Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi. Okay, I have had my ball python for 10 years now in a 40 gallon tank. 7 years ago I moved to a home that is slightly warmer than where I used to be. I have always had the same stuff in his tank, but recently got a digital probe thermometer. Although, he used to go under his cave, he doesn't much since I moved here. I have a heat pad under the tank under his cave for a 30-40 gallon tank (Zoo Med). I just stuck the probe under there and am embarrased to say how hot it was. I don't like to make changes to a reptile that has lived very healthy for 10 years, but I think it was a bit too much. Should I get a smaller heat pad, like one for a 10-20 gallon tank?

I unplugged it. I have a day and night bulb on top of his tank as well, but he always sleeps outside his cave during the light (now I know why). I think he is avoiding the heated area. I feel so terrible. Do they need a heat pad? Should I buy a smaller one? If so, should I get the 10-20 gallon one or the 5 gallon mini? I am thankful he never got burnt or fried. The heat pad itself seems fine, but I think the cave is capturing all the heat which didn't help. Thanks!

As you indicated he is always outside his cave, do you have a hide on the cool end?

For the heat pad, I would just keep what you have and hook it up to a dimmer or thermostat, this way you can set it to the correct basking temp and not have to worry if the room temperature goes up or down (as long as it doesn't get so hot in the house it would be in the 90's F, if it does, get an Air Conditioner )

I also suggest not using the over head lights at all, ball pythons don't bask in the sun anyway.
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PHLdyPayne

A smaller pad will just mean a smaller area of heat. They all get just as hot. You should always use a good thermostat to control temperatures.
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http://www.GilbertBoas.com/

If you need your heat pad for ambient heat - then I would suggest you not go for a smaller one. Quick and simple: since heat rises and your hide is collecting it straight from the heat pad - move the hide so that it's not directly on top of the pad - or get out your drill bits and poke some holes (pinhole size) through it so that the heat escapes. All heating devices should be on a thermostat or at the very least a rheostat. If you live in a warm climate and are only using the heat pad for a warm spot - then you can get the smaller pad - but be sure to put it on a a thermostat.

Good luck!
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Tosha
JET Pythons

Like every one else recommended, try a rheostat or thermometer. I use zoomed's rheostat and it works well. Just keep an eye on the temperature and adjust when needed.
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1.3 Normal BP
1.0 Albino
0.1 100% Het Albino
1.0 Pastel
0.1 Spider
1.0 Pied
0.1 100% Het Pied

Is this what you use?

http://www.petmountain.com/product/heaters/510306/zoo-med-reptitemp-reostat-deluxe-500-watt.html

How do they work? Do they basically stop it from heating all the way up?

He does have a hide on the cool end. It really is just a log that he sleeps under.

Or is this one the better one for what I want?

http://www.petguys.com/-097612370100.html

Thank you so much for your help. I would never have intentionally did this to him. I am just thankful he is still alive.

Hi! Thank you. Could you let me know the difference between a rheostat and thermostat? I have seen rheostats online, but where would I find a good thermostat? Is one better than the other? If I adjust it to "low", does that mean it would not allow the heat mat to heat all the way up? That would be good so that I could keep the one he has in there now.

I use the second one you posted. You can manually set the intensity of it. This is how I do it: I set up the enclosure without the snake, set the rheostat at low and adjust it until I get the desired temp. If weather cols down, I turn it up a little, and vice versa. I am not as experienced as others here, but this has worked well for me with basking lights and heat mats.
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1.3 Normal BP
1.0 Albino
0.1 100% Het Albino
1.0 Pastel
0.1 Spider
1.0 Pied
0.1 100% Het Pied

Thanks! Do you think it makes a difference which one I use? I ask only because I am ordering some stuff from the place of the first one I posted. I figured it would be easier to get them all at one place, but if one is better than the other.....

I have never used the first one, but it looks like they are the same except that the one I use handles 150 watts and the other one handles 500.
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1.3 Normal BP
1.0 Albino
0.1 100% Het Albino
1.0 Pastel
0.1 Spider
1.0 Pied
0.1 100% Het Pied