Heathing
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 drops humidity too low for your snake. If your humidity is not correct your snake can have shedding problems, feeding issues, and be at risk for respiratory infections. You should mist your tank regularly when using a heat emitter. The emitter should be installed on the hot side of the tank. The heat emitter and the heat mat are used together to heat a glass tank enclosure.
Heat Tape or Under the Tank Heat Mat
Heat tape or an under the tank heat mat can be used for heating glass and tub enclosures. The heat tape or heat mat are be placed under these types of enclosures. Heat tape is used commonly used in snake racks. The tape or the mat provide belly heat which is needed for your snake to digest its food.
Radiant Heat Panels
Radiant heat panels are another great choice for heating your snake's enclosure, The heat panel is installed on the roof of the enclosure and radiates heat down. The heat panel can heat the entire enclosure and creates a hot spot directly below the heater. The down side of heat panels are the cost and how they are installed. Most Radiant heat panels will start at $100. The heat panels are also designed to be screwed into the roof of the enclosure. The heat panel works best in a PVC enclosure.
Basking Lights
Basking lights are not recommended because they emit a lot of visible light. Ball pythons do not spend a lot of time in sunlight in the wild. The defense strategy of rolling into a ball when frightened makes the ball python very vulnerable to predators. If you need to raise the ambient temperature in a glass enclosure, the heat emitter is a much better choice.