Heat Concern

[bkimura]

Hi Everyone,
We just brought home our BP this afternoon and he's doing great. I have some concerns however about his setup. I'm using a UTH in a 20G long with about 1-2" of coconut fibers as a substrate. Initially I had placed some repticarpet between the glass and the substrate, but I've since removed it figuring I could run the UTH lower without the extra carpet layer. I presently don't have a rheostat / thermostat installed, but the temps at the surface level seem pretty decent. (85-95 depending up where I measure) Now my concern, if the snake was to burrown down 1-2" to the glass level, which I would imagine he'll do, the temperature is extremely hot! I'm certain it could burn him. What's the best way to deal with this dilema? Should I add the repticarpet back in under the substrate as a layer of protection? Should I not worry if I'm getting decent surface temps and assume that the snake will know better than to burrow down to the glass? BTW, I'm measuring the temps at random spots within the hide section using an infrared heat gun. Thanks in advance for your help.

- Bill

[A.VinczeBPs]

Best thing to do is get a thermostat, and set it to 89-93. Then change the thickness of the substrate until you get a nice regulated temperature on top of the substrate and on the glass.

Hope that helps.

[bkimura]

That makes sense. I'm assuming I'd put the thermostat probe directly on the UTH under the tank. I can't imagine I'd end up with that much substrate when all said and done however. (1/2" or so?) Thanks.

- Bill

Best thing to do is get a thermostat, and set it to 89-93. Then change the thickness of the substrate until you get a nice regulated temperature on top of the substrate and on the glass.

Hope that helps.

[BuckeyeBalls]

yes put the tstat probe on the uth OUTSIDE the tank/tub so the snake cannot mess with it

[Kaorte]

Yeah, once you get the thermostat you will only need a thin layer of substrate