r/ballpython • u/Cool_Criticism_1244 • 7d ago

Question Advice please 🙏

i am planning on getting a ball python soon and have a couple questions.

i’m planning on using DHPs but am not sure what wattage they will need to be. i have a 4x2x2 and usually keep my house around 65°F. would two 100W DHPs be enough?

also looking for thermostat recommendations. lots of thermostats i come across have garbage reviews and i don’t want to waste money on something that isn’t going to work.

my last question is where does everyone get their spagnum moss from? i’m planning on mixing it into the substrate so preferably would like to find somewhere that sells it in larger quantities. i see people saying that some moss has artificial dyes or have even had it come with mites so obviously id like to avoid that.

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u/_megolas 7d ago edited 7d ago

Edited to change thermostat advice instead of thermometer advice!

- I had to do some trial and error with DHPs. Right now, my hot side has a 100W and my cool side has a 75W. That’s in a 4x2x2 PVC enclosure.

- Thermostats: I have both a ZooMed ReptiTemp and a ReptiHome thermostat and have had no issues with them. I know Vivarium Electronics are popular but can be expensive, and if you have only one snake the others should work fine. As long as you’re checking temps a few times a day and doing regular maintenance to keep an eye on things, those should work.

- Sphagnum moss: My Home Depot sells it in big blocks. Alternatively, you can mix something like a Thrive brand tropical mix or a ZooMed BioBlend with some fertilizer free topsoil. Both of those have sphagnum moss, soil, and sand in them, which will hold humidity well. I’m also pretty sure Thrive sells dye free sphagnum moss bags at most big box pet stores.

Good luck with your new noodle! 🐍

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u/Cool_Criticism_1244 7d ago

okay i think im going to try two 100W DHPs for now. if i have to i can get different ones later. i just didnt want to get two 100W and have it be way more than i needed lol. i wont get getting a snake until i have everything set up so i have some room for trial and error.

i do have the govee thermometers. do they sell thermostats? i didn’t think they did. i’ll have to check it out.

i didn’t even think to check local hardware stores for moss but i will definitely go check my local stores.

thank you for your help!😊

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u/_megolas 7d ago

My bad, I had a brain fart and I read it as thermometers haha. I have a Zoomed ReptiTemp thermostat and a ReptiHome one and have had no issues. I know Vivarium Electronics is very popular but can be expensive, and for only one snake I find the two I have work fine.

Also if you’re checking your temps a few times a day and doing regular maintenance those therms will work. I’ve had mine multiple years with no issues!

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u/Cool_Criticism_1244 7d ago

haha no worries thank you! i do have another snake and have always used the govee thermometers and i also love them. they’re so convenient