bulb wattage and insulation

[macgyver]

I had a problem with my tank heat getting low, so i got a higher watt bulb for daytime (150w) and a nighttime bulb(100w). Is 150w overkill? or is it a good size for a 20gallon long tank?

I also was wondering about insulating the tank, and what the best way to do it would be.

[python baller]

geez, i'd say that's way too much for just a small tank. i'm using a 100w night bulb for my 55gal tall tank and it's just right.

just follow this like i did. http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?t=56846

also, remember that the insulating of the sides doubles as making the snake feel more secure.

[starmom]

What are the room temps that the snake is in? How are you measuring the temps? How are you controlling the temps (t'stat? rheostat?) Do you have any belly heat?

As for insulating the tank- again, it depends on how cold your room is, but I use rigid insulating. Others use foam board. Just depends on external environmental factors....

[missi182]

I posted a thread about my insulation of choice. I have tryed several methods of insulation including cork board and thus far, I like this stuff the most. My 15 gallon went from ambient temps of approx 70 to 77 within hours of wrapping the tank in this stuff. My 42 gallon went from about 72 ambient to 75.

http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...ad.php?t=76552

[macgyver]

What are the room temps that the snake is in? How are you measuring the temps? How are you controlling the temps (t'stat? rheostat?) Do you have any belly heat?.

The room temps are dropping to the low 60's (starting to get cold here in Wisconsin) at night. I'm measuring the temps with a digital t'stat i got at the petstore, and I have an under tank heater that sticks to the bottom on the hot side of the tank.

The 150w bulb was OVERKILL. It got way to hot, but the 100w seems to be doing the trick. At night the overall temp on the hotside seems to be around 80-84 and on the cold side around 80-76. Even at night if the hot side is around 80 and has a basking temp of 90's is that too high?? I'm worried that during the REALLY cold nights (it's only November) during the winter it might get too cold.

[WickedBalls]

Put a dimmer on the light and you can adjust the higher watt bulb when the room temps fluctuate.

[starmom]

The room temps are dropping to the low 60's (starting to get cold here in Wisconsin) at night. I'm measuring the temps with a digital t'stat i got at the petstore, and I have an under tank heater that sticks to the bottom on the hot side of the tank.

The 150w bulb was OVERKILL. It got way to hot, but the 100w seems to be doing the trick. At night the overall temp on the hotside seems to be around 80-84 and on the cold side around 80-76. Even at night if the hot side is around 80 and has a basking temp of 90's is that too high?? I'm worried that during the REALLY cold nights (it's only November) during the winter it might get too cold.

Good temps on the hot side ought to be about 92-94F and I feel that 76F for the cool side is way too cool~ ought to be about 82F.