Is My Ball Python OK?

Hello all, new user, first post

I have a 1.5 Year old Ball Python, she is a little over 3 feet,
I put her in a 30 gallon aqua/terrarium, (30inch x 12inch) set up as follows;

-LEFT SIDE - Ceramic Hide with 8 Watt Under Tank Heater below it (85-90 degrees inside hide, 75-82 degrees above hide)
-RIGHT SIDE -Dark Red Heat Lamp (82-88 degrees)
-RIGHT SIDE - Water Bowl (Big enough for snake to fit itself into)

The RIGHT SIDE has a big branch above it so the area on the ground is not directly hit by the Red Light, but attains warmth.

Anyways, as of late, the snake has been leaving the hide and prowling around the tank constantly, sometimes it will lay in the water bowl for an hour or so, which led med to believe it was too hot. However, i checked the thermometers inside the tank and they say the ground level is at a constant "82-88" on the RIGHT SIDE and "75-82" on the LEFT SIDE above the hide. "85-90" Inside the hide.

Why is he always prowling around? and why does he sometimes stay in his water bowl for over an hour, i'm afraid he will get too cold because the ambient temperature does not seem THAT hot when I stick my hand in the cage

He also tries every once in a little while to push up on the tank screen, maybe trying to get out?

Halp!:snake:

Have you checked for mites? Look in the water bowl for little black specks. It will look like pepper in the water. They will soak a lot if they have mites.
UTH temp needs to be around 88. The ambient temp on that side should be around 82. If I am reading this correctly your right side (cool side?) is too warm. Drop it down to 75.
It's either going to be mites or your snake can't get her body temp regulated.
What is your humidity like?

Humidity is at a constant 50-60%, The Cool side (Right Side) has a shaded area and a non-shaded area. Shaded area reads 78-82 and the Non-shaded reads 83-87. However, above the hide on the LEFT Side is a cool area as well, around 75-78 degrees.

I have not noticed any mites on her, and she does not soak often, but when she DOES soak, its for a while.

I'm worried that if i leave the light off, the tank's ambient temperature will decrease to 70-72, leaving only the UTH in the hide for warmth. If my ball python decides to go swimming again in 70-72 degree air i'm worried it will get an RI.

Here is a picture I made (A+ for effort ;)) of my tank,

I am still unsure of why my ball python keeps trying to escape from the tank and prowling around/moving around for long durations

Maybe she is healthy and I'm just being paranoid?

http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/...ps61ca5ec3.png

Hello all, new user, first post

I have a 1.5 Year old Ball Python, She is a little over 3 feet.
I put her in a 30 gallon aqua/terrarium, (30inch x 12inch) set up as follows;
http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/...ps61ca5ec3.png

Temperatures Shown Vary Depending on time of day.
Anyways, as of late, the snake has been leaving the hide and prowling around the tank constantly, Why is she always prowling around?

She also tries every once in a little while to push up on the tank screen, maybe trying to get out?

Humidity is at a constant 50-60%, The Cool side (Right Side) has a shaded area and a non-shaded area.

I have not noticed any mites on her, and she does not soak often, but when she DOES soak, its for a while.

I'm worried that if I leave the light off, the tank's ambient temperature will decrease to 70-72, leaving only the UTH in the hide for warmth. If my ball python decides to go swimming again in 70-72 degree air i'm worried it will get an RI.

What should I do? Is she healthy and I'm just being paranoid?

I would incorporate a cooler hide somewhere in there. All I see is the warm hide.

Rob

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Originally Posted by wideglide

I would incorporate a cooler hide somewhere in there. All I see is the warm hide.

Rob

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I will try that and see if it changes her behavior, thanks

Is it possible that she's hungry? What are you feeding her and how often? Have you changed what you're feeding her recently?

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Originally Posted by bumblebee1028

Is it possible that she's hungry? What are you feeding her and how often? Have you changed what you're feeding her recently?

