Generally snakes should not be heated with a heat lamp.

They do not need a basking lamp, and often are uncomfortable with a basking lamp.



They should have a heat source under one side of the tank that is controlled by a thermostat. The water dish should be on the opposite side of the tank. This allows them to thermoregulate.



You can get an on/off thermostat for 20 to 30 that controlls an under the tank heating pad.



As far as day light goes, snakes do not need UVB/UVA lamps at all. It doesn't hurt, but if provided, it should be on an on/off timer.



My recomondation - don't feed him. If he regurgitates for whatever reason, the regurgitated food in his tank will start to rot and give off gases that will make him even worse.



I'd suggest leaving both lights off since you are just going to be gone for the weekend, and feed him when you get back. Then set him up with an under the tank heat source controlled by a thermostat, and ditch the heat light.
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3.0 WC; 0.2 CB L. getula californiae

0.1 WC; 10 eggs (7/11) Elgaria multicarinata multicarinata

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• Going out of town ... - Circe, Tue Aug 15 14:59:21 2006
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