in my back heat racks the temp in the tub is 80 in the middle, but my belly heat tub is not 80 in the middle. thats also in a room that is roughly 70 degreees. like it was said earlier back heat keeps more stable temps and i havent had or seen any ill effects. i used to be a belly heat only guy and for what its worth back heat is easier to deploy, cheaper to run, and helps ambient temps.

btw ball pythons dont bask! they are nocternal