How big should the UTH be???

[Dog Shrink]

So I finally found a site that carried a wide variety of sizes in the ultratherm cobra heat mats. I wanted to get a new one for my son's ball python's tank. How much floor space is suppose to be covered by a uth? I know for leos it should be about 1/3rd of the floor surface... would it be the same for balls? Care sheets tell you plenty about HOW to heat and what temps but not the size the uth should be :main_thumbsdown:

 

[ReptileNinja101]

I've heard that it should be around 1/3-1/2 of the floor space... so generally the same. I have my BP in a 20 long and 1/3 of the floor is covered with a UTH.

 

[eric]

In an all glass enclosure ie fish tanks 1/3 of one side of the floor will be fine. I highly recommend two hides, one on the heated side and one on the cool side so the snake can thermo-regulate. Ideal temperature for a ball python is 88-90 degrees (warm side). I also highly recommend a temp gun to monitor floor temps. You can find them here www.tempgun.com. Lastly UTH manufacturers usually have a recommended mat size for certain tank sizes, and don't forget to run a thermostat with the UTH, I know they claim they don't get over 95 degrees but I've seen three that went up to 130 degrees. Thermostats like A-life can be purchased at any mom and pop or big chain store fairly inexpensive but very very necessary. Good luck and don't forget to have fun!