Python heat and lighting question

[Dstrong1337]

I am a complete noob and all i have been doing is research. I bought a 2 year old female ball python on Saturday the i met the person through CG. He said she came with everything i need and after doing some research she did not. she came with a 30 gal long tank, grill top, hide, rock and a ballast with a normal 60 watt house bulb thats sits on the grill top. I went and got her a falkers thermometer and hydrometer and with the light on, the heated side stays in the high 80s. but my problems is i read about photo periods and what not and if i turn off the light for twelve hours she will have no heat source. im a bit strapped for cash and i need to get her a UTH stat but what should i do about her photo period in the mean time she is somewhat close to window with no blinds and natural light but im afraid to turn off the light.

[millertime89]

get one of the red, blue, or black light bulbs of the same wattage for night heat, bust swap them out in the morning and at night.

[millertime89]

should just post in here man, you'll probably get more responses that way. Like I said via PM, I personally would rather have the light on all the time to keep her warm than risk her getting sick.
Maybe someone with more experience will back me up here.

[Dstrong1337]

i bought a flukers thermo-hygrometer non digital combo pack and just stuck the thermometer to the wall its reading low 80s i believe if it drops anymore maybe because of the slow needle or something ill tell you. I let it sit thats why the delay in response.

[millertime89]

what's the temp of the room the enclosure is in?

[citysnakes]

Those stick on thermometers are not accurate and so your actual temp is very likely different than what you are reading. Also sticking it to the wall will give you a temp reading on the wall. You want to get temperature readings from where the animal spends most of its time which, in this case is the ground. I guess for now you can un-stick it and just leave it on the floor but going digital is a better route.

I'd leave the light on for now just to keep temps up until you are able to get a proper bulb and/or heat mat. If your room temp is under 78-80F then you'll need both a lamp and mat. Also if you're not buying a thermostat then find a heat mat with one built in already or make sure to purchase a rheostat(dimmer switch) from home depot so you can control your heat source. You'll also need a digital thermometer for proper monitoring and regulation.

Anyway let us know if you have anymore questions and good luck!

[millertime89]

don't buy a rheostat, buy a thermostat, so much better. A rheostat can't react to the environment, it only controls wattage to the heat source, not actual temp.