Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello... We're just finishing up our new rack... wiring the flexwatt up today.
I bought a digital thermometer with the sensor-wire, to keep track of my temps... before I just had a cheap "analog" thermometer.
When I measure the temps in the container, where do I actually PUT the sensor wire... ON the substrate, UNDER the substrate... right on top of the plastic...or half way down, to measure ambient temps?
Right now, the temps in my B.P.'s enclosure is 92.8... on TOP of the substrate, on the warm side...
Am I measuring in the correct place?
Also, when I hook up my thermostats, do I use foil tape and tape the sensor wire directly to the flexwatt, or should I let the sensor "dangle" in the enclosure itself?

Thanks for your help, in advance

Mindy

What substrate are you using? You need to measure the temp where your snake will be - belly heat. If he can get under the substrate, then measure there. If your using something like newspaper or carpet and the ends are weighted with hides, water dish, etc such that your snake can't get under the substrate - measure on top of the substrate.
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My Album

1.0 Ball Python
"Aragorn"

1.0 Kenyan Sand Boa
"Gimli"

0.1 Australian Cattle Dog/Pointer
"Kira"

Thanks!
I'm using Aspen bedding.
So... with the Aspen, I should put the sensor AGAINST the plastic, under the Aspen?
Ok... I will try that.
But another question is: How do I keep ambient temps up if I adjust my thermostat to register 90-95 UNDER the substrate?
I appreciate your response. I just want my baby to be nice and cozy!
Mindy

I don't think you need to worry so much about ambient vs belly temps. You need to worry about warm side vs cool side temps. You must provide a gradient between the two sides. Measure the cool side just like the warm side. Since you should only be providing heat to one side of the tank/cage/tub, the other side should be a different temp.

Warm side = 90
Cool side = 80-85
-----
My Album

1.0 Ball Python
"Aragorn"

1.0 Kenyan Sand Boa
"Gimli"

0.1 Australian Cattle Dog/Pointer
"Kira"

Ok, thanks!
I do have a gradient, and measure temps on both sides... I just wasn't sure of where to measure (because of course it is going to be hotter right next to the plastic).
Thanks for the advice!

Mindy