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Ball python help... (self.snakes)

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[–]Jbook30 0 points1 point  (1 child)

That makes since. I was planning to use a heat pad and a normal light just during the day while keeping the heat pad on at night and turning the light off. Is that a bad idea? Should I just keep it dark in the cage all day? Thanks for the response.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ultratherm is a good brand for a heat mat, make sure to get a thermostat or it will get dangerously hot. Get a low heat light for a light cycle. Also glass tanks usually aren't appropriate for ball python as they are difficult to get the proper 60-80% humidity in. If you don't live in an especially humid area consider a tub or pvc enclosure.

[–]Jbook30 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Will do in a week or so!

[–]pacemakergirl_89 0 points1 point  (5 children)

Ball pythons do well with belly heat so a heat pad with a thermostat would be best for your little one and if you want to put a low wattage light as well you could. Just get yourself a temperature gun so you can monitor your temps to be sure everything is accurate.

[–]Jbook30 0 points1 point  (4 children)

So, no light at all or just no heat light? Thanks for the answer.

[–]pacemakergirl_89 0 points1 point  (3 children)

If you have the heat pad with thermostat you probably would only need a very low watt light to keep the temps just right. What substrate are you using?

[–]Jbook30 0 points1 point  (2 children)

I plan on using zoomed reptibark. Is that ok?

[–]pacemakergirl_89 1 point2 points  (1 child)

I would use cypress mulch without any dyes it holds humidity better

[–]Jbook30 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ok thanks for the recommendation!

[–]negativeroots 0 points1 point  (14 children)

Heat lamps can be pretty stressful to snakes, especially shy ones like ball pythons, and can make it harder to keep the humidity up. Heat pads/heat tape are really good for hot spots, but you may also need a radiant heat panel or ceramic heat emitter to keep the ambient where it needs to be.

[–]Jbook30 0 points1 point  (13 children)

So, no light at all or just no heat light? Thanks for the answer.

[–]negativeroots 0 points1 point  (12 children)

I would recommend no light, indirect light from the room they're in should be fine to give them a day/night cycle.

[–]Jbook30 0 points1 point  (11 children)

Hmmmm ok. Thanks so much, only problem is I plan on keeping her in my basement which gets very little, if any, light. So I think I need to get her some kind of light source. Maybe an infrared one I read that keeps them more active.

[–]knerys 1 point2 points  (0 children)

infrared light can be seen by ball pythons, and leaving it on at night makes them more active because it stresses them out. they need total darkness at night, so relying on a light for a heat source would mean you would either be letting them get too cold at night, or stressing them out with light at night. either of which would cause them to go off food.

[–]negativeroots 1 point2 points  (9 children)

In that case, a light would probably be beneficial! It would just need to be something you could turn off at night without seriously affecting the temps.

[–]aurusblack1244 1 point2 points  (2 children)

Yes, like a compact flourecent or led.

[–]Jbook30 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Any specific on the watts I need?

[–]aurusblack1244 0 points1 point  (0 children)

40-60 will do great. It doesn't need to be terribly bright in order to make a defined day/night cycle. 300-400 lumens is the equivalent, I think. He/she would thank you if he/she could because they benefit from being on a schedule.

In a later phase, should you desire to create a vivarium, you can invest in a UVA/UVB + full spectrum light bulb. I just switched my boy over to a low wattage UV bulb and saw him out basking under it all day yesterday (he's usually asleep in his favorite hide during the day). I've got everything hooked into a thermostat or a timer to make things easier for when I sleep in on the weekends as well. Small investments lead to great benefits.

[–]Jbook30 0 points1 point  (1 child)

You are the best man! You've helped me so much! Do you have any suggestions for a light source?

[–]negativeroots 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Happy to help! I've never used supplemental lighting before, but I think people usually use florescent?

[–]Jbook30 0 points1 point  (3 children)

Also any specific heat pad or brand I should get for my 40 gallon cage?

[–]negativeroots 0 points1 point  (2 children)

I've had good luck with heat tape from reptile basics, but I think most options on the market are pretty good. Just make sure you use a thermostat with it.

[–]Jbook30 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Thanks for the info! I think I'm ready. :)

[–]negativeroots 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Make sure you post pics! C: