I just got my python yesterday and i've had the tank setup for about a week, The temperature is not going above 80F , i'm using a 50W heat bulb, and a undertank heater, What is a good watt bulb to bring it up a little higher but not incredibly? also I have tin foil blocking most of the top screen of a 15G tank *i'm upgrading to a 40g in a couple months*

You could try using a 75 watt regular house bulb and monitor the temps. I think they like a 65W in the reptile sections, but most of those lights can be expensive.

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MARSHA

:D I'm smiling because I have no idea whats going on!

Are you refering to belly temp or ambient temp? If you are having trouble keeping a 15 gallon heated a 40 gallon would be much harder to heat, And too muchroom might just stress out your little BP. I just use a regular 60 watt bulb and an xl exo-terra Under Tank Heater for a 30 gal fish tank with about 3/4 of the top covered(some use plexi-glass but I had a rubber bottom to a dish strainer with holes for ventilation of course handy) and for those especially cold nights I add a black light. but thats my cheap version, I keep the lamp directly on the aquarium top. Elvis has multiple hides also warm,cool,humid, a covered water and an uncovered water hide,and a spot to bask close to the lamp but I've never seen him there. I ve also added enough substrate for him to burrogh where he wants. Its all about choices,let them go where they feel comfortable. There are all kinds of bulbs and ceramic emiters to chose from but they wern't practical for me. Keep the light cycle and humidity up, these are important too. well this has gotten me through about 5 month so far( I'm still a newbie too) hope this helps and doesnt freak you out.

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1.0.0 BP(Elvis)
0.1.freezer full Rats
1.1.0 Cats(Thunder,Dicey)


Future Herps:Common or Red Tail Boa