Changes/UTC

When I got slinky as a baby, I got him 2 of those little plastic hides that Im pretty sure everyone has seen. Well, now that he's getting bigger, its time to get another. He's sticking out of the sides lol.

My question: I have seen some cages with only 1 large hide. Since he is not really a baby anymore, is it ok to just get 1 bigger hide and take the other out, or should I buy 2 big ones? Just wondering about how its going to fit. I have a 20L aquarium. Right now it has 2 black hides, and 2 cool whip containers for water.

UTC: I checked my UTC the other day to see that it had shorted out. This worries me greatly!!! Could this have caused a fire??? Im kind of scared to replace it now. Temps are still in the 80s b/c of the lamp and the fact that its summer, but winter is coming. Any advice on this would be great!

bump? anyone?

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Originally Posted by Whittney32

When I got slinky as a baby, I got him 2 of those little plastic hides that Im pretty sure everyone has seen. Well, now that he's getting bigger, its time to get another. He's sticking out of the sides lol.

My question: I have seen some cages with only 1 large hide. Since he is not really a baby anymore, is it ok to just get 1 bigger hide and take the other out, or should I buy 2 big ones? Just wondering about how its going to fit. I have a 20L aquarium. Right now it has 2 black hides, and 2 cool whip containers for water.

UTC: I checked my UTC the other day to see that it had shorted out. This worries me greatly!!! Could this have caused a fire??? Im kind of scared to replace it now. Temps are still in the 80s b/c of the lamp and the fact that its summer, but winter is coming. Any advice on this would be great!

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I use the black plastic hides and I only use one in my Ball pythons tubs they just push it around to were they want to be. I have never seen the need for two hides just make sure it is lite and can be moved easily and you should be cool. That is my 2 cents

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Whittney32

When I got slinky as a baby, I got him 2 of those little plastic hides that Im pretty sure everyone has seen. Well, now that he's getting bigger, its time to get another. He's sticking out of the sides lol.

My question: I have seen some cages with only 1 large hide. Since he is not really a baby anymore, is it ok to just get 1 bigger hide and take the other out, or should I buy 2 big ones? Just wondering about how its going to fit. I have a 20L aquarium. Right now it has 2 black hides, and 2 cool whip containers for water.

UTC: I checked my UTC the other day to see that it had shorted out. This worries me greatly!!! Could this have caused a fire??? Im kind of scared to replace it now. Temps are still in the 80s b/c of the lamp and the fact that its summer, but winter is coming. Any advice on this would be great!

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Maybe I am just dense, but what is a UTC? Did you mean UTH? Why would you be afraid to replace it? If you buy a new UTH (assuming that is what you are talking about) plug it into a thermostat and before plugging the thermostat into the wall you can put a short-safe guard such as a power bar. You do need to get a warmer temperature going on one side as 80 degrees is not good for an extended period.

As for the hides, I will always use two. My bp uses both quite frequently and I know if I took one out he wouldn't just hang out on the cool side uncovered if he was too hot. People that have tubs tend to use one hide, but tubs are much more snug and secure. Maybe you should be considering getting a bigger enclosure.

Fix the heat first. Your UTH needs to be plugged into a thermostat so you can control it, and it doesn't short out.

I cover half of the 20 long with thin insulating board so that half the tank is dark, then just use one hide in the other end.

Sorry everyone! I did mean UTH!!

And.. it was plugged into thermostat when it shorted out.. which is why I was worried. Im now scared to death that Im going to burn my BF's house down with a reptile heater!

Half of the tank is covered by a black towel at all times, except for when he is out, should that do? Im sure I can just take out one of the water bowls since he technically doesnt need it to put two bigger hides in. I dont necessarily think I need something bigger than a 20L just yet..