HEATING
Basking Light
The basking light is not a great choice because it emits a lot of visible light. Ball pythons do not like light. You can find basking lights in red so the animal can not see the light. If you need to raise your ambient temperature in a glass enclosure, a basking flood light should be used. Place the flood light above your hot spot in the enclosure and ensure you have a dark hide on the hot side.
Heat Emitter
​ Heat emitters are not the best choice because they cause the enclosure to become very dry and drop the humidity too low for your snake. If your humidity is not correct your snake can have shedding problems or feeding issues.
Heat Tape or Under the Tank Heater
Heat tape or an under the tank heater is the best option for heating tubs or glass enclosure. The heat tape or heater can be placed easily under these enclosures. Heat tape is what is used in rack systems. These heaters give your snake belly heat which works well for ball pythons. The heaters do not produce any light and very easy to install.
Radiant Heat Panels
Radiant heat panels are another great choice. They are installed on the roof of the enclosure and radiate heat down. These heaters can heat the entire enclosure and create a hot spot directly under the heater. The down side of these heaters is cost. Most radiant heat panels start at $100. The other issue with heat panels is they are designed to be screwed into the roof of the enclosure.