Heating question

[Kiramay]

I just set up my tank and I think I'm going to need a second heat element.

I have a 15 gal long, glass. 3 sides and 3/4 of the top are covered in foam board (also 3 layers of tin foil on top). Newspaper on the bottom.

I have a Reptitherm UTH for 10-20 gal aquariums with a ReptiTemp 500R. There's an Accurite w/probe in the tank right now and I have a temp gun to check surface temps.

Ok. The ReptiTemp is up to the highest setting. The glass surface temp is 101. The temps on the newspaper is only 75 to 87 (91 under the hide, but it cools when I move the hide). 40% humidity.

Should I try a different substrate? A ceramic heater?

Thanks!

[JLC]

How much newspaper are you using? As few as two sheets of paper is plenty...and that should allow the glass temps to be much closer to the safe ideal temps.


If the cool side of the tank stays around 75, then you'll need some sort of supplemental heat...either a second heating pad with it's own temp controls....or a red/blue bulb or CHE above the tank.

[Kiramay]

I've reduced the newspaper from 6 layers to 2. It seems the surface temp is lower then the glass because the probe lifts it up.... the 500R probe does go between the glass and substrate, right?

[lord jackel]

I've reduced the newspaper from 6 layers to 2. It seems the surface temp is lower then the glass because the probe lifts it up.... the 500R probe does go between the glass and substrate, right?

The location of the probe is fine. But it shouldn't be lifting the paper up enough to lower the temp 20 degrees...something is off. Are you using the temp gun to measure the newspaper temp or the accurite? Where is the Accurite's probe placed?

[Kiramay]

Now I have the surface of basking side at 93, cool side at 77, ambient at 79, humidity at 45%. I think I'll stop at a petstore on the way home tonight and pick up a ceramic bulb to add a little more heat to the cool side.

I wish I had an outlet in the upstairs hallway-- its always warm up there!

[lord jackel]

Now I have the surface of basking side at 93, cool side at 77, ambient at 79, humidity at 45%. I think I'll stop at a petstore on the way home tonight and pick up a ceramic bulb to add a little more heat to the cool side.

I wish I had an outlet in the upstairs hallway-- its always warm up there!

You might just give it some time to settle in...you are soooo close (within a couple of degrees) to where you want to be I would worry a CHE would add too much heat (you will need another thermostat for sure to keep it in check)

[Kiramay]

The location of the probe is fine. But it shouldn't be lifting the paper up enough to lower the temp 20 degrees...something is off. Are you using the temp gun to measure the newspaper temp or the accurite? Where is the Accurite's probe placed?

I have the Accurite probe on the middle of the warm side, but I'm also checking all the temps with my Temp Gun.

[Kiramay]

You might just give it some time to settle in...you are soooo close (within a couple of degrees) to where you want to be I would worry a CHE would add too much heat (you will need another thermostat for sure to keep it in check)

Ok, I'll let it cook for another day or two. I get my BP on Saturday so I want everything ready by then.

[Kiramay]

UPDATE....

I've added a walgreens heating pad on a 500R on low under the cool and middle of the tank, and so far every thing looks good. I have the cool side at 84, warm side at 91 (glass is 94), ambient at 80, and humidity at 44%. Is all that ok?

Christine

[SatanicIntention]

No, because human heating pads are not meant to be left on 24/7. They are only a temporary fix and can cause electrical fires if left on for too long.

Flexwatt is a very inexpensive, permanent fix and it runs about $4 for a one foot piece of wired 11".

You will likely want to replace the thermostat as well, they are not very reliable and can often stick in the ON position, frying your snake and again, causing a fire. Or they can stick in the OFF position, and your snake is too cold and contracts a respiratory infection.

I would recommend going to www.reptilebasics.com and getting a Johnson Controls thermostat or a Ranco thermostat as well as some flexwatt(maybe $80). It is well worth the investment to keep your snake safe and healthy.