Need help with UTH

[Eulogy13]

I have been deciding for a long time now if I want to get a ball python. I am fascinated with them and I cant wait to get this started. I have been reading as much as I can for the past few months, looking at husbandry and feeding and everything else. I am getting all the equipment for the tank now and I hear everyone saying that the UTH's get a little too warm and using rheostats to dial the temp down. I want to do this right so I would like to know what size UTH is acceptable for a 40 gal breeder tank and what rheostat i should use for that UTH? Also is a 40 gal breeder too big for a younger snake and if it is would it be acceptable to put a divider in?

Thanks for your help!

[missi182]

Some people do use 40 gals right off the bat, but you may run into feeding issues if the bp feels insecure. With a divider, yes it would be just fine split right down the middle.

Uths usually have sizing charts on them, but you can just go by the rule of thumb that it should not be larger than 1/3 of the tank.

Most rheostats are the same, the more expensive ones are no better then a lamp dimmer you can get for $10 at Home Depot.

I honestly believe rheostats are a waste of time and if you are waiting to get the proper set-up first, get a thermostat right off the bat. It will be the best investment you will ever make for your bp, and it will save you so much worry. I can't even count how many times I came home when using a rheostat to see the UTH heat over 100 degrees or under 80. They are just not reliable.

I use Ranco thermostats, they are about $60 US un-wired (meaning you have to wire it with an extension cord) or from reptilebasics.com for $75 wired completely. Johnson thermostats are decent too.

[python baller]

yeah, i have a rheostat and it's pretty much useless. it'll lower the temp of your uth but the temp is constantly changin either one way or the other. it's annoying.

[anendeloflorien]

+1 to what missi said. A good thermostat is the best investment you will ever make towards the health and safety of your animals.

If you're going to be getting a baby ball I would suggest getting a 15qt tub to start him/her off in. They'll feel much more secure plus its 10X easier to keep the temperatures and humidity correct. A tub that size will be good for them til they get to about 4-500 grams and by that time they should be big enough that you could use that 40 gallon without having to mess around with dividers etc..... Consider looking for an adult male or something. I see them all the time on Fauna Classifieds for $5-10 plus shipping. An adult BP will be much more forgiving of beginner mistakes and you'd have the added benefit of getting a snake that is already eating well and has enough weight on them (most likely) that you would not have to worry much if at all if they don't eat for you right away.

Good luck and to BP.net!