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She has just recently (last week) finished Fasting from breeding season, she started by eating 2 Large Mice, then she ate a 3rd-Mice a couple days later. I plan on switching her to Medium Rats next time I feed her. She did shed last week before she ate, and the skin came off like a glove!:)

It may be possible that the lack of a cool hide is to blame, or maybe the hot hide is TOO hot? Its an 8 Watt UTH and when I press on the ground above, its lukewarm.

The two reasons that immediately come to mind for a snake roaming the tank are if it's too warm, or if the snake is hungry. I haven't had to deal with a ball python fasting and then deciding to eat again, so I think that she could just still be hungry, but hopefully someone with more experience will chime in.

I would definitely add a cool hide (or even some fake plants/foliage), and see if that helps her feel more secure. What are you using to measure the temps? And do you have a thermostat regulating the UTH? Your picture shows that the maximum temp on the branch is 95, which is a little high (you want to try to stay 94F or below), but based on the temps showing for the rest of the tank, I wouldn't think that she's moving a lot because of that. I would measure the temperature on the bottom of the tank right above the UTH and see exactly what you get. If it's 85-90 (if I'm reading your diagram correctly), then that's not too hot.

Hope that helps!

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Originally Posted by bumblebee1028

The two reasons that immediately come to mind for a snake roaming the tank are if it's too warm, or if the snake is hungry. I haven't had to deal with a ball python fasting and then deciding to eat again, so I think that she could just still be hungry, but hopefully someone with more experience will chime in.

I would definitely add a cool hide (or even some fake plants/foliage), and see if that helps her feel more secure. What are you using to measure the temps? And do you have a thermostat regulating the UTH? Your picture shows that the maximum temp on the branch is 95, which is a little high (you want to try to stay 94F or below), but based on the temps showing for the rest of the tank, I wouldn't think that she's moving a lot because of that. I would measure the temperature on the bottom of the tank right above the UTH and see exactly what you get. If it's 85-90 (if I'm reading your diagram correctly), then that's not too hot.

Hope that helps!

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I have been using two analog thermometers and rotating them throughout the cage to get different averages. However, I am buying a Temp gun as we speak so I will know for sure. I will also add a cool hide and Post updates later today if behavior changes!

Thanks!

Yeah, a temp gun should be a lot more accurate than an analog thermometer (and temp guns are useful for other stuff, too). I hope that a cool hide helps!

And you're welcome! :)

Do you have a thermostat?

Welcome to the forum. First of all, what are you using to measure your temperature in the terrarium? Secondly, what are you using to control your UTH?

If the temp is 73 anywhere in your tank, that's too low for a Ball Python. This might be the reason why he's going out of his hide to warm up.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk

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Originally Posted by Mr. Misha

Welcome to the forum. First of all, what are you using to measure your temperature in the terrarium? Secondly, what are you using to control your UTH?

If the temp is 73 anywhere in your tank, that's too low for a Ball Python. This might be the reason why he's going out of his hide to warm up.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk

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I normally Use 2 analog Temp/Humidity meters, one on each side of the cage, they both read 50-60% humidity, but the cage temperatures vary as shown in my diagram ^

Buying a temp gun

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Originally Posted by dr del

Do you have a thermostat?

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I normally Use 2 analog Temp/Humidity meters, one on each side of the cage, they both read 50-60% humidity, but the cage temperatures vary as shown in my diagram ^

Buying a temp gun

I wouldnt trust those analog gauges at all. I highly recommend getting an Acurite digital gauge which also has a humidity gauge. http://mobile.walmart.com/ip/Acu-Rit...mometer/896347

Also, if your UTH isnt already controlled by a thermostat, that's a must. If you want to go a cheaper side of thermostats, you can always get a Hydrofarm thermostat or go with something better like a Herpstat. Without anything controlling your UTH, your snake can get easily burned.

Like I said before, if the temps gets as low as 73 in any part of the tank, that's way too low. It should be a minimum of 77. Here's a good thread in how to set up a glass terrarium: http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?t=201740

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A thermostat is not a thermometer. Are you regulating the UTH with a thermostat? If not the UTH can get hot enough to burn your snake.

