Problems with ambient temp

[Sparrow77743]

Hey so I be a ball python, who is doing very well, is eating, is shedding, and is pretty healthy, but iv run into an issue. It’s winter (obviously) and I have been having a LOT of issues keep the ambient temperature where it should be. I have a glass enclosure with a screen top, which is not ideal, but it’s what I’ve got, and I wanted to know if there was any way to make it easier to makntain. I’m currently usuing a UTH with a.thermostat, and occasionally a ceramic heater which mostly just sucks up all the humitidy. The ambient temp is usually at just barley 78 so I wanted to know if I could fix this. Anything helps.

[dakski]

Cover the screen top with tin foil (to keep heat and humidity in) and use the CHE all the time (with a thermostat of course - either a separate one, or upgrade to one that can control multiple devices). You will need to cut out a spot for the CHE in the tin foil and will probably need to mist regularly to keep humidity up.

When you mist, always do so with hot water (tap water - 110-130F or so - never warmed up on the stove or boiling, etc). This way, when misted and the small water drops/vapor hits the air and drops temp dramatically, it will go into the cage warm, but not cold like room temp water, or worse, cold water would do. Room temp water would drop temps quickly and dramatically. Cold tap water could be catastrophic.

Remember, a UTH only creates a warm spot, it does virtually nothing for air temps. CHE's, RHP's, etc. warm up the air as well create a warm spot beneath them.

In case it's not clear, you want the following temp ranges:

Hot spot: 88-90F

Ambient temps: 80-84F

Cool side: 78-80F

Good luck and keep us in the loop.

[Sparrow77743]

OK! I’ll try that tomorrow and try to give an update as soon as possible

[Dianne]

To help maintain heat, you can cover three sides of the cage with insulation (foamboard from a craft store or Wal-Mart, rigid insulation from a hardware store, even cardboard will help). This with the covered top Dakski mentioned should boost your temps in the tank and reduce heat loss through the glass.

[Sparrow77743]

To help maintain heat, you can cover three sides of the cage with insulation (foamboard from a craft store or Wal-Mart, rigid insulation from a hardware store, even cardboard will help). This with the covered top Dakski mentioned should boost your temps in the tank and reduce heat loss through the glass.

Does this go on the outside of the cage?

[Dianne]

Does this go on the outside of the cage?

Yes, this would be attached to the outside of the cage.

[Sparrow77743]

Hey so I be a ball python, who is doing very well, is eating, is shedding, and is pretty healthy, but iv run into an issue. It’s winter (obviously) and I have been having a LOT of issues keep the ambient temperature where it should be. I have a glass enclosure with a screen top, which is not ideal, but it’s what I’ve got, and I wanted to know if there was any way to make it easier to makntain. I’m currently usuing a UTH with a.thermostat, and occasionally a ceramic heater which mostly just sucks up all the humitidy. The ambient temp is usually at just barley 78 so I wanted to know if I could fix this. Anything helps.

Quick update; I have the foil On top with the ceramic heat emitter and the heating pad (both ok thermostats) and things are going great. The humidity is a little bit off, but that is slowly getting to where it needs to be (I just listed the cage), and the ambient temp is around 80

[bcr229]

Quick update; I have the foil On top with the ceramic heat emitter and the heating pad (both ok thermostats) and things are going great. The humidity is a little bit off, but that is slowly getting to where it needs to be (I just listed the cage), and the ambient temp is around 80

Good to hear.

If you have room for it adding a second water bowl helps create a humidity bump as well. Depending on the bowl design - for instance, if it has the finger holes to make it easier to pick up - it can pull double duty as a hide.