Lighting!!!!!

[thedigi1]

Well I have a ball python and I'm getting mixed comments as to what kinda lighting to use. I was told to buy the white basking light that the UV would help my python out but then I surf the web and saw that pythons don't need light. So I have this red lamp that I bought but I was wondering how long should I have that on for? And how hot should it really be in there at night? I think with no light on the tank gets to like 75 degrees maybe cooler. Is that too cold? I went to grab him and he felt so cold in my hands. Please any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

[Drew87]

just look around the threads around here supposed to be 91* on the hot side or a basking spot and then low 80s on the cool side im guessing you have the BP in a tank you need to have day time lights and a night time light, but like i said just look around there is so much info im sure you can find all kinds of things to help you out, good look let us know if you need more help

[Drew87]

good luck

[Argentra]

No, BPs don't need light. However, for raising the ambient temps of the enclosure, especially at night (when there really shouldn't be a drop) lamps with Blue or red bulbs can be helpful. These lights also allow the owner to view their snake at the only time it's really active.
The day/night cycle should be 12/12 hours and you can hook your night lamp to a timer to help with this. Start with the lamp bottom about 8" away from the enclosure top and raise or lower it to adjust the heat output. Use no higher than a 50watt bulb, since anything more will suck your humidity right up.

Also, how are you normally heating your cage? UTH?
What are you using to control that heat? Dimmer? Thermostat?
What are your temps now, hot side and cool side?
How do you measure those temps?
Can you post a picture of your enclosure?

All those question answers will help us help you set your tank up right for your new friend.

[thedigi1]

NO I don't have a uth. I have a 75 watt white basking light and a 75 watt red heat lamp. Thats all I have. I use thermototers and It reads 93 right now and at night it reads like 85 humidity seems to be at 55 but thats near the water bowl. And last but not least how do you post pics?

Thanks

[nevohraalnavnoj]

you could also stick with blue/purple/red "party" bulbs. These you could leave on 24/7 without disurbing the BP and you wouldn't need to worry about day/night cycles.

JonV