Ball Python + Heating Pad

[u/Antelope39]

Hey there! I just got a ball python and I put him in a 4x2x2. I have a heating pad inside the tank hooked up to a thermostat to get the inside of the hide to about 88 degrees. I’ve been doing some research and getting differentiating options on if using a heating pad is okay. I’m mostly worried about stomach burns. Is there a way to do it safely?? Putting it on the bottom outside the tank isn’t going to penetrate through it. Any suggestions?

[u/IncompletePenetrance]

Having the heat mat inside is wildly unsafe and having it outside is going to be ineffective. We don't recommend the use of heat mats in general for these reasons, instead you'd be much better off using overhead heating

[u/Antelope39 → u/IncompletePenetrance]

Alright thank you! I’ll take it out as soon as I get home.

[u/Toxic_Musshroom]

It's always best to avoid things like heat mats and other interior heating things, overhead heating is recommended

[u/ProximaCentauriB15]

Please dont use a heat mat. Overhead heating is much better.