Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Are the recommended temps for BRBs ambiant temps or surface temps? In other words, do I want the air a couple inches above the bottom to be in the mid 80s, or do I measure the temps on the actual surface?

Thanks,
Nick

Nick,
. Most caging temperature recommendations are for ambient temperatures because most people are using thermometers which are up off of the floor of the cage. If the air a couple inches off the floor is in the mid eighties all over the cage then you do not have a temperature gradient in the cage and the mid 80s is too hot for the entire cage. The surface temperature of the hottest part of the cage floor can be in the mid to high eighties if the hot area is not too large. The temperature a few inches above this area will usually be in the mid eighties. If the hot area is very large it will radiate too much heat into the entire cage. If you have an adequate temperature gradient in the cage the snake can move to whatever temperature is right for it. If it spends all of it's time in the cool end of the cage it indicates that your cage temperature is too hot. If it spends all of it's time in the warm end then the cage temp is too low. I use an IR temperature gun and spot check my snakes occasionally. The BRBs usually have a body surface temperature in the high 70s. When they are gestating or digesting a recent meal they are usually in the low 80s.
Jeff

>>Are the recommended temps for BRBs ambiant temps or surface temps? In other words, do I want the air a couple inches above the bottom to be in the mid 80s, or do I measure the temps on the actual surface?
>>
>>Thanks,
>>Nick

Jeff,
When using an IR temp gun, do you point it at the bottom while holding it a couple of inches from the bottom, or do you point it to the side/back of the cage? The reason I ask is that when I am taking temps pointing it to one of the sides (from the center of the tub) the temps read in the high 70s, but when I point it at the bottom a few inches above the surface, it reads in the mid to high 80s. I'm not sure which reading is right.

I am using heat tape under the tape, so the bottom is hotter. In my Ball Python tank I use a ceramic heat emitter which warms the air all throughout the warm side of the cage and the temp readings seem more consistent.

Thanks again for the advice. I just want to make sure I have everything set up correctly. I will also keep an eye on the snake to see if he seems to be staying on one side vs. the other.

Nick