Ball Python UTH

[Chrolisk]

Hello! I am new to the forum and reptiles in general, soon I will be getting my first snake hopefully a ball python. I have a 10 gallon tank right now for him/her as a hatchling and a 20 gallon long for when she grows. I do have a question though, I have purchased a Under the tank heat mat for the tank but it says preferred placement is on the side. Does this matter? Can I put the heat mat on the side of the tank instead of the bottom for the Ball Python? Thanks alot! Really Excited XD

[rmfsnakes32]

Put it on the bottom and get a thermostat otherwise you will burn your snake

[Terranaut]

Yup . As stated above. The thermostat is often looked over at first by new keepers but quickly you realize it is a must for a healthy snake. Just get one first so then it isn't a scramble later.

[Mikoh4792]

I second the thermostat(or third). When I was a complete novice reptile owner at age 11 I just put a light or mat to heat the enclosures. Never really knowing how hot or cold the cage was. It's much better to control the conditions of the cage and knowing exactly what is going on. It's less stressful for both the reptile and the keeper.

Spyder Robotics (http://spyderrobotics.com/)

Helix Controls (http://helixcontrols.com/)

Vivarium Electronics (http://www.vivariumelectronics.com/)

You can go cheaper but these are the popular ones.

[slowhite03]

Hydrofarm MTPRTC Digital Thermostat For Heat Mats:Amazon:Patio, Lawn & Garden (http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000NZZG3S/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?qid=1370643690&sr=8-3&pi=SL75)


Get this one, use some heat safe tape and save yourself hundreds of dollars

[Chrolisk]

Thanks for the replies everyone! I got the UTH hooked up and after 2 days of monitoring temperature with a thermometer it is staying between 94-97 which is way to high imo, so I ordered a temperature controller, its actually the same one linked above XD Thanks alot guys!