Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey guys, I'll soon be the proud owner of my first bp. However, wanted to get the setup correct first. I currently have 2 redlights heating the tank to around 85 degrees, with a uth on the other 1/3 as well, raising that temp a bit. My only light source is a 40 watt light bulb a foot above the tank, which doens't omit much heat at all. This will be turned off at night, but the nighttime/daytime temp therefore won't vary at all. Is this ok, or is a 5-10 degree drop at night necessary? Thanks for the help...

a night temp drop is not neccessary. what exactly are your temps (both warm and cool side) on top of the substrate?
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0.0.1 Ball Python
1.0.0 Kenyan Sand Boa "Gimli"

What will your first ball python be? A hatchling, yearling, adult? The drop in temps is not that necessary. Make sure you KNOW the temperatures on each side of the tank. Cool side 78-82 and warm side 90-95. Humidity 40-65% (higher for sheds 70-80%). Ambient tank temperature should be about 78-80. Get several thermometers and a humidity guage. I use a UTH on one side of my enclosure and a human heating pad on the other. There's really no need for a daytime light source. They hide most of the day and come out at night.

My cool side is 78 while the hot side is an even 90. Humidity is at 60. Well this cage thing is fun, but I think I'm about ready to populate it! Hoping to bring the 8 month old home this weekend...Thanks for the help guys, I'll keep you updated...