Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Alright, I know these are basic questions and such things are shunned on this site, but I went back and read every thread related to them through the last six pages and I'm still looking for just a few quick flatout answers. Daytime temps are supposed to be around 90-95 on the hot side and 80 on the cool side right? How much lower should they go at night? I have a heating pad underneath the entire tank and was going to hook up a lamp on the hot side for during the day. Sound ok? Do normal bulbs emit enough heat? Or should I go ahead and get a reptile bulb from a pet shop. Someone had said something about using cheap black lights instead...is this correct? I'm very much the novice and would really appreciate some quick answers. Thank you so much!! ohhh..and i was planning on making two hides out of the flowerpot bases...anyone have a preferred way to cut the holes??? Thankx again -shelby

I usually only put undertank heat under half of the tank and, if I use a light or other heat source put it on the same side as the undertank heat. This way the snake can get cool if it wants.

I don't recall exactly what it was about the cheap Black Lights, but for some reason we are not to use them (something they emit). Check out a ceramic heat emitter, or consider skipping that and using a heat panel (lights and heat emitters dry out the air)

I use a dremmel to cut holes in flower pots. Get the tile cutting blade, cuts real easy. Do it outside, it's messy!

I asked similar questions very recently, and didn't get any good answers. The wonderful mykee was nice enough to say "your temps are too low, raise them" but didn't suggest how. such a big help. I asked about heat tape, specifically, but I can't find any good info.

Good luck. I'm interested to see where this thread goes. Hope we can get some good answers this time!

Muggle

This site has some great cage building info on it, as well as info on wiring heat tape. You can get heat tape from herp suppliers like the Bean Farm online.

http://www.arbreptiles.com/

>Alright, I know these are basic questions and such things are shunned on this site, but I went back and read every thread

So I guess we need to beat you with a wet noodle!

>for just a few quick flatout answers. Daytime temps are supposed to be around 90-95 on the hot side and 80 on the cool side right? How much lower should they go at night? I have a heating

It's relative. These are good starting points. But you need to learn to read your snake. If he's always on the cool side, it could be too hot. If always on the hot side, could be too cold. Take into consideration security. A snake will forego comfort for security.

I would not let the temp dip below 72 at night as long as there is a source of heat.

>pad underneath the entire tank and was going to hook up a lamp on the hot side for during the day. Sound ok? Do normal bulbs

As already mentioned, this should only be placed one one side. I prefer 1/3 the length of the tank. If using a bulb, put it over the same side. You will have to see if it emits enough heat. I do not waste the money on "Reptile" bulbs. Although, during the winter, my chondros get night bulbs because I keep the heat going almost 24hours a day.

>much!! ohhh..and i was planning on making two hides out of the flowerpot bases...anyone have a preferred way to cut the holes??? Thankx again -shelby

Use anything you are comfortable with. BTW, I like the holes in the top. It keeps rodents out if you have to feed live.
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Jay A. Martin

First off, thank you so much for the replies, everything helps! The tank has a heating grid built in underneath that the temp can be adjusted. I figured I would take a couple days before I get the snake to play with it and figure out exactly how it needs to be set to keep both sides ok. I feel slightly retarded asking so many questions, but I don't drive so when I go out I need to know exactly where to go. Can I get a light for the tank with a timer attached? And where would be the best place to go? Thanks again for bearing with me....

You can by timers to hook up to your lights (or anything really) from just about anywhere. I've found the better deals at the hardware stores, etc. You'll find a lot to choose from. You can also find them at some drug stores, grocery stores, pet stores, etc.

Kelly

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