Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey all,

Just looking for some advice on how to warm up my new snake's cage a little more. I just brought my first snake home yesterday and attached the adhesive heat pad to the bottom of my 10 gallon tank. The breeder told me to keep the cool side of the cage somewhere around 82 - 84 but I have been unable to attain this temp. It's about 78 in my house but I can't seem to get the cage thermometer past 80. I did cover the screen top with a cloth and that helped but I still can't get it past 80. Any ideas next to buying a heat lamp setup?

Also, if the heat lamp is my only option, what's the best way to go that won't bother the snake?

Thanks!

Either something is wrong with the uth (because they generally get pretty hot) or your thermometer is inaccurate. What kind of thermometer are you using? The analog stick on kinds are generally worthless. A digital with probes and/or a temp gun will give the most accurate results. Also, where are you measuring the temps (floor, middle, top, etc)?
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What kind of snake? The reason i ask is 80 degrees maybe just fine.

The snake is a 3 month old Cape York spotted python. I am using a stick-on thermometer and I have it attached to the inside back glass, in the corner, mid-way up the side, on the side of the aquarium opposite the heat pad.

I can reach under the pad and it is very definitely hot to the touch so it seems to be working. She is currently out of her hide again and no longer balled up but partially stretched out instead. Since she is my first snake, I'm not sure but this would imply to me that she isn't cold, or am I off here?

I have a thermometer next to the tank and it is consistently reading 77 - 78 degrees all afternoon. The tape thermometer inside has not moved from 80.

Tigergenesis mentioned a heat gun or digital thermometer, would Wal-Mart have these or should I go to a pet store, if this is my problem?

Thanks for your help and advice, I know I must sound like a worrying nut but I have always wanted a snake and I want to do everything perfect for her.

Many thanks!

I have taken one of those little round ones and just set it right on the bottom, where the snake is and gotten a different reading then one stuck to the side. I have read it doesn't matter what the air temp is as long as the belly heat is accurate. I have a digital in with my anoles and it seem more accurate then the stick on kind. It will measure the temp in 2 different spots. Walmart has those for like $15.

I live in Arizona where it's great in the winters so don't have to worry about my snakes getting to cool. I just have the UTH's and they seem sufficent. I got my first snake, a corn, almost 2 years ago and so far so good. My python on the other hand, has a UTH with a basking light for day and red light for nite time heat since they like it in the 85-90 degree range. If you go with a light be sure to put it on the same side as the UTH. That way you will still have a cooler side and not heat the whole tank the same temp.

Pythons do need to be kept at a warm temperature. the cool end should be at about 82-86F. With a heated area of 88-95F. You will need to experiment to achieve the proper temp. In a 10 gallon aquarium you can use a heat pad and a incandescent bulb. Pet shops
sell these light fixtures or you can pick up one for a little less at a hardware store. As far as your stick on thermometer this is ok,
but a temp gun is going to be better.
Chuck

i've got a cape york, and he likes it hot, and cold

i let the ambient temp. drop down to 70 overnight, but i have a constand hot-spot of 90 using a protected lamp. He regulates himself and seems fine.

as long as you have a hot spot, i wouldn't worry about the ambient temp.

jack
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I use these digital thermometers that come from walmart. They are $14.97 or so. On one display screen you have the indoor temp, outdoor temp, plus the humidity. If you dont want the humidity they have the same w/o the humidity meter for about $12-$13. They are claimed to be accurate within 0.2 degrees F. And i've never had a problem with them...currently have 5 running right now.
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