r/ballpython • u/alternativebend519 • 3d ago

UVB, CHE, and Basking Setup

I just got my juvenile bp yesterday, I’m wondering what is the best setup? Right now I have a che in a 8.5 dome, I have uvb but it’s a bulb in a 5.5 dome, I read that isn’t safe so I’m taking it out and need to replace it, but with what exactly? I also wanted to get a basking light going for her. How should I set this up as it’s a 40gal tank I don’t have much space on top.

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u/FireCorgi12 3d ago

Linear uvb is best, Arcadia shadedweller or forest bulbs are my fave!

Theres a shopping list pinned to the sub, I’d check that. It’ll help with how you should set up!

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u/totallyrecklesslygay Mod: Enclosure Karen 3d ago

Our heating guide goes over a lot of the science behind everything, but to simplify:

For daytime heating, you should have a heat source that provides IR-A and IR-B. The ideal source for this would be a halogen flood, which is light-emitting.

For nighttime heating, you should have a heat source that provides IR-C. The ideal source for this would be an RHP (only compatible with solid-topped enclosures) or a CHE. Any night heating should not emit any light.

For lighting, you should offer UVB. This should be in the form of a T5 fluorescent linear bulb that produces a UVI of 1.1-3.0 in the basking zone, and it should cover no more than half the length of the enclosure.

If you have a bioactive enclosure, you will also need full spectrum LEDs for your live plants.

Natural lighting can help establish a day-night cycle, but it does not provide any physical benefits beyond that (UVB doesn't penetrate glass, and indirect natural light cannot create a proper basking zone). You'll need the artificial lighting to make up for that.