Tank heating time and for how long?

[Spidey_Girl]

I just got my first Ball Python today. (so happy ) I adopted her from a foster home.

I bought her an under tank heating pad. Right now I have it set to go off at 1 am and back on at 1pm.

So are 12 hours on and 12 hours off ok?

Or is it suggested I change the on time to 1 am and the off time to 1 pm?

 

[Pedro]

I belive that 12 to 14 hours it good for most herps.

 

[Lasiodora]

How long it is on should not be based on time. It should be based on temperature. The ambient temp should be at least 80f in the day. The basking side where the heat pad is should be 83-85f. A drop in temp at night (70-75f) is okay but not necessary. Check the temp of the tank day and night and then adjust the time it is left on according to that. Also, heat pads can become very hot be sure to check the temps often. You can use a light dimmer to lower the heat pads output.
Mike