Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am setting up a temporary cage for a hatchling/6 month old BP I will be receiving Tuesday. I have a 6.5 qt sterilite shoe box with a zoomed mini UTH under one side connected to a lamp dimmer. I am measuring temps with an Extech temp gun. Right now I am getting the temps with no substrate. I want to get those right before I add substrate. I plan on using that shredded coconut repti bark stuff, because I have some; or aspen, because that's what she's been kept on.

The problem is, I cannot get the cool side above 71 degrees (which is the temperature I keep my house at). Right now the warm side is 96 and the cool side is 70. I don't see how a 26 degree difference is possible in such a small space, but apparently it is. From everything I've read 71 is much too cold. How can I get it any warmer without cranking up the furnace.

Also, what is the best location for air holes? I still need to drill those.

Your advice is greatly appreciated.

I meant to post this under a different username. How can I delete it ASAP? I don't want someone seeing it.

It doesn't look like I can edit or delete my posts so can someone please give me some advice.

Thank you

It sounds to me like you need to insulate it somehow. Shoeboxes are usually used in conjunction with a rack or shelf of some sort which provides insulation on the top, bottom and usually the sides. Maybe you could make a small box of wood or foam or something that the shoebox would slide into? Containing the heat and allowing it to radiate around the cage. Just be sure you turn the heat down once it's confined so it isn't a fire hazard. This will also provide some darkness and seclusion that the snake will appreciate.
Don't forget, once the substrate is in and you add a hide box and water dish those items will absorb and hold some of the heat, preventing it from going straight up and out like it is now. Shoot for a solid 90 degrees in your warm area and you shouldn't need to worry too much about the cool side.

John

I switched to a 15 qt and put it on a book shelf where it's pretty much surrounded and it's much better. The warm side is about 87 and the cool side is about 77 with paper towel substrate, hides, and an empty water dish.

Sounds like you've got it set up nicely now. Sometimes little adjustments here and there will make a big difference in the dynamics of the setup.
Best of luck with your new snake!

John

The unheated side of your enclosure can only get as warm as the room it's in. If your room is 70, then your cool side will be 70.
You want a warmer cool side? Move your enclosure to a warmer room.
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