We have a Herpstat 2 I have it set at 87.6. But the thermometer is saying it is only 84.6.I don’t know what I am doing wrong.
Where is the thermometer in relation to the thermostat probe? Because if the probe is up by the heat panel, it will turn off before being able to radiate the heat enough
This is where I have the prob and the thermometer inside his enclosure. The enclosure is a 4x2x2 Focus cubed habitat.
Heat rises.
Also, I would also get a thermometer gun with a laser pointer so you know the temperature where the snake is and other areas, and the temperature of the snake.
And I would agree with @d_y_python if you don’t have 100% accurate temperature readings and your not that experienced keep it a fraction cooler.
Those digital thermometers can vary a lot. I just use those a a rough guide.
The below are all wrong (in centigrade)
I have the gun type but I check the calibration.
You can check it with boiling water. but I only know it in centigrade.
Put a pan of water on the boil. it will be exactly 100 centigrade.
If your gun thermometer says less or more, you know how inaccurate it is.
The guns are usually just a degree or so out though.
I had to buy a few till I got a good calibrated one.
Also you should check often as they can change over time.
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Thank you 
Yeah. As mentioned, heat rises, so because of the difference in probe placement vs where your thermometer is, it is warmer at the top. So that could absolutely be why they’re climbing them as well.
If you we able to move the thermometer by where the probe is dangling, it’s probably just about right.
I haven’t used heat panels, I’m usually a die hard under belly heat fan for my BPs. It’s just easy to set and calibrate for me…but I’ve been playing with ceramic heat emitters for my Retics and it’s definitely a bit frustrating trying to play the balancing act between getting the basking spot right and not getting the rest too out of wack. With a ball python that (usually) doesn’t climb or bask as often, it can be frustrating.
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Just to sum up what @ascended & @caron said, adjust the thermostat to waht the surface temp is. It surface is 86, the thermostat might say 90. It is tue acutely surface temp you are looking for. The thermostat will most likely be set higher to reach it.
Keep in mind, using above heat, will make the air hotter and also dryer. You may have to kick up the humidity.
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Thank you
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Lol i just read back my last post, and it is really messed up. Hope you was able to understand it ok.
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It’s okay Lol. I have good news Trooper finally ate a rat. It was a rat fuzzy so it was smaller than the other ones that I tried to feed him.I also finally have his heat right too.
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Sounds like you are on the right path. I would do it a couple more time before moving up in size.
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Thank you we have 4 more of the smaller rats. So I will definitely do that again before I switch him to the next size up.
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Maybe try getting some brances for him to climb on? Or make a rope bridge for him to cling to.
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How would you make a rope bridge? What would you use?
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Ive seen people on etsy make bridges and climbing vines from para cords
Example
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