Hello again! First, I checked my temps and the side of the tank is 80 F so I would assume that under his cave where the tank heater is no more than mid to high 80's at the hottest. As far as being hungry, that is a what I figured but I'm having trouble getting him to take his rat. My store said he had been eating them already instead of mice but he won't eat. He will strike and take the rat right out of my tongs but that is it. My best idea is time will be the biggest factor. How do you feel about hooks? I appreciate your help and any futher input as well.