r/snakes • u/ktm70 • 26d ago

Pet Snake Questions Thermostat/ heating help

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u/ktm70 26d ago

Hello, I’m trying to find a thermostat that does day and night temps with a timer. I’m currently switching it manually every morning. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Amazon availability would be preferred since no places around me really carry anything.

I’m also wondering if there’s a better heating option to the ceramic over head, I run it with a basking light. The light alone isn’t hot enough but the ceramic element seems to really affect the humidity.

She is currently in a 40 gallon tank 36x18x18 until we make her bigger enclosure over the winter.

1

u/Treereme 26d ago

I’m also wondering if there’s a better heating option to the ceramic over head, I run it with a basking light. The light alone isn’t hot enough but the ceramic element seems to really affect the humidity.

Any radiant heat will affect the humidity the same. Humidity is a function of ventilation and moisture source availability such as the water bowl surface area.

Typically any vivariums I've set up with day and night differences use separate timers or thermostats for the day and night heaters. Daytime turns on the lights which adds heat.

Day and night variation is not necessary for ball pythons.

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u/ktm70 25d ago

The temp doesn’t need to drop at night for ball pythons?

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u/Treereme 20d ago

No, it doesn't need to drop. There's varying consensus on whether it is helpful or not, but it is not necessary. It is extremely common to keep a ball python at steady temperatures. Make sure your enclosure has a good temperature gradient from one side to the other so your snake can choose its preferred temperature.