Moving my snake

[Nos]

So ever since my one bearded dragon passed away I've had this 46''x18''x18'' glass tank empty and I've decided to put my Ball python in it,
Right now i taped some heating wire to the bottom of the tank it keeps it around 91 but not much radiant heat, was thinking of placing it inside his enclosure. but was also thinking a ceramic heating element might be better,

What kind of heating source should i go with, a ceramic heating element or heating pad?
What should i use? and how big of a heating element would i need for a ball python if i go that way?

[SpOoKy]

Personally I am a fan of belly heat, especially with ball pythons. You will have to do some experimenting with different ways of heating to find what works best for your situation. Make sure you sort everything out and have it all working so that when you do move your ball over everything is working correctly.

[Lankyrob]

CHE provide belly heat and ambient air temps in one bulb - they act like the sun in that way as they heat the floor under the bulb and heat the air in the viv too.

[millertime89]

CHE provide belly heat and ambient air temps in one bulb - they act like the sun in that way as they heat the floor under the bulb and heat the air in the viv too.

and dry it out.
there's ups and downs to every type of heating element, its all about compromises.

[shaunyboy]

if you decide to put it in the tank please do NOT use tape

i've seen pictures of some seriously damaged snakes that got tied up in sticky tape mate

cheers shaun

[Kiljosh]

I have my Ball in a tank about that size, it's slightly taller, maybe a bit longer too.

But I used heat wire like you have and am very happy with belly temps. To get the ambient temps up I have a 150w and a 60w IR Bulb over the hot side. This brings my hot side temps to 90-91 in his hide, 85ish on the ground. I have no lamps over the cold side had have it sealed off to see temps of 77-81 in his hide and 75-76 on the ground. The biggest problem I have had is the cold side being to cold outside his hide while being cold enough on the inside. I need to fix this asap but since he can retreat to the tropical warm side I think he's fine for now. Readjustments to the way I'm coiling the wire need to be made. Denser under open ground but a little more loose under the hides. I'm a psycho about temps though. The problem with that extra digit of accuracy in those "xx.x" thermometers is it drives me insane when it moves around.

Also, humidity is a huge problem. With just paper towels as substrate and a 15" diameter waterbowl under the lamps, I see just 35% humidity. With Cypress substrate(slightly moist) I can pull 50-70% depending on how fresh the mulch is. Once it's been in there a week or two it dries out and have to mist it when he goes into shed to see 70%. I also use a couple wet towels placed strategically in his enclosure to bump the humidity. I'm considering live plants or possibly trying my hand at making a "pond" on his cool side with either a waterfall or a bubbler to get some humidity going in the tank easier, omitting his water dish, and giving him some more space.

Just trying to help with what you might expect.

[Lankyrob]

I find using CHE in a wooden vivarium doesnt cause any issues with humidity.

[Nos]

I have decided to go with a CHE and i have him on reptile carpet. the hot side as a air temp around 92.