Royal python heating?

Question

Hey i got a royal python there yesterday with an exo-terra tank and i have a 14.5 watt heat pad underneath will this be ok for keeping the cage hot at night or do i need to keep my lamp on aswell. The thing i noticed was the cage floor isn't touching the heat pad because the cage is on legs so there's a little gap about half a centimetere between the cage and the heat pad.

Answer 1

You should provide an overall enclosure temperature of 80-85°F with a basking spot around 95°F. Night time temperatures can drop to 75-80°F, but no drop is required. If you are maintaining these temperatures, then no. You can provide a nighttime bulb or ceramic heater to maintain the temperature at night without the bright light which would disturb the snake at night. Do not use a white light at night!

I have an exo-terra enclosure for my juvenile boa and a zoomed heat pad. My heat pad sits on the stand under the tank, not stuck to the bottom with about a 1/4 inch gap, with out any heating issues. Be sure to use a thermoregulator to allow for better control over the temperature, and  be careful of hot surfaces with any heat source to include lights.

Answer 2

If you peel off the back label to the heat pad there should be a sticky surface that you can use to stick it to the underside of the tank.  I use this for my Ball (royal) python, and it keeps her plenty warm.  To make sure she has plenty of insulation against it (as they do actually get quite warm) I first have a layer of newspaper, followed by a layer of paper towels, followed by repti-carpet on top of that.  She stays at almost the ideal temperature with just this pad and setup.

Answer 3

the heat pad has to be in contact with the bottom of the viv or sufficient heat will not get through! the heat mat will provide enough heat as long as it is used correctly! hope this has helped, good luck with your new addition!