Ball Python Temperature Requirements

[Mikoh4792]

I'm getting mixed reviews. I've been looking all day for the correct temperatures and I've even seen a few posts here today mentioning the temp requirements for ball pythons. So what exactly is it?

For hot spots I've seen 88-92, 90-95, 94-97

[Aaron_S]

Take the median.

There isn't a set temp. I keep mine at 96. My friend keeps them at 92. We both are successful.

[Hurrok]

Mine are at 89-91 and I've never had a problem. Just keep an eye out on their bellies and if there isn't any signs of burning you should be fine around what is listed above. :)

[Lankyrob]

Mine is kept at 91f

[rocknhorse76]

I keep mine at 91-92, but he generally prefers his cool hide except for right after he eats.

[Mikoh4792]

Perfect. 89-92 it will be for me.

For those using racks what temps do you set on the thermostat? I have the RBI Iris sweater box(4) and I have the helix thermostat to 103F. The hotsides of the tubs get to about 89-90F. Is 103F a dangerous temperature?

The heat tape is recessed on the bottom and doesn't touch the tub, this is why I think I have to set the thermostat so high.

[Lankyrob]

The reading on the thermostat is irrelevant, the temperature where the snake is is what is important

[Mikoh4792]

The reading on the thermostat is irrelevant, the temperature where the snake is is what is important

Yes, I can play around with the thermostat to get the desired temps inside the tub, however I just want to know what other people set theirs to so I can compare.

[bcr229]

The reading on the thermostat is irrelevant, the temperature where the snake is is what is important
Exactly. On our rack the thermostat is set to 92*F but the reading inside the tub is 90*F on the hot side.

[Mikoh4792]

Exactly. On our rack the thermostat is set to 92*F but the reading inside the tub is 90*F on the hot side.

Is your heat tape recessed into the bottom? Or does the tub come in contact with the heat tape?

I currently have an RBI Iris sweaterbox rack with recessed heat tape. It's about 1/2 inch away from the tub so maybe that is why I have to set it so high to get the desired temps.

[Lankyrob]

Yes, I can play around with the thermostat to get the desired temps inside the tub, however I just want to know what other people set theirs to so I can compare.

An example, i have three corns, each in three foot vivs, each heated by 100w ceramic bulbs, each controlled by the same make and model of thermostat and each kept at 86f in the hotspot. One thermostat is set to 80f, one to 89f and one to 93f. The dial or setting is totally irrelevant.

[Mikoh4792]

An example, i have three corns, each in three foot vivs, each heated by 100w ceramic bulbs, each controlled by the same make and model of thermostat and each kept at 86f in the hotspot. One thermostat is set to 80f, one to 89f and one to 93f. The dial or setting is totally irrelevant.

I never implied that it was relevant, I just wanted to know to see if it was unusual that I had to set a thermostat so high to get a desired temperature.

[bcr229]

Is your heat tape recessed into the bottom? Or does the tub come in contact with the heat tape?

I currently have an RBI Iris sweaterbox rack with recessed heat tape. It's about 1/2 inch away from the tub so maybe that is why I have to set it so high to get the desired temps.
My husband built the rack. The heat tape sits on the shelf, and the tub is in direct contact with the tape. If you have a half inch air gap between the tape and the tub that will make a huge difference.

Was there a reason given by the manufacturer for recessing the tape? With a half inch air gap, the tape is going to heat more of your air than the tub.

[Mikoh4792]

My husband built the rack. The heat tape sits on the shelf, and the tub is in direct contact with the tape. If you have a half inch air gap between the tape and the tub that will make a huge difference.

Was there a reason given by the manufacturer for recessing the tape? With a half inch air gap, the tape is going to heat more of your air than the tub.

I think for safety reasons, whatever they may be. I did wish that the tub directly rested on the heat tape, this way I wouldn't have to set it so high. Also as you stated I could have a more concentrated hot spot and leave a considerably cooler cold side inside the tub.

Some pictures to give an idea

http://i42.tinypic.com/ddne9y.jpg

http://i39.tinypic.com/9jq5on.jpg

[Aaron_S]

My husband built the rack. The heat tape sits on the shelf, and the tub is in direct contact with the tape. If you have a half inch air gap between the tape and the tub that will make a huge difference.

Was there a reason given by the manufacturer for recessing the tape? With a half inch air gap, the tape is going to heat more of your air than the tub.

I router my boards. You should not have the plastic sitting on the heat tape. It doesn't wear out with the sliding over the bins and such so less error.

Mine glides right over everything.

[smy_749]

Mine goes up the sides, and theres a gap since the cb70 tubs are angled. Herpstat set to 91 , hot side temp of 89 ish. However each level is a bit different. My bottom level is actually a degree or two warmer usually , since the bottom rack has the tape running from the sides down underneath to where the plugs are. Its empty though

[Mikoh4792]

Mine goes up the sides, and theres a gap since the cb70 tubs are angled. Herpstat set to 91 , hot side temp of 89 ish. However each level is a bit different. My bottom level is actually a degree or two warmer usually , since the bottom rack has the tape running from the sides down underneath to where the plugs are. Its empty though

damn. Right now I have mine set to 96. Creates a hotspot of 89F on the first two tubs and 90-91Fish on the bottom two tubs.