What should I use to heat the tank for a garter snake? Some websites tell me to use a undertank heater and some tell me to use an overhead lamp. Some tell me to use both. Im so confused!!! THANKS!!!!!!!!
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What should I use?
Abnormal1709
Jun 30, 2004 09:53 PM
Replies (1)
Paul Hollander
Jul 02, 2004 11:40 AM
Nobody else has posted, so I will have a shot.
Your question does not have a one and only, true, right answer. The desired result is to give the garter the opportunity to warm up to around 85 F during the day. At night he should cool into the high 60s to mid 70s F. Undertank heater, overhead bulb, or both are simply the most common ways to achieve that result.
Both overhead head and undertank heat have their proponents. IMHO, both have their advantages and disadvantages. My preference is for an undertank heater because heat rises, making an undertank heater more efficient than an overhead bulb. But I have used overhead bulbs successfully, too. And in a cool area, where the temperature can be stratified, a cage may require both bulb and undertank heater.
On the other hand, if you lack air conditioning, your snake may not need any extra heat at all this summer.
About all I can suggest is that you invest in a decent thermometer (no aquarium stick ons) and move it around the cage and see what the cage air and floor temperatures are under various conditions. Good luck.
Paul Hollander
