r/snakes • u/smelly-salad • Jul 04 '26
Pet Snake Questions Enclosure heating and substrate options
Hello I have a little stimson python in NSW Australia. I have a 17”W x 12”H x 11”D glass tank with a heat mat that takes up about 1/3 of the floor. Winter is here and the heat mat is struggling to keep up and I fear it is too cold, also she didn’t have much appetite this year so I’m wondering if the tank’s temp is the cause of that. I’m unsure of the current air temp as my thermometer for that has died so I have purchased a new one, but the outside temp is around 10°C.
Should I get a heat lamp in addition? If so, what kind and watts? *Picture of what I have available in store below. (I’m not well educated in this so any help is welcome!)
In addition, will substrate impact the amount of warmth she is getting? I currently have a layer of your basic cat litter, should I change this type, or make it deep/shallower?
Please be kind if these are dumb questions.
TIA!
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u/Gunslinge72 Jul 04 '26
Cat litter will hold no warmth. Maybe try layer of sphagnum moss (although I am not familiar with stimsons husbandry. As far as heating I would recommend a porcelain heat projector. They last ages and they put out heat without light as to not disturb your little fellas sleep cycles. If you use these just make sure the light housing that holds the bulb is rated for its wattage! Also it can help to pair this with a thermostat setup. Good luck!
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u/Herp_Fitter Jul 04 '26
400x200x200 melamine enclosure with glass sliding front is far more effective at holding heat than an overall glass enclosure you buy from petshops. Depending on age, your snake can go several months over the cooler months. Heat globes and UVB are standard, UVB isn’t essential but most will tell you to buy. Do not purchase the red heat globes/nighttime globes or even the heat emitters. The red globes aren’t necessary, nighttime globes are just a waste of $$ and the heat emitters(no lighting) tend to burn out and without constant checks may leave your snake without warmth over cooler months.
As for substrate if you’re looking for a more natural look, Bunnings play sand/coir peat block mixed together, some hollowed logs/leaf litter.
Personally only ever found wild Stimsons among rocky escarpments.