HEATING
Basking Light
The basking light is not recommended 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. The heat emitter a the better choice to heat the air of a glass enclosure.
Heat Emitter
​ Heat emitters are needed to heat glass tank enclosures. The issue with a heat emitter is it causes 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, feeding issues, or get a respiratory infection. You should always mist the tank regularly when using a heat emitter. Place the emitter on the hot side of the tank. The emitter and the heat mat are used together to heat a tank enclosure.
Heat Tape or Under the Tank Heater
Heat tape or an under the tank heater is used for heating tubs enclosures and glass enclosures. The heat tape or heat mat can be placed easily under these enclosures. Heat tape is what is used in rack systems. These heating elements give your snake belly heat which is needed for digestion.
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. Heat panels is they are designed to be screwed into the roof of the enclosure and if the enclosure does not have a solid top this is an issue.