So I just inherited a 4 year old 4’5 male ball python and I need some help with getting the lighting right. I just purchased him a bigger 4x2x2 since his tank was a bit smaller and I want him to be comfortable but as of right now he’s in his old tank with just a basking lamp as the previous owner didn’t have any other heating, (from what I’ve heard that should be fine for now since temperatures aren’t dropping past 70 and my apartment is more humid and warm due to being on the second floor.) As for the lighting I want to do, I’m planning on getting 2 ceramic heat emitters with cages to have in the tank along with a UVB lamp in the back just as an added light source since his tank and my room face the east and get lots of daylight. Really my main concern is if that is enough for lighting and if I can do without a basking lamp to go on top of the enclosure. The space I’m working with for his enclosure is only about 28 inches tall and with the tank being 24 inches tall I know I won’t have space for a regular lamp on top. Any advice on if I’m doing things right?
The UVB is not really necessary if you are just going for lighting. BPs are nocturnal and rarely if at all bask.
In fact if what you’re saying is true about your room getting a lot of natural daylight that’s all you really need for the benefit of your BP getting a natural light cycle… however if you’re wanting lighting for your benefit and viewing experience you can use LED plant grow lights that are full spectrum. Some come with built in light customization and timers.
The CHEs are good as long as they are monitored for temps. Just make sure for right now that the basking lamp you are currently using is also temp monitored and that it isn’t drying out the BPs enclosure too much- keep it as close to 60% humidity as you can.
2 CHE heating elements in a 4’ x 2’ x 2’ will roast your little guy if they’re anything over 40watt
You only need one on one side of the enclosure so the opposite side stays a bit cooler and they’ll thermoregulate themselves.
UVB is really more of a personal choice or enrichment option since BPs are more crepuscular. Some in captivity are more prone to basking than others. I don’t have UVB for mine currently, but when I try upgrading one of my Retics I’m planning to offer some for them.
Ok that’s great to know I was thinking in the right direction. I do already have 3 temperature monitors as is, one for the cold side, one for the warm side, and then a humidity monitor. I’ll probably just update to some better ones when I do get new lighting and heat sources. In the mean time I’ll just try to learn some more of the ball pythons behavior and patterns with the current light system. Thank you so much for the advice!
Ok thanks for the feedback! I’ll go with only one CHE and since I have a few days off I’ll pay some more attention to his behavior with the basking lamp when he comes out of his hide.