Just got a baby ball python all set up yesterday. I have heat tape under the glass tank as well as a heat lamp above ( only emits heat no light) and still only getting about 80 degrees on the warm side. What else can I do?
what are you using to measure the temperature? the heat tape is on a thermostat right?
I have a thermometer inside the enclosure on the warm side. The heat tape doesn’t have a thermometer. I just trusted what the people at the expo told me to get. Should I get something different?
Heating elements need to be on a thermostat.
Heat tape, especially if there’s no airflow under the enclosure can superheat and shatter the glass.
When not on a thermostat, heat tape can easily hit 110-135 degrees. You want to make sure that the temperature is the glass surface temp as well because BPs can burrow down a bit to get to it. The tstat probe would be wedged between the tape and the glass.
If it isn’t already, you can cover part of the lid to help keep in heat and humidity. Glass tanks with screen lids are the worst to get heated properly, but easily accessible. It just rises out and glass can cool down very quickly.
Thank you for the info. I now have a much better set up and holding temp well.