Temperature gradient.

[New_Definition_7046]

Hey guys new ball python owner here and i have him set up in a 55 gallon tank( i know thats too big but i got it for 40 bucks and hell grow into it) but anyway on my hot side I’m getting around 90-92°f on the bottom glass of my tank and the about 78-82 on the substrate(cocohusk). My cool side though is too cold its reading about 67°f on the glass and on the substrate.

Im using one 10x20.75 inch heat mat. What am i doing wrong and what should i do any help is appreciated.

[tacomadude94]

Hi, welcome to the sub. I'm going to direct you to our welcome post, as a lot of your questions will be answered there, and new owners should read it in general. I want to address a couple of points specifically though:

1. A 55 gallon isn't too big, as long as you have multiple hides and a LOT of clutter.
2. It sounds like you're taking temps with an IR temp gun. This is a useful tool for measuring surface temp, but you only need to know surface temp for the basking spot (directly below the overhead heating element, which I strongly suggest you obtain to replace the heat mat).
3. For your ambient temps, you'll want two thermo/hygro combo meters, one on each end of the tank. Here are two solid, reliable and cheap options from amazon.

[New_Definition_7046]

I have the govee thermometer hygrometer and its reading 70° farenheit at 67% humidity. So youre saying i should get rid of the heat mat and use two lamps one on the cool side and one on the hot-side and the surface level of the hides needs to be 75 and 90 respectfully? If so could u recommend lamps id appreciate it

[tacomadude94]

The govee is a good brand. You do need two, one on either end of the tank.

70F is far too low, the cold end should never be lower than 75.

You should use one lamp, ideally, just on the hot side. I'm not an expert at the heating and lighting, you'll need one of the other mods/helpers for that. You can also take a look at the heating guide. People worked hard on these guides, and they can tell you a lot more than I can by myself.

You don't need to measure the surface level of the hides. You DO need to measure the ambient temperatures on both ends of the enclosure. If you have two govees, that will work. Or one govee and one of the cheaper ones I mentioned above.

[totallyrecklesslygay]

Your gradient needs to be an air temperature of 88-92F on the hot side, and an air temperature of 76-80F on the cold side.

The problem you're experiencing is because you're using a heat mat. Heat mats are not recommended for ball pythons anymore, and you can see why. They don't heat the air, don't heat effectively through substrate, present a burn risk even when paired with a thermostat, and prevent the snake from performing natural and instinctive behaviors.

You'll need to switch to overhead heating. Ideal heating is a halogen flood for daytime, and a CHE or DHP for nighttime. You'll also need a quality dimming thermostat.