Jungle Python Q's

[matthewfien]

a couple of questions about heating for a jungle:

1. Can I use just a heat pad taking up 1/3 of the floor space or is a radiant heat source essential

2. For my three foot by one and a half foot by one and a half foot enclosure I would have a 12x12 inch heat pad and (if required) a 100 Watt Infrared Basking Spot. Sound Right?

3. Nocturnal Lighting required?

4. How do you calculate the wattage you need? I would assume it depends on 1. Enclosure size 2. Heat desired.

[pinefamily]

1. Jungles are arboreal, so radiant heat is preferable in an enclosure, provided you have branches etc for it to climb on.

2. You haven't said what material your enclosure is made of, and is it 3 feet long, or 3 feet high? 3 feet long, 100w may be too hot. We have a 3 ft Exo Terra glass enclosure with one of our spotteds in, and a 60w CHE is fine.

3. Nocturnal lighting is only for your benefit; if you want to watch the python at night, then put some coloured LED's in. They look fantastic.

4. Get yourself an IR heat gun. Most accurate way to measure temps.

Hope this helps.