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Originally Posted by bcr229

A thermostat is not a thermometer. Are you regulating the UTH with a thermostat? If not the UTH can get hot enough to burn your snake.

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The UTH is unregulated but it is 8 Watts and runs at 85-88 degrees surface temperature. I placed it under a card-board sheet in the hide where my snake lays, so it gives the hide a gentle warmth. He does not seem to mind it at all!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mr. Misha

I wouldnt trust those analog gauges at all. I highly recommend getting an Acurite digital gauge which also has a humidity gauge. http://mobile.walmart.com/ip/Acu-Rit...mometer/896347

Also, if your UTH isnt already controlled by a thermostat, that's a must. If you want to go a cheaper side of thermostats, you can always get a Hydrofarm thermostat or go with something better like a Herpstat. Without anything controlling your UTH, your snake can get easily burned.

Like I said before, if the temps gets as low as 73 in any part of the tank, that's way too low. It should be a minimum of 77. Here's a good thread in how to set up a glass terrarium: http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?t=201740

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk

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I think lowering the bulb from 100-watt to 75-watt will fix everything. I changed the setup to the following:

http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/...psaec17657.jpg

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Originally Posted by bumblebee1028

The two reasons that immediately come to mind for a snake roaming the tank are if it's too warm, or if the snake is hungry. I haven't had to deal with a ball python fasting and then deciding to eat again, so I think that she could just still be hungry, but hopefully someone with more experience will chime in.

I would definitely add a cool hide (or even some fake plants/foliage), and see if that helps her feel more secure. What are you using to measure the temps? And do you have a thermostat regulating the UTH? Your picture shows that the maximum temp on the branch is 95, which is a little high (you want to try to stay 94F or below), but based on the temps showing for the rest of the tank, I wouldn't think that she's moving a lot because of that. I would measure the temperature on the bottom of the tank right above the UTH and see exactly what you get. If it's 85-90 (if I'm reading your diagram correctly), then that's not too hot.

Hope that helps!

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I made some changes to the tank, and I think switching the 100-watt to a 75-watt will even the ambient temp to a good 80-85 degrees

http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/...psaec17657.jpg

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Originally Posted by Wuattaguan

The UTH is unregulated but it is 8 Watts and runs at 85-88 degrees surface temperature. I placed it under a card-board sheet in the hide where my snake lays, so it gives the hide a gentle warmth. He does not seem to mind it at all!

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I'm confused... your UTH is in the tank, not attached to the glass underneath it?

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Originally Posted by Wuattaguan

I normally Use 2 analog Temp/Humidity meters, one on each side of the cage, they both read 50-60% humidity, but the cage temperatures vary as shown in my diagram ^

Buying a temp gun

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A thermometer is NOT a thermoSTAT. A thermoSTAT controls the heat of the UTH. Think of it like your own home; if you turned on the heat with no thermostat, it would get hotter and hotter until you melted your face off. Now imagine you have to live in there, and your body doesn't let you sweat or control your inside temperatures, but rather it is the exact same as your surroundings.

That is your ball python. Mind you I went a little extreme there, but just to make a point.
You NEED a thermostat to control the UTH. You also should have a probed thermometer stuck to the bottom of the inside of the vive directly over top where the UTH is (UTH on the outside of course) to get an exact measurement of the hottest spot in which your snake can reach.

I can't stress this enough. Search "burnt ball python" on this forum or Google to see what can happen if you don't use a thermostat. Snakes don't always move when it is too hot.

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Originally Posted by NH93

A thermometer is NOT a thermoSTAT. A thermoSTAT controls the heat of the UTH. Think of it like your own home; if you turned on the heat with no thermostat, it would get hotter and hotter until you melted your face off. Now imagine you have to live in there, and your body doesn't let you sweat or control your inside temperatures, but rather it is the exact same as your surroundings.

