How to heat the cold side?

[Werdna12]

Some back story might be needed. I'm not really a newbie to snakes, in fact I had a membership here 4 years ago but I completely forgot my username. (Sorry for the innactive membership as a result) I built a snake rack and bred mice and eventually bred my snakes, as well. I successfully hatched 3 of 5 eggs. These were cornsnakes. I eventually had to rehome the snakes because of some personal variables. With that said, I am eager to get a pet snake. (not really to breed for many years)

Here is the dillemma:
My cornsnakes did not need high ambient or cold side temperature due to where I live and whatnot. I am interested in many species, however hognose have really caught my attention. They need a warmer cold side than what my house would naturally provide.


Bottom line: Because my experience with snakes has only been cornsnakes, I really don't know how to heat the cold side with out warming the entire room for only one snake. My idea is to get a second strip of heat tape and warm both sides of the tub that way. But would that cause a wierd colder transition stage between both sides? Or maybe I should get a wide strip and heat the majority of the tube to whatever the neccesary cold side temp is, then a second 4" strip that is the actual hot spot? Any ideas are appreciated. This snake will be my little companion through the next several years of college and Veterinary school. If there just isnt a way to heat the rack and not the room, then I will get a kingsnake or a cornsnake. Thank you!

P.S. I really did try to find a specific answer to this question, but maybe my search technique is lacking. Sorry that this has probably been answered a thousand times.

[Craiga 01453]

Welcome back.

Yes, this can easily be accomplished. No worries. However, I don't have experience with rack setups, so I'll let somebody else walk you through that.

I don't think you'll be disappointed with a hognose. I recently adopted one and am super stoked that he joined the family. He's an awesome little guy who had a slow start before coming to me but is now doing really well. They are super fun snakes with great personalities.

But, can't go wrong with a King either, my favorite snake ever is my Cali King, Django. He's just got such an awesome personality.
And, as you already know, corns are cool too.
My two cents would be go for the hognose, though.

Good luck and keep us posted!

[KMG]

If you're wanting to boost the ambient temps heat tape is not the solution. It does next to nothing for air temps.

It would probably be easier to suggest a solution if we knew the room temp, rack temp, hotspot temp, and the rack type (enclosed or open side).



You also don't sound like you're going to quarantine. Be prepared for that to pop up.

[Werdna12]

I don't have any snakes at the moment. No need to quarantine. The rack is open sided. The temp of the room is ~75. However that may change in the winter, it may be closer to 65-70. The hotspot for hognose I think should be 88-90? And the cool end low 80's. The rack at the moment is the same temp as the room, however I remember tubs holding some heat well. Thanks!