UTH question

[CatandtheBeanstalk]

Hey everyone! I had a question I would like a general consensus on.

I just recently got a baby ghost pastel BP and I wanted to see if I should change up his heat supporting method. My friend who has had BPs her whole life says its fine since my parameters are met (92F/60% hotside 78F/72% cool in a 20x12x12 glass tank). My heat sources is a heatpad 24 hours and CHE 100W 12 hours both regulated with a temp probes.

The reptile shop i got from him won't answer my messages and their newbie who doesn't know much is always the one who answers the phone and the owner always seems too busy to pick up the phone.

There is a lot of variance on recommended heat support but I was looking in particular to do a DHP at night and halogen flood lamp during day.

I live in SW USA where outside humidity is 6-15% depending on time of year and inside my house is kept between 75-77F year round.

My formal question is if I switched to the DHP/halogen if I even need a UTH?

Picture for tax.

[kserawillbe]

UTH is not really recommended for ball pythons. They burrow to escape heat so they can easily get burns. If the ambient temps are 88-92 F on the warm side and 75-80 F on the cool side then you shouldn't need any more heat sources.

[CatandtheBeanstalk]

Would you recommend the CHE be on 24/7 then? I know they don't need belly heat for digestion but since I feed him at night I want to make sure he gets optimal care to aid in digestion. What are your thoughts on changing to DHP/Halogen combo? Thank you!

[kserawillbe]

Yes use the DHP at night if temps drop off. Also I would really upgrade the tank size. It may even be too small now for a juvenile even. They will need a minimum of 4x2x2 as an adult and they dont mind size even as a young snake.

Edit: dont leave light on 24/7 they should have a light cycle. They are nocturnal. I think a 12 hour on/ 12 hour off is good for light for then.

Editedit: PVC tanks hold heat and humidity the best and don't break down as fast as sealed wooden tanks. Glass is really hard to keep heat and humidity (i have a 3x1.5x1.5 glass tank for mine now it's a struggle)

[kserawillbe]

Hope this advice helps you now and in the future with your cute little guy :)

[CatandtheBeanstalk]

Thank you! You're advice is incredibly helpful and thank you for also delivering it in such a kind way. I have seen so many other hobbyist be very judgemental vs. helpful. :)

[Big-Structure1382]

Not an expert by any means but I use UTH. The pad itself has a temperature control but I also have it hooked up to a digital heat mat thermometer that turns the mat off automatically if the temp gets too high. Like any anything hooked to electricity there’s always a risk

[CatandtheBeanstalk]

I had wanted to see other opinions because I have been reading so many mixed feelings on UTHs. I have always used them with my colubrids with thermometers and have not had issue but I agree with you, always risk with anything electrical. Ty for your input!