That is your ball python. Mind you I went a little extreme there, but just to make a point.
You NEED a thermostat to control the UTH. You also should have a probed thermometer stuck to the bottom of the inside of the vive directly over top where the UTH is (UTH on the outside of course) to get an exact measurement of the hottest spot in which your snake can reach.

I can't stress this enough. Search "burnt ball python" on this forum or Google to see what can happen if you don't use a thermostat. Snakes don't always move when it is too hot.

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I understand, I wasn't really paying attention to the word choice. No i do NOT have a thermostat for my UTH. However, I have tested the temperature after 2 days of the heat mat being on, and it does not ever go over 90 degrees surface temperature.

I placed the UTH Inside the Tank, underneath the Box hide, and the mat does warm up the cardboard to a nice 85 degrees Constant. This is without a thermostat. I do not see the heat increasing past this point

What kind of UTH do you have? Some are designed to go inside the tank, but most are not - they're not waterproof in case the snake urinates on them.

Also many have adhesive or glue on them which could be harmful to your snake I would move the uth(UNDER TANK HEATER) to the under side of the tank and look into a thermostat even a cheaper hydro farm thermostat would work

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk

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Originally Posted by bcr229

What kind of UTH do you have? Some are designed to go inside the tank, but most are not - they're not waterproof in case the snake urinates on them.

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The only one I know that goes inside is an Intellitemp heat mat made by Big Apple Herp. They are designed not to get too hot; however they will tell you to put a TSTAT on it! They are waterproof. I just bought one and I love it!!

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Originally Posted by bcr229

What kind of UTH do you have? Some are designed to go inside the tank, but most are not - they're not waterproof in case the snake urinates on them.

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I use an 8 Watt ReptiTherm UTH from Petsmart. The glue on the underside is gone.

I keep the UTH under half an inch of Aspen bedding and then a cardboard mat above that. The surface temperature of the snake's lay is around 90-95 degrees. He does not feel too hot to the touch and his scales are not turning pink at all.

The ambient temperature is a constant 80 degrees, he is much healthier now with the new additions!

"He does not feel too hot to the touch" To the human hand he wont feel Hot, your hand is hotter than your snake is! Man everyone on here is giving you advice as to what needs to be done. How come people ask for advice and then refuse to listen? You need a thermostat on there so it doesnt get to hot for your snake. Please for your snakes sake.....Listen to what people are telling you.

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Originally Posted by Wuattaguan

I use an 8 Watt ReptiTherm UTH from Petsmart. The glue on the underside is gone.

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Those are supposed to be installed on the underside of the tank and controlled with a thermostat, or at least a rheostat/lamp dimmer. They can get up to 120*F and are not designed to get wet like one of the in-tank mats from Big Apple Herps.

If all of the glue is gone you can use clear packing tape to stick it to the glass.

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Originally Posted by ROACH

"He does not feel too hot to the touch" To the human hand he wont feel Hot, your hand is hotter than your snake is! Man everyone on here is giving you advice as to what needs to be done. How come people ask for advice and then refuse to listen? You need a thermostat on there so it doesnt get to hot for your snake. Please for your snakes sake.....Listen to what people are telling you.

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I appreciate your concern, but I do not feel the need to make any changes to the heating mat if my digital thermometer says the surface temperature of the snake's lay is a constant 90.

It has been 2 days and the heating mat's lay temperature remains at 90. Is 90 Degree cardboard hot enough to burn a snake?

I understand my body heat changes the way i perceive temperature on my snake, but my infrared thermometer says his body temperature is at 85 degrees.

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Those are supposed to be installed on the underside of the tank and controlled with a thermostat, or at least a rheostat/lamp dimmer. They can get up to 120*F and are not designed to get wet like one of the in-tank mats from Big Apple Herps.

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I keep the mat under an inch or so of Aspen Bedding,
The mat heats up to 118 degrees
The aspen bedding above it heats up to 95 degrees,
The Cardboard Mat above it heats up to 90 degrees, and has aspen bedding throughout to allow cool spots.

