Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello all,

I have been experimenting with my temperatures in my cages, and I observed something that I'm wondering if anyone else can provide any insight on.

I use a helix thermostat which is wired to 3' sections of 11" flexwatt heat tape. I noticed that my thermostat is accurate in making the heat tape the desired temperature, however, when I check the temperature of the "basking spot" inside the cage, I lose about 7 degrees through the thin layer of plastic the cage is made of.

I currently have my thermostat set at 89, and I have checked the accuracy with a pro exotics temp gun. The temperature of the heat tape is perfect.

However, I take the same temp gun and check the basking spot on the inside of the cage where the boa is laying, and it's only 82. Therefore, the difference outside/inside of the cage is 7 degrees.

I dont mind it, I was just curious if anyone else has ever actually checked this, and what temperature do you desire more? I see people saying a basking spot of 84-85 during breeding season, but is this inside/outside of the cage? Setting my thermostat to 84 would leave my actual basking temp at 77.

Just an observation. Any input?

Tony

Hey, Tony!

I use Helix thermostats, too. I put the probe directly in the middle of the heat pad but outside and underneath. That temp is ALWAYS different than the actual temp in the cage. I've noticed that placing the probe directly on the heat mat gives me the quickest and best control of the power.

I only care about the temp IN the cage so I have to "calibrate" mentally. If I want a basking spot of 95, my probe temp is different for each stack. I have three stacks, for one stack, the probe reads 104, for another it's 101 and for a third, it's 97 but the basking spot temps in the cages are all about the same-the 95 that I want.

Hope that helps!

Aaron
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www.voodoomagicboas.com

What I do is I put the probe in the cage and tape it to the floor of the cage right above the heat tape. This way I am getting the real temp of the basking spot.
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www.jpcboas.com

Only problem with that method is if the occupant manages to dislodge the temp probe you can turn the heat element full on.

I also go with the on element outside cage method and yeah, you have to compensate for thermal loss getting inside cage.
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Thanks,

Dave Colling

www.rainbows-r-us-reptiles.com

0.1 Wife (WC and still very fiesty)
0.2 kids (CBB, a big part of our selective breeding program)

LOL, to many snakes to list, last count (02/01/2010):
42.61 BRB
27.40 BCI
And those are only the breeders

lots.lots.lots feeder mice and rats

I have been doing it this way for over 10 years with no issues.
You have to make sure the probe is flush and taped down so the snake can not get under it. I do cover the bottom of the cage with craft paper so the probe is not exposed.I do this in my 4-6-8&12 foot cages. In my baby racks and cb70 I sacrifice one tub to put the probe in. This is what works for me so I stay with it.
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www.jpcboas.com