Reptile & Amphibian Forums

New to corns and hatchlings but not new to snakes. I wanted to ask everyone something. Should I leave the under tank heater on during the night for my new hatchling, or should I turn it off at night (room temp around 78 degrees)? Also, my new hatchling is an amelanistic corn. Is that the same thing as albino? Thanks a lot everyone.

What temperature is your snake's cage with the heater? Your room temp sounds fine to me, but heat gradients are still good for snakes to have. If your heater isn't pushing the temp up too far, go ahead and leave it on. (They don't use much electricity.) If your house temperature is always a constant 78 degrees and doesn't ever get colder, you might be able to do without the heater during the day, too.

Amelanistic and albino are synonymous in the cornsnake world. So yes, an amel is an albino. They're also often referred to as 'red albinos'. 'Black albino' is sometimes used for anerythristic corns.

-Kat
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"You keep WHAT in your freezer?"
"Mice. And rats. If that bothers you, I can call them 'cows' instead."

The heated side has been getting up to 85-90. I know this needs to come down. I'm putting rags between the glass and the pad to waiting to see when I have enough down there to let a goodly amount of heat through (82-85). You don't think he needs the undertank heater on during the day? What about at night? I know he'll need it at SOME time. Thanks a bunch. Responses from anybody else are welcome.

85-90 is generally too hot for the cornsnake. 78-82 is just about right. If you're getting temps in a reasonable range, then I don't see a problem with your UTH. With a room temp of 78, I'm not sure you need it, though. If you're feeding large meals, it's more necessary than if you're feeding average size meals.

One question, though. Where are you measuring the temperature at? It needs to be down at snake level on the inside of the cage...

-Kat
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"You keep WHAT in your freezer?"
"Mice. And rats. If that bothers you, I can call them 'cows' instead."

I'm measuring right on top of the aspen. I'll try to lower the temps. Thanks a lot.