This seems fine to me, is it not? The temperature has been constant

This thread is a duplicate, silly me.

May a moderator please close this thread?
I have an updated one in the Husbandry section.

Thanks!

Snakes like to burrow. BP's in the wild live underground most of the time. At some point he will get down to it.

A thermostat is cheaper than a vet bill.

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Originally Posted by Wuattaguan

I use an 8 Watt ReptiTherm UTH from Petsmart. The glue on the underside is gone.

I keep the UTH under half an inch of Aspen bedding and then a cardboard mat above that. The surface temperature of the snake's lay is around 90-95 degrees. He does not feel too hot to the touch and his scales are not turning pink at all.

The ambient temperature is a constant 80 degrees, he is much healthier now with the new additions!

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Ok, since this snake is currently listed for sale, I have to ask....

Is it a he or a she?

In the ad you say it is eating fine on small/ medium rats but in the threads on here you have said it only just started eating again after a fast and has had only mice.

Can you clarify these points for me please?


dr del

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Originally Posted by dr del

Ok, since this snake is currently listed for sale, I have to ask....

Is it a he or a she?

In the ad you say it is eating fine on small/ medium rats but in the threads on here you have said it only just started eating again after a fast and has had only mice.

Can you clarify these points for me please?


dr del

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Gorgon is a female. She is eating Small/Medium Rats (aprox 6" in size)

She Fasted from January Until April 20th, She has eaten rats twice successfully since then.
Size of rat, except I use F/T from petsmart which are all white.
http://loxahatcheerodents.com/estore...s/ratsmall.gif

To answer your questions you asked... your snake may be roaming because he may just be roaming. Of course it could mean something more but my ball roams a lot, even after 2 years. The fact that your new owner means the snake has recently become a pet of yours, so he's probably also trying to get a lay out of his enclosure and what the heck is going on. My snake hangs out in his water before/during/after shed, it doesn't necessarily mean something bad other than he likes his water. It could mean mites or low humidity, so be careful. Snakes are smart and when they're getting too cold, they'll move. Lastly, yes, he will try to get out and get out. He won't stop but it doesn't mean anything against you. Good luck

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Originally Posted by CrazySnakeLady0

To answer your questions you asked... your snake may be roaming because he may just be roaming. Of course it could mean something more but my ball roams a lot, even after 2 years. The fact that your new owner means the snake has recently become a pet of yours, so he's probably also trying to get a lay out of his enclosure and what the heck is going on. My snake hangs out in his water before/during/after shed, it doesn't necessarily mean something bad other than he likes his water. It could mean mites or low humidity, so be careful. Snakes are smart and when they're getting too cold, they'll move. Lastly, yes, he will try to get out and get out. He won't stop but it doesn't mean anything against you. Good luck

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Thats good to know!

I just upgraded his terrarium yesterday.

1. I now use Aspen Bedding (3/4 Inch Thick, on top of Reptile Carpet)
2. The Ambient Temp is now a constant 80 degrees
3. The humidity is a constant 55%
4. 75-Watt Red Light (Down From 100-Watt) ON 24/7. Room's Temp is average 70 degrees.
5. Placed/Covered the U.T.H. so it will produce a hot spot of 90 degrees

Ever since the changes he has been a lot happier. I can tell because he no longer tries to constantly push up on the screen, and he now roams around only when he needs to change his temperature. Perfect!

However!

I have noticed that when he is disturbed while sleeping, he sometimes lets out a Loud Weez, almost like an R.I. except this is only when he breathes out with strength. He does not do this when he is undisturbed or being handled, he seems to breathe normally then.

Any ideas?

When is say "He", I mean "She".

Sorry bad habit.

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Originally Posted by Wuattaguan

[/SIZE][/COLOR]I have noticed that when he is disturbed while sleeping, he sometimes lets out a Loud Weez, almost like an R.I. except this is only when he breathes out with strength. He does not do this when he is undisturbed or being handled, he seems to breathe normally then.

