Yet another heat post

[kismetjeska]

My bp was doing fine at home, but I've moved to uni and he's struggling. I think it's likely because my room here is much colder- at home I always had a radiator/the fire on, but here my housemates (understandably) don't want the heating on that often. One of my windows is also pretty drafty- it doesn't shut properly, and hopefully a repairman will be able to help with that soon.

I'm getting 86F in the hot spot and 82 in his colder end. I use a red heat bulb, encased in a cage so my bp can't burn himself (really sorry, I don't know much more information than that), and a 7W heat mat attached to the outside of the glass. The bulb is controlled by a thermostat but it doesn't seem to be working- I've got it set to about 91F (the highest it goes) and yet the viv never reaches that. I'm taking temps with a temperature gun that seems to be fairly accurate.

The vivarium is wood (my boyfriend thinks it's likely plywood) with a glass front. I'm not sure if UHT would work effectively considering the bottom is wooden.

What do I do???? I moved in two weeks ago and in that time he's fed once and completed a shed, but I'm pretty sure the temps are affecting him- he never seems to leave his hide anymore, whereas he used to be fairly active.

Help is really appreciated,
Jess xx

[PitOnTheProwl]

Those temperatures are not bad but as the weather cools they will probably get worse.
Higher watage bulb or CHE should raise your temps

[Tsanford]

If its a wooden viv, then a radiant heat panel would work.

[SRMD]

I use a wooden viv, with a Ceramic Heat Emitter. Like Pit said get a higher wattage bulb.

There is no need for a heat mat with a wooden viv.

My room is cold, I measure temps via.. Temp Gun and Digital Thermometer..

I get the hot spot so that it is 90F on my thermometer.. which usually means its about 91/92 on my temp gun.

I struggled when first setting up my wooden viv, as it was hard to maintain temps.. just keep trying and adjust things till you have it how you need it.

[kismetjeska]

Thanks guys, I really appreciate it. Turns out his bulb is 60W, so I've ordered a 100W CHE. I'll keep you updated!