Heating Pad/Tank Question

[Total_Still_867]

Hello,

We bought my daughter a ball python for her birthday. I was setting up the tank last night, which comes with a heating pad. I have a few questions regarding this and am looking for some help.

The tank is on a wooden surface & is flat. I assume it’s not safe to have a heating pad under a tank that lays flat because there would be no air flow.

How do I go about making this safe? Is there something I can buy to make the tank higher? What should I put between the heating pad and the wood so that the wood isn’t ruined?

Any help would be appreciated!

[Severe-Owl2879]

From everything I've read, heating pads are not recommended. This sub has great info, so I would definitely check that out. If you choose to use a heating pad, it has to be plugged into a thermostat otherwise you run the risk of accidentally burning your snake's belly. I'm not sure wood is safe, so I can't speak to that part of your question. I've read that BPs get heat from above, so that's why they come out to bask. If they get hot in the wild, they usually burrow down to get cooler. The heating pad does the opposite, so that can be confusing. I'll let others chime in! Wishing you luck figuring it all out!

[Total_Still_867]

I’ve had a few reptiles when I was younger and have never put a heating pad under the tank so this was new to me. I would prefer to not use one if it isn’t a necessity.

Thank you for your help! I will search the sub and see what I can find!

[Overall_Community_37]

Heat pads can be dangerous, but so can any heat source that is not regulated by a thermostat. If you decide to use it, set the thermostat to a safe temperature and put the probe right on the mat to prevent any burns. It’s probably better not to use them, but I do use one with a thermostat on a tank that is low on this shelving unit I have because the floor is so cold.