First time owner, worried about heat.

[SmittyBoyTellEm]

I just got my first ball python, or snake for that matter, on Monday, and since then I haven't been able to get her heat up high enough for a basking spot.

I'm using a Zoo Med under tank heater (which is supposedly almost too hot usually) in a 10x20x13 tank, I'm not sure of the gallons. I have two thermometers in her tank, one of which is a dual hydrometer/thermometer. The prob for the thermometer on the hot side is placed on the side, literally a centimeter above the bedding (cypress mulch).

It constantly reads no higher than 83.5 ish on the "hot" side and usually 77/78 on the cooler side. No matter what I try, I can't get it high enough. Thing is, the glass is pretty dang hot if you ask me, so I'm not willing to go any less for substrate. The only thing I haven't tried is a new pad... any ideas?

Plus I don't want to feed her (it's been 8 days) since I know heat is big for her metabolism. She's 5 months old.

And yes, I know I need to get a thermostat ASAP.

[kwhitlock]

Place your probe on the glass where your heating source is, if it's hot, odds are it is. But you know you need a t-stat so that is good. Do you have one in the works or not yet?

[Cmwells90]

You'll want to place the probe directly on the glass above the UTH. You want to look for the hottest part and make sure that's under your target heat. If you heat above the glass, then the glass has a chance the get hot enough to cause burns. Remember most snakes will burrow down to the heat source, so we want it as mild as possible.

[Minkness]

Use antibacterial shelving liner under the substrate to help prevent 'hot spots' and burns. It helps even out the heating and adds a layer that can't be burrowed under for safety. The snake needs belly heat more than ambient heat for good digestion so it should find the heat and burrow down to it.

I am not a boa or python person so I can't help with the ambient temps, but I do know this system has worked for me for years with my leopard geckos and I am currently using this same method with my MBK with success. =)

[Cmwells90]

Also, if your using a glass cage, your ambient temps will usually be on par with the room the snake is in. The glass cage is terrible at holding in heat. I wouldn't worry about ambient temps too much, if the snake is cold they'll huddle on the warm side and move to level out their body temp.

[Marshallarts]

It's okay if the substrate on top reads 83, just make sure the glass is in the right range. Your snake will burrow down if he wants to be warmer.