Help: Uth isn't being nice

[lepidunce]

I just got a temp gun and pinged the substrate right above the uth. It measured to be 110 degrees so I clicked it off, pulled out the little heat lamp, and am using that in the mean time. I bought a light dimmer, but it won't work with the uth. Idk why, I would guess a grounding issue? Anyway, I am thinking about quick fixes while the thermostat (hygrotherm, two birds one stone) comes, since he's shedding, humidity is going to be a problem. Any help?

[JLC]

The heat lamp should be fine until the t-stat arrives. In the meantime, some ideas for raising the humidity levels:

-- spritz the enclosure with water frequently
-- Put some wet paper towels in the corners and change daily
-- use a moisture-holding substrate like cypress mulch or coconut husk
-- put a wet (not dripping wet) sponge inside the warm hide...refresh and clean as needed

Once the snake has shed, I would not leave any wet items in the enclosure, as they can grow some nasty bacteria. But a few days to help with shedding is fine.

[lepidunce]

Thanks, JLC. I'm having to mist the tank every two hours or so, so I will try a damp paper towel here and there. Maybe cover a chunk of the screen top with a wet towel? Would that do anything? I've tried it with a dry towel, but if anything that sucked out more humidity....

[Kaorte]

Are you sure you are flipping the dimmer the right way? Test it on a light bulb first (not a CFL).

[lepidunce]

Well, I found the problem with the mat. It burned itself out. I talked to the pet store I bought it from and apparently its happening to the zilla mats alot right now. Tomorrow, I get a new mat from a different brand, free of charge. Humidity and temps are stable right now, damp towel on the screen works amazingly well. And the rheostat is working perfectly. Decided I didn't want to mess up again and labeled the sides.