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Hi guys (and girls),

I was wondering if anybody could help me out with a heating question. I've got a 2 year old Ball python (or royal as it is in the UK) and have had no unexpected problems with him as regards health and suchlike. I only have one bulb heater on from 8am to 10pm currently set at 90 degrees F but through the night there is nothing. The cooler end is 65oF and the humidity 65% I've read that there should be a secondary source like a mat in case he gets too cold. I keep him in a tank in my living room which never gets too cold but I'm afraid I don't have exact temperatures to quote you here.

Can anyone confirm if what I'm currently doing is correct or if in fact I do need a mat on overnight please?

Thanks.

>>Hi guys (and girls),
>>
>>I was wondering if anybody could help me out with a heating question. I've got a 2 year old Ball python (or royal as it is in the UK) and have had no unexpected problems with him as regards health and suchlike. I only have one bulb heater on from 8am to 10pm currently set at 90 degrees F but through the night there is nothing. The cooler end is 65oF and the humidity 65% I've read that there should be a secondary source like a mat in case he gets too cold. I keep him in a tank in my living room which never gets too cold but I'm afraid I don't have exact temperatures to quote you here.
>>
>>Can anyone confirm if what I'm currently doing is correct or if in fact I do need a mat on overnight please?
>>
>>Thanks.

Your snake needs belly warmth, so not only do you need a heat mat during the night, you should consider using it during the day as well. 65F is 10 to 15 degrees colder than your snake's enclosure should be at the cool side and 25 degrees colder than the warm side should be. If you have a temp drop during the night, a few degrees is fine, but not below 75F.

Also, you should buy a digital thermometer or temp gun so that you know your temperatures are accurate. Here in the states you can get a digital thermometer for about $15 and they're probably reasonably affordable in the UK as well.

Thanks for the help. What would be the best solution to ensure the cooler side of the tank is bumped up by 10 degrees? Would I need to install a secondary lamp? It will be difficult moving the main heat source which will make it more central but it can be achievable. Also, I shall put in a heat mat this evening.

Thanks

Try to go for a heat mat on the warm side that is on 24/7. On the cool side use an infrared light to get those temps up. This is the setup I have as my cool side gets too cool as well.

Warm side = 90 (95 tops)
Cool side = 80-85

Night time drop not required, but it's okay as long as the cool side doesn't go below 75 (72 at the most). Just make sure you still have a temp gradient between the 2 sides.

Best of luck!
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>>Thanks for the help. What would be the best solution to ensure the cooler side of the tank is bumped up by 10 degrees? Would I need to install a secondary lamp? It will be difficult moving the main heat source which will make it more central but it can be achievable. Also, I shall put in a heat mat this evening.
>>
>>Thanks

As Tigergenesis suggested, you can try a lamp over the cool side, but I prefer something more stable, such as a heat pad that is partially located in the middle to create the temperature gradient, or two heat pads, one set on low for the cool end and the other on medium for the warm end. You may also find that just adding a heat pad helps to maintain your heat gradient enough to bring the cool side up. Definitely check your snake-surface temps with an accurate tool, though, because you also don't want to end up burning the snake.

Good luck, and let us know how it goes.