH-T999

[Lady mkrj58]

The Black mark was the perfect spot on that lite dimmer every one is a little different of course. What substrate are you using ? Im trying to figure out a way to get heat in his tank now. On a Thermometer do you have a human digital one you could turn it on touch the glass and see what it says since this is kinda of Emergency type situation its better than nothing is my thinking, if any one has more Ideas please chime in.

Sent from my SGH-T999

[Lady mkrj58]

And good for you reading the care sheets ........

Sent from my SGH-T999

[Lady mkrj58]

emmie I know on those UTH it's says they only go up to ninety but on that glass it's more like 130 + I really think they should state that but they don't. Also depending on were your tank is sitting it will need to be elevated a bit so that heater can breath if not it really gets hot hot and hot. And thank you for seeking help.