Jmurphy97
Registered User Join Date 02-14-2013 Posts 3 Thanks 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I'm new to this forum but I've had my ball python for about 10 years now I would say. I've been using a ceramic heat emitter on a thermostat but after reading around I now realize the heat mat is the way to go. Well today it came on the mail and looking at the instructions it says to use polyethylene insulation with it. Does anyone use this? I'm using a 40 breeder as the enclosure. Thanks for any info.02-14-2013, 09:45 PM #2
BHReptiles
BPnet Veteran 
Join Date 07-16-2012 Location Cypress, TX USA Posts 2,648 Thanks 636 Thanked 901 Times in 699 Posts
I'm not familiar with this brand of heat mat, but I will say that you need a thermostat for that heat mat. If you don't have one, continue using the CHE until your thermostat comes in the mail. Using a heat mat without one can cause burns if you aren't careful.
I personally have both the hydrofarm and the herpstat 2. I LOVE my herpstat and am currently in the process of replacing all my thermostats with Herpstats. It controls the temps much better than the hydrofarm with very little fluctuation.
Jmurphy97
Registered User Join Date 02-14-2013 Posts 3 Thanks 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Well I do have a thermostat already. It has been working for the CHE so I think I'm set there. I'm just wondering about this insulation thing. I thought you would just tape it on and braveheart done after setting the thermostat. I'm also going to get the thermometer from walmart.02-15-2013, 01:38 PM #4
Artemille
BPnet Veteran Join Date 01-29-2013 Location Ellicott City, MD Posts 351 Thanks 90 Thanked 138 Times in 95 Posts
I think the insulation keeps the heat toward the tank instead of below, and makes it more energy efficient. Just make sure to have raised footing on the tank to allow airflow or you could damage the tank and whatever surface you have it on.
I just have mine taped onto the underside of my exo-terra tank with the thermostat probe taped between the uth and glass. The thermostat is set to 99F and maintains around 93-96F on the bare glass and 88-90F on the substrate. Just remember different substrates retain heat differently. I use jungle earth which is really loose.
02-15-2013, 02:04 PM #5
Jmurphy97
Registered User Join Date 02-14-2013 Posts 3 Thanks 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by Artemille 
I think the insulation keeps the heat toward the tank instead of below, and makes it more energy efficient. Just make sure to have raised footing on the tank to allow airflow or you could damage the tank and whatever surface you have it on.
I just have mine taped onto the underside of my exo-terra tank with the thermostat probe taped between the uth and glass. The thermostat is set to 99F and maintains around 93-96F on the bare glass and 88-90F on the substrate. Just remember different substrates retain heat differently. I use jungle earth which is really loose.
Do you use any insulation? I was thinking of putting the thermostat probe inside the hide or would it be better between the mat and glass?
Artemille
BPnet Veteran Join Date 01-29-2013 Location Ellicott City, MD Posts 351 Thanks 90 Thanked 138 Times in 95 Posts
I do not use insulation. The exo terra just has a bottom rim that keeps the tank about 1/2" from the table it's on.
Always put the thermostat probe right on the mat, then a thermometer probe on the inside. You want to be able to regulate the actual temp of the mat itself to prevent any too hot areas. A thermostat probe inside the tank can be misread if it gets moved by the snake or accidentally gets wet.
02-15-2013, 02:31 PM #7
The Serpent Merchant
BPnet Veteran Join Date 10-15-2011 Location Orlando, Florida Posts 8,193 Thanks 1,504 Thanked 3,300 Times in 2,344 Posts
Originally Posted by Artemille
I do not use insulation. The exo terra just has a bottom rim that keeps the tank about 1/2" from the table it's on.
Always put the thermostat probe right on the mat, then a thermometer probe on the inside. You want to be able to regulate the actual temp of the mat itself to prevent any too hot areas. A thermostat probe inside the tank can be misread if it gets moved by the snake or accidentally gets wet.
If the heat pad is being regulated by a thermostat there is no need for a gap for airflow. The thermostat will keep the heating pad at the desired temperature. In many cases adding airflow will make the heating pad inefficient and in extreme cases unable to achieve the desired temperature.
Last edited by The Serpent Merchant; 02-15-2013 at 02:31 PM .
0.1 Pastel 100% Het Clown Ball Python (Hestia)
1.0 Coastal/Jungle Carpet Python (Shagrath)
0.1 Dumeril's Boa (Nergal)
0.1 Bearded Dragon (Gaius)
1.0 Siberian Husky (Picard)
0.1 German Shepherd/Lab Mix (Jadzia)
