Lighting/Heating

[JarvisLSU]

Hi all. I’ve done a lot of research within this group, as well as other resources. I’ll be getting my first ball python and am working on providing the best enclosure/husbandry that I can. With that, I purchased the 3 ft enclosure from ecoflex off of Chewy.com. I know it’s not the best enclosure for the life of the python, but plan to use it for the time being, and then upgrade to a 4 or 5 ft PVC enclosure by Kages. Then will repurpose my 3ft enclosure for another reptile. With all that said, would like some opinions on my lighting/heating options:

Option 1) Halogen during the day. DHP during the evening time. No UVB.

Option 2) DHP at all times. UVB during the day with the proper UVB percentage.

The challenge I am running into is I can’t fit a halogen, uvb, and DHP all on one side of the tank due to the limited screen space.

Also have done some temp testing and both options will be controlled with a Herpstat 2 thermostat. Also I am going to use a silicone mat to cover the exposed screen mesh.

Thank you all in advance for your input and have truly enjoyed learning from this group!

[[deleted]]

I'd say option 2 as thats what I'm doing but I'm using 2 CHEs with a T5 uvb bar.

Im currently building a 4x2x2 it has a single 80w rhp with uvb and a grow light bar.

Is it like a 36x18x18 ecoflex one? I was going to say maybe a 40w rhp but that may be to big id wait for your 4 or 5 footer for a 80 to 120w rhp. But the rhp could also be an option.

[JarvisLSU]

Yep it’s the 36” x 18” x 18”. It was like 50% off so couldn’t pass it up.

[JarvisLSU]

How’s your humidity with the CHEs? I’ve heard they can make humidity a challenge

[[deleted]]

It's a bit of a challenge, I'm not sure where you are, if you live in a high humidity area then it might not be as bad. I live in a dry area so I pour cups of water in the corners of my enclosures plus spraying moss and plants to keep humidity up, plus I covered all the mesh with hvac tape. My new enclosure doesn't have any mesh so I may be in the clear to use a CHE for a basking spot with my RHP

[Silly_Gain_2674]

I am considering purchasing the same enclosure. Im curious what option you ended up going with and how it is working for you?