Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i just built a cage (3' x 2' x 2' ) and installed an overhead light socket.. i was wondering if a light or a cermaic heater would provide enough heat.. if not could i add another overhead bulb? then would it be enoguh?
im trying to avoid adding a uth, since the cage is done, and putting in a uth would require more work.. thanks

MS

....probably not. Two-foot tall cage will require a 60-75 watt bulb, depending on the ambient room temp in which the cage sits.
....avoid the ceramic heat emitter-it'll dry the cage too much. These heaters are good for DESERT species.
....an UTH is BEST to provide a hot spot (low-mid 90'sF) on which the snake can lay. Even if you have to rout-out the wood this is recommended. If the wood is no greater than 1/2" thick the heat will rise through the floor. Be sure to have an airspace of at least 1" BELOW the UTH. You may need a rheostat (dimmer) to adjust the temp. Hey, a little more work NOW will save an EXPENSIVE trip to me LATER!! Scott J. Michaels DVM

"probably not. Two-foot tall cage will require a 60-75 watt bulb,"

Is it safe for ANY animal to beable to come in contact with ANY bulb?

DONT USE BULBS!!!!Get a UTH......

If a UTH is " Too much work" then sell the poor snake!!!

thanks for the help. after i route out the wood, and put the uth in should i put something over it (sry if this is a stupid question, im generally not good at building things), also, is there a good way to get the cord out of the cage without making a possible escape for the snake (it be best if the cord came out one of the sides, as the cage lays flat on the bottom)?

thanks
MS

I could be mistaken because I've never had to use one, but I don't think you put a uth IN the tank. It goes UNDER the tank. (uth = Under Tank Heater)

Hope I caught ya in time!

I admire that you're working hard to get everything right before buying the snake...exactly what many folks on this forum scold others for not doing. Keep working at it and you'll get it all figured out!

Judy
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1.0 red cape gopher (Caesar)

" im trying to avoid adding a uth, since the cage is done, and putting in a uth would require more work.. thanks "

Good, just cut as many corners you can with your pets.....

i wasnt trying to get anyone mad.. i just built the cage and am trying to avoid having to take the whole thing apart.. i havent even bought the snake yet. with the overhead i have the temps came to about 88-90. (the bulb is screened off, so the snake cant touch it)
i guess ill just take it apart, and add the uth.
im a little confused .. ks people are usually not so harsh.

Don't take it apart just yet. Keep it for a while, measure the humidity, see if it gets too low. If you have a hard time keeping the humidity in the acceptable levels, -then- look for other solutions.
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-audri
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