New Snake Owner, Questions!

[KarenL]

Vypr, do you have an Under Tank Heater (UHT)? Snakes prefer belly heat and it helps them to digest their prey. I only use the overhead heat lights for 48 hours after mine have eaten or if the temps in the room drop and I need additional heat. The important thing however you heat your terrarium is to make sure that the heat source is controlled by a thermostat/rheostat so that the heat goes off once it exceeds the desired temps. This is important as snakes do not feel heat in the same way as we do and can get burned. I use this one Amazon.com : R-Zilla Controller Temperature, 500-watt : Aquarium Heaters : Pet Supplies

[sharthun]

Another great source of heat are radiant heat panels. I used to use belly heat but I will never go back after using the radiant heat panels. They heat the ambient air much better than heat tape/mats.

RBI Radiant Heat Panels

Also, a very good inexpensive thermostat is the hydrofarm:

Hydrofarm: Digital Temperature Controller for Heat Mat

You can find them online for around $30 plus shipping.

Originally Posted by KarenL

Vypr, do you have an Under Tank Heater (UHT)? Snakes prefer belly heat and it helps them to digest their prey. I only use the overhead heat lights for 48 hours after mine have eaten or if the temps in the room drop and I need additional heat. The important thing however you heat your terrarium is to make sure that the heat source is controlled by a thermostat/rheostat so that the heat goes off once it exceeds the desired temps. This is important as snakes do not feel heat in the same way as we do and can get burned. I use this one Amazon.com : R-Zilla Controller Temperature, 500-watt : Aquarium Heaters : Pet Supplies