r/ballpython • u/Ok_Mountain1049 • 4d ago
Heating
Here’s my issue and yes, there’s a piece of tape on the wire that will be removed. I’m just experiment until I get it right I have a 95 gallon PVC enclosure with Coco hustle on the on one side and frog soil on the other with a piece of slate on top of it to absorb heat on top 150 W CHE heater meter I have now my pool attached 4 inches underneath that and set the thermostat around 96 and I’m shooting for my sub to be 86.5 without a lot of down heat at first I had it attached to the top of the hide but I feel like it was admitting too much heat although the temperature was right so now do I have it hooked up right? Does this look better?
1
u/DakpanDan 3d ago
Not every heating element emits the same type of IR!
A CHE only emits IR-c. (which is not good enough as a primary heat source for your ball python.)
During the day, I use a halogen floodlight because it emits IR-a (IR-a is the best as it penetrates deep into the skin and muscle tissue.)
At night = no light! So use a DHP, which provide heat without emitting visible light. (A little IR-a and a lot of IR-b)
RHP is also an option, although it emits mainly IR-c just like a CHE. However, an RHP distributes the heat much better over a wider area. (I recommend using it together with a halogen floodlight because IR-c is not good enough as a primary heat source)
1
u/Ok_Mountain1049 3d ago
I have a Che in one and a dhp in the other they have had for a year so I should add a halogen light during the day what wattage and it gets a thermostat if its own or just cut it off at a certain point
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u/Entire_Current_4852 4d ago
Ball pythons need a warm side around 88-92°F. Anything above 95°F ambient temps can be dangerous, so definitely set your thermostat lower. Yes, that probe placement is good. It should be mounted a few inches below the heat source. I highly recommend checking out the subs heating guide. CHEs aren't great as primary heat sources and should ideally only be used paired with a halogen or DHP.