Room temps vary widely, any way to keep temps consistent in tank?

Here's how the tank usually looks

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...3124/cage2.jpg

Here's what's in it

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...3124/cage1.jpg

Left side is the warm side with a UTH - temps around 91
Right side is cool side (and the side she almost always stays in) - i try to keep the temp around 82, but they vary a lot.

I live in Lubbock, TX where the temps have a pretty wide range, and can change pretty quickly.
I only have air units in my apartment, so I can't really control the temps inside. I try to keep it on the warm side, but the window units seem to have a mind of their own.

Often times I'll check the temps before bed and they will be 82, check again in the mornings and they are 78.
Or if i go to work and they are 82, come home and its up to 87.
(these temps are from cool side, warm side is pretty consistent)




What kind of options do I have?
Is there a UTH that has multiple heat settings? The only ones I've seen in stores around here just have the default one, and that would be too hot.

Switch to a tub, maybe???

You can get a thermostat for the UTH, which is usualy the best thing to do anyway because yea, they do get WAAAY too hot!!

whats the most popular brand?

Get some black foam board, cut it precisely and cover both short sides, the back side, and top. For the top cut out a square so that you can put the lamp. That's what I've done and my temps are very constant. Before that they used to fluctuate. Also make sure you put something heavy on the top one since they will bend slightly from the heat (i believe)

By covering up the sides by the black foam board, your snake will also feel much more secure.

Use the "Glass tank setup" guide. It's a sticky on this forum in particular.

i hadn't really thought too much about it before, but no matter how warm my room is, the glass of her cage is always freezing.
so i could definitely see the foam helping.
thanks for the advice hammerhead

thats why i hate glass tanks.....tubs are good, Racks with thermostats are best (just my opinion) but tanks......ugh, i hate tanks.

I never have to worry about my rack....my Helix does that for me !

maybe try looking into a different enclousure ?

Reptile basic's has a good selection

www.reptilebasics.com

I agree, change the environment and get a hold of Rich at reptile basics. He'll set you up and you won't have to hassle. Also, a t'stat is needed whichever way you go. I have a Helix and can speak to the quality of it.

nm, found it - and thanks for the reptilebasics link, lots of good stuff over there.