Update on my Temp Problems...

[rc1988]

Hows it going guys? Incase you didnt know i finally broke down and bought my first snake, a ball python baby named "Lucy." Anyway i did alot of research before i bought her to make sure i had everything set up properly.

My set up was a 20 gallon long with a UTH and a 60 watt day bulb... I was getting readings of 82 degrees on the basking side and 75 on the opposite side by the water...I am aware that those temps were a little low!!

Yesterday i went to petco and i bought a 100 watt day light and now i think i am getting more appropriate temps. On the basking side it reads right around 90 degrees and on the cool side of the tank its around 80ish? Is that about right or am i way off? I really appreciate the help alot! you guys are great!....2 more little questions.....


Around the basking side it says there is 0 humidity and on the cool side by the water dish it says 50 percent? Is this good or bad news?....

Also today in her cage i saw matter that looked like a little white egg with yellow stuff arond it? i was told this was urine and feces? THANKS FOR ALL THE HELP AGAIN YOU GUYS ARE WONDERFUL!!!.....Ricky

[rc1988]

Oh and sorry one more thing...When i turn on the overhead light at night, the basking side of her tank reads around 77 degrees? Is the cooler side by the water too cold? Sorry for me being so anal! i just want to make sure everything is right for her! Thanks!

[starmom]

Hi Ricky! Congrats on getting little Lucy!! She's a looker for sure!!
What you saw in her tank was urine and urates (solid urine). You'll know the poo when you see it- poo is always brown!!
You need to try to get your basking spot temps stable and steady. Do you have your UTH controlled by a thermostat? Hot spot ought to be about 90-92F and the cool side ought to be about 82-85F. The air (ambient) temps should be about 80-85F.
I am worried about the humidity! It ought to be at 50-60% throughout the tank. I think your light is burning up your humidity!! There are lots of ways that other members deal with this: seal off a portion of your tank lid; place a damp towel across your lid (that you wash at least once a week); get a mister..... I'm certain that other members will chime in about what works for them!
This is a great start and I'm so glad that you're asking questions and checking your methods!
EDIT> Ooops, I forgot to mention that basking temps at 77F are way too low!!! You need to keep them up at 90-92F. Hmmm, I don't think you have a t;stat.... how are you controlling the heat on your UTH?

[Syka]

I had a huge problem with humidity in my tank too...due to stupid electrical heat in my apartment :S. With suggestions from the great people on this site I have found out what works for me. So here it goes....
I placed a few layers of of tin foil covering the top of the cage, keeping an opening for my heat lamp.
I also have to spray the cage every morning and every night.
I also use repti bark with this coconut stuff (can't remember the 'real' name of it), but I find the mixture really helps with moisture... especially when i spray it down it helps to keep the humidity up.

These are just suggestions that other people have given me...and they work for my situation....

Hope you find something that helps