Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I recently upgraded my ball pythons aquarium from a 10 to 20 gallon (long) aquarium. I got a good deal on it, a real good deal, so I bought it instead of building my own custom one. Anyways, right now I am heating one end with a 110W lightbulb in a desk lamp pointing towards the side. It puts out alot of heat, the ground is very warm in the area close to it. I have a hydrometer and thermometer in there, and It says the ambient air temp is 75 (probably too cool) but its in the middle of the cage, towards the top...so its not really getting a reading from the area by the lamp.

I am kind of paranoid about leaving this heat lamp on all day long while I am at work, but I have been doing it anyways because I know the snake needs some heat. I've heard people using UTH, but I dont know much about it.

What should I do to make sure my snake is in a properly heated enclosure? It spends a good amount of time in the area by the lamp, but occasionally will go to other parts of the cage...usually when it becomes active at night and explores. I want something that I dont have to worry about being on while I am gone at work, and will provide adequate heating.

Suggestions? Thanks

Neal

One Peice of 11" flexwatt will heat it... I have this same setup on a juvi carpet python...
-----

www.mgreptiles.com
CBB Herps and Heating Supplies

I just stick this to the underneath side of the cage, right? I dont have to worry about it getting too hot and starting a fire or anything? I have it sitting on an old desk right now, but will probably build a stand for it in the next few weeks

>>I just stick this to the underneath side of the cage, right? I dont have to worry about it getting too hot and starting a fire or anything? I have it sitting on an old desk right now, but will probably build a stand for it in the next few weeks

Not to steal someone elses thunder but yes. You don't have to worry about fire or anything else.

With the UTH you also have to consider the room temps also. Glas does not contain the heat well and so the air temp in the rest of tank needs to be warm.

I have my juvy ball in a 20 and I use a 65w flood in a dome that is on top of one side of the tank. She moves around day and night up and down and always find a comfy spot to be for awhile. My temps are 90 on the branches near the top, 82-85 in the hot side bottom and 78-80 on the cool side. My house stays a constant 67. If you use a night time style bulb you can leave it on 24/7 I do.
-----
Chris, my wife Mary
a dog, two cats, two birds, four snakes
oh and three kids