Any ideas?

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That's a hiss. My little girl lets out a little hiss when I have to take her out/disturb her little home sometimes. Don't worry 😊 sometimes they like to throw hissy fits.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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Originally Posted by AlexisFitzy

That's a hiss. My little girl lets out a little hiss when I have to take her out/disturb her little home sometimes. Don't worry  sometimes they like to throw hissy fits.

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Thanks a lot! I feel so much better now that it's natural

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Originally Posted by Wuattaguan

I keep the mat under an inch or so of Aspen Bedding,
The mat heats up to 118 degrees
The aspen bedding above it heats up to 95 degrees,
The Cardboard Mat above it heats up to 90 degrees, and has aspen bedding throughout to allow cool spots.

This seems fine to me, is it not? The temperature has been constant

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No, that's not fine. 118F is enough to burn your snake, which is what we've all been saying this entire time.
Snakes push aspen aside. An inch is not a lot of bedding, and can easily be pushed out of the way. Constant roaming is usually not a great thing, from what I've heard. Typically - if they are not hungry or in breeding mode - they are TOO HOT. They can get touchy (ergo the hissing) if they are too warm as well. They can hiss without being too warm, but it can add to it.

You asked a question, we all answered pretty much the same. I apologize if it's not what you want to hear, but it's the truth. Thermostat.

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Originally Posted by NH93

No, that's not fine. 118F is enough to burn your snake, which is what we've all been saying this entire time.
Snakes push aspen aside. An inch is not a lot of bedding, and can easily be pushed out of the way. Constant roaming is usually not a great thing, from what I've heard. Typically - if they are not hungry or in breeding mode - they are TOO HOT. They can get touchy (ergo the hissing) if they are too warm as well. They can hiss without being too warm, but it can add to it.

You asked a question, we all answered pretty much the same. I apologize if it's not what you want to hear, but it's the truth. Thermostat.

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Thermostat. I hate to keep saying the same thing but, THERMOSTAT IS A MUST!
Am I reading this correctly?
118 degree thermostat inside the enclosure with cardboard on top and bedding above that?? That is insulating the UTH allowing it to get even hotter than it should.
I have tried this and you should too. Put your UTH sitting out on the table and plug it in. Let it run for say 20 minutes and then check the temp.
Now, wrap it in a towel and do the same thing. It WILL be hotter in the towel.
Oh, and I did allow it to cool back down between testing.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by NH93

No, that's not fine. 118F is enough to burn your snake, which is what we've all been saying this entire time.
Snakes push aspen aside. An inch is not a lot of bedding, and can easily be pushed out of the way. Constant roaming is usually not a great thing, from what I've heard. Typically - if they are not hungry or in breeding mode - they are TOO HOT. They can get touchy (ergo the hissing) if they are too warm as well. They can hiss without being too warm, but it can add to it.

You asked a question, we all answered pretty much the same. I apologize if it's not what you want to hear, but it's the truth. Thermostat.

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I have been observing the temperature for the sake of proving a point,
The cardboard mat is unmovable (Secured with cornerstones), even I could not slide it off the heat mat with my hands.
The cardboard mat that the snake lays on has been on top of the Heat mat for 3 days now, and the temperature
remains at 90 degrees.

The snake now only roams around to switch from her cool hide, to her warm hide, to her basking spot, then back to the cool hide
She hasn't hissed since I asked about it, and I've handled her multiple times.

I am posting this to prove that a Thermostat is not a "100% required life or death" item.
However, I believe improper placement of the mat can of-course lead to burns.

How can you say the lay will eventually heat up to 118 degrees if it hasn't gone over 90 degrees in over 72 hours?

I understand your point from an "on paper" point of view, but from a first hand point of view, Do I really, truly, need to be spending $50 on a thermostat if my home-tests imply one is not needed?

