Heating tank

[jgauger]

Ok, prob a misleading title but I couldn't really think of a better one. I have a 20L with a UTH on one side. Temps and Humidity are perfect, when I leave the light off. Is that ok...to have no light in the tank all day? When I leave the light on the ambient temp climbs to about 90 in no time and the humidity dissapears. I have a clear light for daytime and an blue/purple night light. Either one of them causes the heat to skyrocket. I guess I'm just not sure if light is required durring the day. I leave the shades on the window drawn to let some light into the room, but the tank is quite dark. Also, I have two identical hides on opposite sides with the same orientations...but he stays on the cool side, I'm afraid he's not thermoregulating. Any suggestions?

[gmcclurelssu]

i would say that if your temps and humidity are good with out the extra light, then don't use it. they don't really need anything more than ambient natural light anyway. if you still want a day/night cycle, perhaps switch to a florescent bulb which produces far less heat.

[xdeus]

A bright light is not necessary for Balls. Most people use it in a tank setup as a heat source, but ambient light in a room is all they need. If you can move around the room without turning on a light, that should be sufficient.

As far as wondering if your snake is thermoregulating... that's actually a common concern with first time owners. I'm sure he uses his warm hide when he needs to (such as during a shed cycle or after eating), however you might want to take the temp in the hide. Quite often people will take the temp on the warm side outside of the hide, but inside the hide can often get much warmer.

[Ray_in_Texas]

I was having simular issues-mainly humidity- I started using a 25w red "party" bulb plugged in to dimmer cord for viewing light(I leave it on all the time). I also have a UTH under hot side. Now my ambient/coolside temps stay in low 80s and humidity in upper 50s and I have nice red light to view by.

[jgauger]

As far as wondering if your snake is thermoregulating... that's actually a common concern with first time owners. I'm sure he uses his warm hide when he needs to (such as during a shed cycle or after eating), however you might want to take the temp in the hide. Quite often people will take the temp on the warm side outside of the hide, but inside the hide can often get much warmer.

I have a digital thermometer w/ probe inside the hide. It stays about 92-95. This is exactly why I'm concerned. He ate on Sat. and was blue on sundayn with cloudy eyes and all, but remains in the cool hide, which stays about 80-84. If he was going to use his warm hide, wouln't it be now? Any thoughts are much appreciated.

[Argentra]

They use both hides...you just don't see it.

All snakes have a preferred hide that they spend more time in, but they all use both. Most like to make the switch quickly at night, so you aren't seeing them move.
Don't worry, as long as your cool side isn't below 78 or something like that there shouldn't be a problem.