Reddit mentions of Inkbird Digital Outlet Heat Temperature Controller with Day Night Control for Brewing Breeding Reptiles Hatching Heat Mat ITC-306T 10A 100V

Sorry to hear that. Had that happen to my 55 gal, but I caught it at 94 degrees and saved most of my fish.

My main suggestion would be this little lifesaver.

https://www.amazon.com/Inkbird-Temperature-Controller-Aquarium-Breeding/dp/B01DZ5NVBQ/ref=sr_1_20_sspa?keywords=Temperature+sensing+plug&qid=1567371827&s=gateway&sr=8-20-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyV043M1pDVTRMTjIyJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMzY3NDM0MlZKNkpRMkc4Skw2SyZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMjczMzE2WlBPTE9PU004M1NMJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfbXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

Inkbird is very sturdy, no problems, and by far the cheapest I have found. (also Prime on amazon) https://www.amazon.com/Inkbird-Temperature-Controller-Aquarium-Breeding/dp/B01DZ5NVBQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1484141333&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=inkbird&psc=1

CHE is a ceramic heat emitter. They screw into a light socket and make heat only, no light. They can be run 24/7.

The heat mat caused the bottom to crack because you had no thermostat on it. You are very lucky you didn't end up with a burned snake. Uncontrolled overhead heat can lead to neurological damage if the snake stays in it too long.

Thermostats for reptile use have a probe you place in an appropriate area to measure the temperature coming from whatever they are measuring. They range from cheap but functional on/off types to more expensive but much more advanced reptile specific devices that provide much more consistent temps.

80F should be enough for digestion, but it might take a little longer to do so. If you are concerned, missing a meal is no big deal for a snake.

Second this. I also put my CHE on one of these https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DZ5NVBQ so that the general area will stay at one temperature during the day, but a bit cooler at night.

Thanks, great idea! I didn't know these types of controllers existed.

I purchased a new eheim heater and this controller: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DZ5NVBQ/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

About the size, I've got a fairly large enclosure for my wife's little ball python, but there are two hides and lots of clutter, including greenery for him to hide in. Feeding has been a non-issue and he seems totally happy. Generally speaking, I can bet money on finding him in a hide, which is a good sign for them. At night, he's more active (as they're nocturnal by nature), but it's usually drinking, exploring and then back to sleep in a hide. Sometimes he'll climb his vines, sometimes not.

And yes, UTH (in my opinion) needs a thermostat. I've got an Inkbird that allows me to set both the UTH and CHE to the same temps and it works great.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DZ5NVBQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_4L5KskVt1pW1Y

Maybe 2 (50w) heaters on both sides? Gives you redundancy and if one fails off, you still have one to heat it somewhat. If you are going by the length of the tank then you'd probably need to place that 100w more towards the middle, but shouldn't be a problem with a submersible heater laid sideways.

As for brand, I like my aqueon pro. But it's a 250w model.

Another suggestion would be to run them on a temp controller to control then rather than rely on their enternal thermostat. It's a failsafe and gives you better control.

I use this inkbird

I use this one-- https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01DZ5NVBQ/ref=ya_aw_oh_bia_dp?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It allows me to run two heaters. Was super simple to set up too, although it felt confusing at first.

Since you asked your mom I'm assuming you're younger. I highly recommend an older beardie as they are so much cheaper to take care of. My 5 month old eats around $25 - $50 of bugs a week. I try to cycle through bugs so the cost depends on if I'm giving him BSFL (cheaper) or dubia roaches.

Adults only need bugs 2x a week and the rest of the week you just feed them veggies like collard greens and butternut squash. Which isn't only cheap but you can eat them too!

The bearded dragon kits in pet stores suck. Don't use night light lamps. Use a ceramic heater if you're house drops below 65F at night. There are also fairly cheap temperature controllers that will turn the heater on and off at night to keep the tank from getting too warm or two cold at night.

Don't get the fixture for the UVB bulb at a pet store. They're a ton cheaper at hardware stores.

I'm currently using a basking bulb from a pet store, but spot lights from a hardware store will also work for a cheaper price.

Get a bigger tank than the minimum requirement. If you end up with a beardie that likes to explore it can become stressed being cooped up in a tank that it finds too small.

These are what I use for my recommendations above:

Temperature Controller for ceramic heater

Ceramic Heater

UVB Bulb

UVB Bulb Fixture

I use the same source of light for my frog. If my pothos can grow in there then I feel like it’s sufficient.

The heating mat is MUCH less drying than any bulbs. I didn’t need to use the CHE as much when it was warmer but as the temperatures have gone down I’ve had to use it more and I have been having to keep a closer eye on the humidity gauge. I’ve got it plugged into the thermostat all the time now and I’ve got to mist at least once a day, oftentimes twice.

I do really recommend a thermostat. I really love mine. I use an Inkbird Day/Night Thermostat thermostat so I can have a temp drop at night.

A thick dish towel?

Here's another thermostat:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DZ5NVBQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_IHvIxbZ4M248V

Hello! I would reccomend using the inkbird ITC-306T. I've been using one for over a year with a heat cable and it has worked great! You can set a temperature range you like on it and set an alarm to go off if it goes outside the set zone. To monitor the heat, attach the probe to the glass or the surface closest to the heat mat (the nearest surface between the snake and heat mat). Hope that made sense!

Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DZ5NVBQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_MzgqDbNTY789D

Instructions on set up (the advanced model, but set up is very similar) : https://youtu.be/MOQL2llj7AM