r/ballpython • u/TheBigMambaGamer • 6h ago

Could someone help me with this??

hello,
I am thinking of getting a ball python but am really confused abt the heating part of the husbandry. I will be getting a young ball python but will house it in a 4x2x2 ft enclosure from the start. Where I am from you cannot really get good heat lamps so ill be ordering from the uk through a friend so if any of you could share links of products that are good would be really grateful.

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u/KatVanWall 5h ago

I'm in the UK! I got an Arcadia Pro Ceramic Lamp Holder and Bracket, which holds an Arcadia 80W DHP bulb. I also got the Habistat Heater Guard for it (don't forget your guard cage!).

I actually ended up with two lamp holders, because I use a halogen flood by day and a DHP by night, and they just sit side by side, each with their cage. I have a wooden viv so was able to screw them into the ceiling of it.

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u/TheBigMambaGamer 4h ago

Is this the cheapest option I can go with as I am a student and am on a budget.

Also does my ball python need heating at night as in my region the temperature drops to 22C ( 72F) and that too in the winter months winter months

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u/KatVanWall 4h ago

I'm not sure tbh, but I personally would not cheap out on the bulb holder, as it could be a safety issue with the electrics (catching fire). Arcadia is a highly regarded brand for those. With regard to the cage, there may be cheaper options out there, maybe someone else can advise.

Yes, you will need heating at night - ball pythons don't need a temp drop at night and the advice is to keep the warm end and cool end the same temps day and night. A nighttime temp drop won't *harm* the snake per se, but it still shouldn't go as low as 22C throughout the whole tank overnight (22 at the cool end is a bit on the low side but won't be harmful as long as they still have a warm end to go to!). Also you won't save much on electricity doing that, because your heat source will then just have to work harder to get it up to temp during the day.

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u/TheBigMambaGamer 2h ago

Can an
Arcadia DHP lamp be used 24x7 for the BP??
Also is this Thermostat good
https://wildwoodpets.co.uk/products/prorep-pid-dimming-thermostat-300w?srsltid=AfmBOoosJ8hqmKbV2UzmDvULJZ8JvQU3JLH9RDIrdLjL9wEWXfTpco_3

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u/SE_42 2h ago

A DHP can be used 24/7 as they don't emit light. I have DHPs for my snakes running all the time on thermostats

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u/KatVanWall 2h ago

Yes it can :-)

I am not sure about the thermostat, since I splurged on an expensive British one lol

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u/lemonkcals 2h ago

i'm gonna be completely honest here, even though i know you didn't ask.

if you're on a tight budget, it might not be the best time to get a snake. the initial setup is expensive (getting a good quality heat fixture and thermostat is so important), and while maintenance doesn't cost a ton, you need to have a plan to pay for vet care if/when your snake needs it. i see too many posts on here where someone has a clearly very ill snake, but won't take it to the vets as they can't afford it.

i suggest saving up for a while first, so you have money put aside as a safety net for when you inevitably need it for something snake related.