This is about like the thread on "Who uses eater bowls."
Yes your snake can be ok, but factor in the WHAT IF!!!!
No one expects their snake to escape from the enclosure, but it happens.
What if the snake does move the cardboard???

When doing an experiment ive had that same exact UTH burn carpet in my bedroom, not on fire, but it is crispy and black. I'll take a picture later. A dimmer is cheap, and it will get the heat mat to acceptable temperatures.

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Originally Posted by Ridinandreptiles

When doing an experiment ive had that same exact UTH burn carpet in my bedroom, not on fire, but it is crispy and black. I'll take a picture later. A dimmer is cheap, and it will get the heat mat to acceptable temperatures.

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I like the idea of using a dimmer...

I will definitely spend $5 on a dimmer instead of $50 on a thermostat, And I will regulate the temperature using my Infrared thermometer to get it to a more acceptable level.

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Originally Posted by Wuattaguan

I like the idea of using a dimmer...

I will definitely spend $5 on a dimmer instead of $50 on a thermostat, And I will regulate the temperature using my Infrared thermometer to get it to a more acceptable level.

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If you get a dimmer you should be able to remove the cardboard. That's not a good idea to have the UTH on cardboard. If it will cook the carpet what will it do to cardboard?
With the UTH inside your enclosure the only thing you would have to worry about now is your snake urinating on it and shorting it out.

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Originally Posted by Morris Reese

If you get a dimmer you should be able to remove the cardboard. That's not a good idea to have the UTH on cardboard. If it will cook the carpet what will it do to cardboard?
With the UTH inside your enclosure the only thing you would have to worry about now is your snake urinating on it and shorting it out.

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Actually, I use a layer of REPTI-Carpet below my UTH, small amounts of aspen on top, then the cardboard mat above that.

I will actually go ahead and Place the UTH under the Repti-carpet to help even out the heat from the mat.

I have been checking Gorgon daily for burns, but her scales are white, reflective, and no burns to be seen

Dont spend 50$, or possibly dont buy a 15$ dimmer, This is your pets life, you are required to care for it, posting a thread and asking for help only to say your right everyones wrong, No one here is asking you to buy a 300$ herp stat or a Viv electronics. The proportional which are yes expensive, but yo question everyone, and EVEN say yes it hits 118 degrees, next time you eat a meal, plz lay flat on 118degrees, and pretend you need it to digest, do us all a favor either spend 50$ (which is nothing in the reptile world) to 100% care for your snake or give to someone who can properly care. I REALLY want to know who told you how to set up the UTH on the inside, this is just obserd, did they also tell you to place a Ceramic heat emitter inside as well with no thermostat/dimmer?

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Originally Posted by CORBIN911

Dont spend 50$, or possibly dont buy a 15$ dimmer, This is your pets life, you are required to care for it, posting a thread and asking for help only to say your right everyones wrong, No one here is asking you to buy a 300$ herp stat or a Viv electronics. The proportional which are yes expensive, but yo question everyone, and EVEN say yes it hits 118 degrees, next time you eat a meal, plz lay flat on 118degrees, and pretend you need it to digest, do us all a favor either spend 50$ (which is nothing in the reptile world) to 100% care for your snake or give to someone who can properly care.

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I don't understand why you're referring to my UTH posts as defiant.

If you read the entire thread, my primary question was "It may be possible that the lack of a cool hide is to blame, or maybe the hot hide is TOO hot? Its an 8 Watt UTH and when I press on the ground above, its lukewarm."

If you keep reading past that question, you will see that the heat mat issue was fixed.
I am not saying that Users who reply are wrong, I am arguing that, although a popular idea, an 8watt UTH can be regulated to a correct temperature using proper insulation.

I don't take kindly to you suggesting I give away my snake because I fail to buy a thermostat. That is just a very "first world" idea.

At this point, the tank is perfect in terms of temperature, humidity, and UTH heating.
I have accomplished this without a thermostat, that was all I wanted to prove,
Thanks to all the users who's feedback about Gorgon's hides helped me better set up her tank.