Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I understand that it is suggested that the probe from a Helix should be taped directly on to the heat tape for an accurate reading. My questions are.. If I put it directly on the tape should I set the temps to that reading or set my temps to the snake body temps. I feel that being there are different amounts and types of substrates it would be more important to know the snakes temp and adjust the Helix to that instead of just putting the Helix on suggested temps? Do I have hotspot temps correct? 90-95 day 80-85 night?

Thanks for the help

Here is what I do with my ranco, I set the probe at the top of the cage so the rats don't chew on the probe and the I set the Ranco temp control on around 80 the cage stays 80 and the heat tape is hotter since heat rises, Not sure if this is correct but so far it works for me. In my opinion putting the probe directly on the heat tape will not heat the whole cage because as soon as the heat tape get hot(at the set temp) it will turn off, and it will take time to cool back to the temp, plus up wouldn't want to risk overheating the cage by setting the helix to high. I guess what ever works, try it without snakes in the cage and then try something else until you get it right for your snakes then put the snakes in the cage. thanks DAVID
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1.0 Pied(04)(RDR)
1.0 Albino(04)(RDR)
0.1 Spider(04)(RDR)
3.2 Pastels(03's)(04's)(ASF,Graziani,Bell lines)
0.1 Yellow belly(unproven)(04)
1.3 Yellow belly(unproven)(02,03,04's)
2.0 100% HET CLOWN(04's)(MHMR)
3.3 100% het albinos(03's)(high contrast bell line)
0.1 poss Het Albino(03's)
2.0 100% het pieds(03's)(Vin Russo,CRE)
0.2 100% het pieds(03's)(04's)(RDR,TWL)
1.2 Poss het pieds(03's)(PETE KAHL)
2.1 Poss het pieds(00's)(01's) hoping to get PIEDS this year(Vin Russo, Pete Kahl)
25 Normal adult females
60 04 females
15 normal mixed 03's
20 Assorted weird ball pythons 04's

I already have a room with day night temp sensor that adjust my ambiant temps great. I need to know more about the Hot Spot. This is a rack system so I also have to realize the variation from bottom to top of rack.

Thanks again,
Brent

I attach the probe to the flex-watt as you stated, and set the thermostat to 95 degrees.

I don't fluctuate the temp for night time drops; I change the ambient temp (cool side) for night time drops.

I use newspaper in all the tubs, and depending on how many sheets of paper per tub, I get hot spot temps of 92-94 degrees.

hope that helps
TomChambers

That is kool for a hot spot. I wasn't sure what you were looking for. In that case you would want the probe as close to the heat source as possible because you don't want it to get any hotter than the 95 temp. If I was you I would used the closest to the center of your rack system. thanks
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1.0 Pied(04)(RDR)
1.0 Albino(04)(RDR)
0.1 Spider(04)(RDR)
3.2 Pastels(03's)(04's)(ASF,Graziani,Bell lines)
0.1 Yellow belly(unproven)(04)
1.3 Yellow belly(unproven)(02,03,04's)
2.0 100% HET CLOWN(04's)(MHMR)
3.3 100% het albinos(03's)(high contrast bell line)
0.1 poss Het Albino(03's)
2.0 100% het pieds(03's)(Vin Russo,CRE)
0.2 100% het pieds(03's)(04's)(RDR,TWL)
1.2 Poss het pieds(03's)(PETE KAHL)
2.1 Poss het pieds(00's)(01's) hoping to get PIEDS this year(Vin Russo, Pete Kahl)
25 Normal adult females
60 04 females
15 normal mixed 03's
20 Assorted weird ball pythons 04's