Ball Python Thermostat Guide: Traditional vs Proportional Reptile Thermostat Safety
This Ball Python Thermostat Guide Covers Two Main TypesÂ
Traditional and Proportional Thermostats Ball Pythons:
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This ball python thermostat guide breaks down the two main thermostat types — proportional and non-proportional — so you can pick the right one for your setup. We have used many different types over the years proportional and non-proportional. Some of the models we have used are Ranco (non-proportional), Helix DBS 1000 (proportional), Big Apple Herp Power Proportional Max 300, etc...They all work well, I prefer Proportional on my incubators. Don't overload the devices — use each one as the manufacturer intended.
Traditional On/Off (Non-Proportional):Â
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A typical thermostat will monitor the temperature using a thermocouple or probe attached by a wire. When the probe tells the thermostat that the temperature has reached one degree above the desired set temperature in which the thermostat will cut power to the heating device turning it off. When the temperature drops back down below the set temperature the thermostat will turn power back on to the heating device. So basically if the temperature needs to go up the power to the heating device is turned on. Once the desired temperature is met or exceeded it is then turned back off. The heating device is either getting full power or no power at all. This type of thermostat is best suited for heating devices that work in a strictly on/off fashion.
Proportional Thermostats:Â
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Proportional thermostat has a probe that tells it when heat needs to be applied or turned off. It eases the power up or down to reach the set temperature. If the thermostat has a light on it you will actually see it getting stronger when power is applied and weaker as the power is eased back. Unlike traditional thermostats a proportional thermostat works like a dimmer in that it can adjust the amount of voltage being applied to the heating device. But a dimmer is set manually and keeps the electrical current constant. A proportional thermostat is better than dimmer because it can measure the temperature and it knows exactly how much power needs to be applied to the heating device to maintain the desired temperature.
Backup system:Â
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It is always good to have a backup system if your thermostat fails and you have to turn off your heating elements. An example of this would be the use of a portable Ceramic tower heater. Some of the features they come with are, convenient multi-function wide spread oscillation; electronic, and programmable thermostat. These types of heaters have a Self-regulating ceramic element; overheat protection for safety. A device like this would heat the snake room to the desired temperature and then shuts off. Do not let the temperature exceed 88 F degrees. We do have these types of heaters as emergencies backups only.
Heat gun:Â
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Try to obtain a heat gun if you do not already have one. This is a valuable tool to gauge the surface temperature of your enclosure.Â
Quick FAQ Section
About the contributors:
Living Art Reptiles is a private ball python breeding facility. We've been keeping and breeding ball pythons since 1988 and use the thermostat setups described in this guide in our own enclosures.
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Anthony Caponetto Specialization: Breeder-direct sales of exclusive in-house bloodlines developed over 20+ years.
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Source Information: Living Art Reptiles and Anthony Caponetto.
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