Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a 20 gallon long with an UTH. I've tried the guage thermometers and the strip ones. and they dont change when the heater is on or off. but when i place them on the glass directly on the heater they both register about 85-90. Am i going to need a light as well or will this be okay? I dont mind getting a bulb for my light, but I am thinking it might make it too hot? what do you guys and gals think?

Over the last year, and eight snakes later, I have come to the conclusion that aquariums are much less than ideal for housing BP's. I started with a 20L, and when I tried to heat it, I ended up with a localized spot of 90 degree glass. The entire rest of the cage was room temperature. I have since moved to rubbermaids/sterilite tubs, which hold heat better, but my DIY wood enclosures are certainly best at maintaining a higher temperature and humidity in the whole enclosure. So, my advice is to build your critter a cage, if at all possible.
An overhead light will help heat the critter from above in your 20L, but you need to cover most of the screen top (if that is what you have) to help maintain the overall temp. I covered all but where the light sat.
Good luck!
Randy

>>I have a 20 gallon long with an UTH. I've tried the guage thermometers and the strip ones. and they dont change when the heater is on or off. but when i place them on the glass directly on the heater they both register about 85-90. Am i going to need a light as well or will this be okay? I dont mind getting a bulb for my light, but I am thinking it might make it too hot? what do you guys and gals think?
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"I am a cop, and you will respect my authoritae!"-Cartman

Have you tried or considored a digital thermometer with a probe? That's what I use for accuracy. It also has this cool built in hygrometer.