Hello all -

I've had my terrarium up and running now for about a week, gradually solving problems and issues, zeroing in on the ideal conditions. For those that have not read prior threads, there is no snake at present, this exercise is about getting "habitat operations" running like a well-oiled machine before we introduce the snake (which my wife has taken to calling, Danger Noodle). I have some stabilized conditions now and so I'd like to share them and make sure that we've achieved (nearly) the desired environment.

Temperatures - Daytime


  1. Ambient temperatures are between 79 - 81 degrees, I have the thermostat set at 82, and the hab will sometimes get there, but it generally tops out at 80. Structures are a little higher at 84 (logs and such).
  2. Surface temperatures (read with no substrate in the way) in the "Warm Zone" vary between 85 - 95 degrees, temp controlled by thermostat and checked with IR laser thermometer. Average is 90 degrees but inside warm hide surface gets to 94 - 95 degrees
  3. Cool side surface temp tends to be 73 - 74 degrees


Temperatures - Night time


  1. Ambient ROOM temperature drops to 63 degrees. This is unavoidable.
  2. Ambient habitat temperature drops to 71 - 72 degrees
  3. Surface temps remain consistent with day-time readings at 85 - 95 degrees
  4. Ambient temps inside the "warm" hide remain at 88 degrees


Humidity


  1. Average of 50%. All three sensors are in the bottom third of the habitat, left, middle and back. Highest reading is 65% with a low of 45% - it seems to vary considerably between hydrometers depending on placement. ROOM humidity is around 25% - its a nightmare this time of year, then add a wood stove to top it off. Attaining a 25-point differential is somewhat of an achievement, but I'd prefer to see this reading a consistent 60%, so we're still working on it.
  2. We have tired several solutions, and have more possibilities to try, but for right now, I'd say humidity is being maintained at 48 - 50%


So, that's what we have managed so far. Given the type of enclosure (Exoterra 36 X 18 x 24) its been a challenge. But we used various techniques, including space-age blankets and a quilted lid to get "into the zone" Still not 100% there, but I feel like its close.

On the subject of sizes - I wanted a female because they are larger (generally) and I seem to have gotten the idea that males food-strike more often. BUT...wondering if 36 X 18 will provide a female with enough space?

Thanks,
Allan.