Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello.question, I have a new desert kingsnake, and I remember reading somewhere that its safe to let the temps in the tank drop into the mid 60's at night.....I use a lamp for heat during the day that gets the warm end around 84. I usually use a moon light at night, and it keeps warm end around 80, but last night I didnt use that moonlamp and the temp dropped to 69 in the whole tank, I do not use a UTH and dont plan on one at this time....is 69 too cold at night? I would imagine not, since I believe in the AZ desert it probably gets cooler then this at nighttime....thanks

You'll know if you've got the temps too cool if the snake stops eating when you offer food items. IMO if you allow the temps to remain at hig 60s for an indefinite period of time the snake will choose to not eat.

Good luck,
Russ

69 at night is okay for now, but maybe bump into the mid 70's as summer approaches. They are burrowers, rarely coming out during the day.
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Todd Hughes

I would really suggest using UTH rather than heat lamp. I know that you stated that you don't want to use UTH at the moment. Do what is best for the snake.

After a meal you may want to keep it higher then mid 60s on the first and second night.
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"Wake me when its April"

Doug L

Its fine occasionally, but not when digesting food, which for your little guy should be nearly all the time!

The desert does get cold at night... but the sun warmed rocks don't.

like other posters said, get a UTH or a ceramic heat emmiter or red bulb or some way of providing heat at night.