Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have an Argentinian milk snake who is about 3 or 4 years old. I have always lived in air-conditioned apartments, but due to losing my job (bc the pandemic), I have had to move to a small studio apartment with no AC. It's a second-story apartment, and because heat rises, it gets pretty hot -- especially during the day.
My snake's terrarium ends up being approximately 86*F on the cool side, and 122*F on the hot side. I'm using an under-tank heating pad. I'm worried he's going to get WAY too hot.

I use Zoo Med aspen bedding that he prefers to burrow into, as well as two hides on either side of the terrarium, and a smallish pyrex dish as a water bowl.

Is it better for me to just unplug his heat pad during the day and have an even temperature of about 86*F and then just plug it in at night? Is there a way to cool one side of the terrarium?

I have not checked this forum in too long.

Of course you remove the heat pad, what do you think? This post must be a troll, but I answer anyway.

To cool the cool side, put the cage on the floor, and put a piece of granite on the cage floor. They sell a granite slab for chinchillas and small animals (I think Kaytee is the brand but not sure). That helps alot. Granite stays cooler than the air.

Even an ice pack may be necessary on one side. If the snake isn't dead already. 122 deg, geez.