New Adult Normal - Problems w/ Ambient Temp in a Cold Climate

We just received our first ball, a 3034g normal female. We have her in an acrylic 45 x 18 x 18 in tank (~60gal) with a solid lid (many air holes throughout). We live in Seattle which normally has high relative humidity and low temps. We heat our house to between 65-70F. The tank is outfitted with two large Fluker's UTH's running at 87-92F on a Hydrofarm On/Off and a 100watt ceramic bulb over a mesh-covered hole in the the lid over the hot spot. Here's the problem/running temps:

Cold Side: Ambient = 72F
Warm Side: Ambient = 75F, Tank Floor = 91F
Humidity: 50%

I am pretty concerned about the ambient temps and need some advice on raising them. I've brainstormed (1) Higher Watt ceramic, (2) Insulating foam panel on back walls, (3) Second ceramic bulb (really hate the red ones), (4) Heat tape.

Any thoughts or other ideas?

1 and 2 are good options.
Another would be using a space heater to heat up that room.

I was thinking space heater.

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Originally Posted by Crazymonkee

I was thinking space heater.

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We're really trying to avoid that, if possible. Super expensive to run a space heater 24/7.

I've been running a space heater on mine. Granted I'm not in a cold climate my apartment insulation just sucks

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Look into Radiant Heat Panels. Reptile Basics sells them.

If they are that low you may need the space heater... I fully understand the cost but a reptile vet and meds for an RI are not cheap either

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I agree I have a space heater in mine . Get one with a temp control.

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Originally Posted by Tannerrrtx

I've been running a space heater on mine. Granted I'm not in a cold climate my apartment insulation just sucks

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Have you noticed what the electricity cost change was?

Couple bucks. To heat that one room. I really didn't notice much at all.

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Do you have a picture of your setup? What is the top made out of? If the holes are only for humidity, tape them up. You don't need them and the che should dry up the cage fairly quickly. People tend to add vent holes in cages and it allows for too much heat to escape and they are usually unnecessary. Post a pic it'll be easier to diagnose. I have multiple custom cages 4x2x2 and heat all of them with a 100 watt che's. So it should give you enough

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Originally Posted by scooter11

Do you have a picture of your setup? What is the top made out of? If the holes are only for humidity, tape them up. You don't need them and the che should dry up the cage fairly quickly. People tend to add vent holes in cages and it allows for too much heat to escape and they are usually unnecessary. Post a pic it'll be easier to diagnose. I have multiple custom cages 4x2x2 and heat all of them with a 100 watt che's. So it should give you enough

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Top is made of acrylic.

http://i.imgur.com/QIcKOyu.jpg

I would first try maybe a 150 watt che. If that doesn't work, space heater or rhp
Do you put the bulb directly on the mesh (or whatever material it is)?

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Originally Posted by Crazymonkee

I would first try maybe a 150 watt che. If that doesn't work, space heater or rhp
Do you put the bulb directly on the mesh (or whatever material it is)?

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The mesh is aluminum. I ordered a 150W CHE this morning and will be replacing the 100W. We covered up the whole top with Styrofoam and the temps rose about +3F just from that. The CHE is sitting about 1/2" above the mesh on Styrofoam spacers. I'd sit it right on there but my curious girl keeps poking her nose at it in a wild attempt to flee; don't want burns. I'm going to see how that temps do with the 150 and then maybe consider a space heater.

Thanks for all the help!

Great hope it works out!! Let us know :)

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Crazymonkee

Great hope it works out!! Let us know :)

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X2

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