tank heating how long and what times?

[Karma]

I just got my first Ball Python today. (so happy ;)) I adopted her from a foster home.

I bought her an under tank heating pad. Right now I have it set to go off at 1 am and back on at 1pm.

So are 12 hours on and 12 hours off ok?

Or is it suggested I change the on time to 1 am and the off time to 1 pm?

[Kevin McRae]

I do not have any UTH's but don't they stay on 24/7?

[Jeff_Favelle]

No, you keep the heat on 24 hours. No need to drop the temperatures at night.

[mykee]

The ONLY time you would drop the heat at night would be if the snake is actively involved in a breeding season. Otherwise, 90-95. Also, I would reccommend you buying a book on the captive husbandry of ball pythons.

[Karma]

Thank you! I went and unplugged the timer.

[Karma]

Originally posted by mykee
The ONLY time you would drop the heat at night would be if the snake is actively involved in a breeding season. Otherwise, 90-95. Also, I would reccommend you buying a book on the captive husbandry of ball pythons.

I did. I got one on Ebay. It should be here tomorrow. In addition to that I have been researching and researching Balls on the web. I printed out tons of info and I am thoroughly reading it. :)

[robitza]

Most of the books that I have say to keep them around 80-85 and let the temp drop into the high 70's at night. They say 90 for incubation.

Is it better to keep them at 90 all the time?
Just want to know what is correct as it gets chilly in Nova Scotia at night. Don't want any resp. probs.

[Jeff_Favelle]

90F warm end, 80F cool end, 24 hours a day.