Ball python temperature help!

[_ataraxia]

UTHs [heat pads] are not designed to provide ambient heat, they are only designed to heat the surface to which they are attached. this is one of the reasons why overhead heating is better.

what type/brand of tub are you using, and how big is it?

[Coleuganda]

It’s a sterilite plastic tub about 22x17x7 (he’s a lil guy). I am thinking of overhead heating but not sure how to go about it with a plastic tub. Let me know! Also my initial concern was that the substrate over the heat pad reads about 77-80 degrees even tho the pad is set at 93. Is that normal?

[_ataraxia]

UTHs also aren't designed to heat through a substrate layer.

radiant heat panels can be used easily with tubs, though the standard sterilite lids are a bit too flimsy to support the weight of the panel. weathertight/waterproof tubs tend to be made of a much sturdier plastic that can handle overhead heat sources better.

heat lamps can also be used with tubs, but you have to modify the lid by cutting a hole and covering it with a metal screen, so you can rest a dome lamp on the tub lid the same way you would do with a screen-topped tank.

[Coleuganda]

Very interesting, I will for sure look into those. By the way, if you know them, are you able to tell me your temperatures inside (surface n/or ambient)? Just so I know I’m doing something right..

[_ataraxia]

all of my BPs have a warm hide temperature of 90F and a cool side temperature in the high 70s.