Where do I put the heating source lamp?

[NickP]

I have a glass cage(aquarium) and on the top it is covered by screen top. The problem is that when I put the heating lamp on it the screen heats up and I'm scared that it might melt.

Right now I don't know where else I can put the heating lamp.

Also do I keep the lamp on all night? I'm planning on getting a heat pad and better thermostats, but for now all I have is this heating lamp.

btw, here's my BP. I still don't have a name tho http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/7708/stretched2nh4.jpg

P.S. This picture shows how my lamp is, except there is nothing on the screen (tinfoil)

[NickP]

Also can you advise me in which one of these to get?

Substrates:
Coconut Husk Brick
Cypress Mulch
Bark
Aspen

[chz]

Use aspen or newspaper for your substrate. As for your light.. the screen won't melt, it'd take at least 1000w metal halide for that to even be a remote possibility. If it's a red light, you can leave it on all day/night.. and it appears to be. I don't use them though, so read up on it. Don't take my word for it.

I suggest reading up a bit more. Both of those questions are easily answered in the most basic of bp care guides.

[NickP]

Use aspen or newspaper for your substrate. As for your light.. the screen won't melt, it'd take at least 1000w metal halide for that to even be a remote possibility. If it's a red light, you can leave it on all day/night.. and it appears to be. I don't use them though, so read up on it. Don't take my word for it.

I suggest reading up a bit more. Both of those questions are easily answered in the most basic of bp care guides.

That's the thing. I've been researching this stuff for 4 hours now and everyone recommends something different, but there is nothing specific for my case.

Right now I only have 1 ambient lamp and that is the only heat source. Stupid petco had run out of the UTH heating pads. So I dont know whether to leave the light on for tonight until I can figure something else out.

[rottendj]

Hi,
i have been waiting for my exo terra heat glo clamp lamp to arrive from the states, it arrived today and realised that they have different plugs, voltage and amperage rating, i completely forgot! what an idiot
anyway i went and got a zoo med one instead and am using it with a dimming thermostat.

like chz said its very unlikely it will do any melting (unless it malfunctions) and as long as the temps arent too hot for the snake it should be fine.
the exo terra website says that the reddish light will not disrupt normal activity during night or day, which makes it an excellent 24 hours heat source.

I use T-REX coco husk chunks (cubes) its not bitty, doesnt get stuck to the food and looks good too.
btw nice royal
hope this helps a bit

[Ringo]

As far as the substrate goes I use cypress mulch. I had been using aspen but I like the darker appearance of the cypress mulch. I think it gives a more natural look. Aspen looks too much like hay lol. Cypress mulch holds humidity much better which is another reason why I use it in my 30 gallon glass aquarium. Keeps my humidity right at 50% with the occasional misting. You really cant go wrong with both aspen and cypress mulch and if you really want cleaning to be easy then just go with newspaper.

[kc261]

That's the thing. I've been researching this stuff for 4 hours now and everyone recommends something different, but there is nothing specific for my case.

Yeah, there are lots of places that have different advice. Some of it is outdated or just plain bad advice, some of it is just because there is more than one acceptable way of doing things. It takes a while before you can begin to recognize which is which.

4 hours of research is really not much for taking on the new responsibility of another living thing. I researched for about a month before I brought my new BP home, and I still ended up feeling like there were a few things I wasn't quite prepared for.

You are doing good to come here and ask questions. This is an excellent site with lots of very knowledgeable and helpful people! You'll learn tons if you read the caresheet, FAQs and stickies on this site. Then just start reading all the posts under BP General and BP Husbandry, and feel free to post as often as you want with your own questions.

For starters, definitely keep the lamp on all night (even if it is white) if you have no other heat source. I see you have at least one hide in there, so your BP can just hide and going 1 day with a wierd light cycle will be better than getting too chilled I'd think. But go get either a red or blue bulb and/or a UTH ASAP! Drive a little further to a different pet store if you have to.

Any of those substrates you mentioned are ok. Or just use newspaper or paper towels. Worry about getting your temps and humidity right first.

[NickP]

Thanks everyone for the replies! VERY appreciated!

Quick question: Right now i have humidity at 55% and temp at 87ish F in the air. I still don't have any other heat source other than a lamp and I did a quick test on turning it off and boom temp dropped to 70 so I quickly turned it on. My question is, are 55 and 87 okay for now until i can figure out what to order online (the under tank heating pads, and better thermometers) Right now I only have a stick on one.

Also, I'll take your advice and worry about the temp/humidity for now. Here's another question. I'm pretty sure I wanna get 2 UTHs. What else do I need. How do I regulate the heat between the two sides (the warmer and cooler) How do the thermostat thingies work? I can't seem to figure out. I read that thermostats can help you adjust the heat, but do I have to buy the heaters, thermostats and the digital temp display thingies all seperate and put them together?

Also what do you guys think about the reptile deN?: http://www.exo-terra.com/en/products/reptile_den.php

[bjfoste1]

As far as the substrate goes I use cypress mulch. I had been using aspen but I like the darker appearance of the cypress mulch. I think it gives a more natural look. Aspen looks too much like hay lol. Cypress mulch holds humidity much better which is another reason why I use it in my 30 gallon glass aquarium. Keeps my humidity right at 50% with the occasional misting. You really cant go wrong with both aspen and cypress mulch and if you really want cleaning to be easy then just go with newspaper.

cypress will poison your snake

[bigballs]

cypress will poison your snake

says who?