Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I use a heat lamp to control the temp in my corn snake's tank. Over the summer I had just been turning it off at night, but as it gets colder I've been hesitant to do this. The temp gets down to 65-70, and will probably get colder as the winter approaches. Does anyone know if having the light on 24 hours a day would be distressful for the snake, since they're nocturnal? I only ask because I've noticed he isn't coming out of his hides as much as he used to.

Yes, constant light would stress the snake. They need the darkness to feel comfortable to move about and stretch.

You could use a nightime heat bulb or just a heat mat.

I use a heat mat.I actually see my corns in the daytime.I let my snakeroom/bedroom dip down to sixty at night and have never had a problem with it....Paul.

Thanks! I'll just get a different heating setup.

>>Thanks! I'll just get a different heating setup.

Just go to Wal-Mart and get a normal heat pad for about $10. or $12. and place it under one end of your tank. For winter time set it on medium. The rest of the year, low.
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Remember, my posts are MY opinion only.
Jimmy (draybar)

I've kept corns for about 7 years now and I always leave the light on. I've never had any problems. They come out and crawl all the time.

I do provide a dark hiding place though.

Ive never used a heating pad Draybar.Ive seen alot of posts from people that do.I have a few questions for you.The heating pad i use on my spine says not to pinch or cover because of fire possibilities.Do you have your tanks raised slightly to allow air to pass through?What temps do you get on the lower settings?Also on meduim?How long do heating pads last?Do they use much electricity compared to undertank heaters?I do see alot of advantages to using them but it's hard for me to change my ways.On the other hand with expert advice i just may make the switch.Thanks Pal....Paul...

>>Ive never used a heating pad Draybar.Ive seen alot of posts from people that do.I have a few questions for you.The heating pad i use on my spine says not to pinch or cover because of fire possibilities.Do you have your tanks raised slightly to allow air to pass through?

On the one tank that I am now using a regular heat pad is raised up just enough to keep the full weight off the pad.
The other pads I use are actually stapled to the back of my make shift rack.

What temps do you get on the lower settings?Also on meduim?

In side the rubbermade boxes where they touch up against the heat pads will stay around 84 to 85 degrees during the summer(on Low) when I run the AC and keep the house at 72.
In the winter the house is usually around 68 to 70 and with the pads on medium the boxes will be 85 to 87 degrees.

How long do heating pads last?

Don't know....I have one that I had for a couple of years before using it for my snakes and it has been on continueously for over a year now.

Do they use much electricity compared to undertank heaters?

I have no idea. My house was built in 1948 and doesn't have the greatest of insulation so my power bills run pretty high. I doubt seriously that I would see that drastic of a decrease even if I turned off all of my snake lights and heatpads, my turtle lights and aquarium heaters and my bearded dragon lights and under tank heaters.
I just don't think it is that significant of usage.

I do see alot of advantages to using them but it's hard for me to change my ways.On the other hand with expert advice i just may make the switch.Thanks Pal....Paul...

OOPS...I guess you better ask someone else....I just saw the expert advise part...oh well, I tried....lol
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Remember, my posts are MY opinion only.
Jimmy (draybar)