Measuring Temperature

[KahleenB]

My pythons cage is all set up and the humidity is exactly where it should be. But I am having some issues with temperature and where to measure it.

I am measuring the temperature for the cool side about a quarter of the way from the wall and it sits a 76-78.
But if I go all the way to the end of the terrarium it gets down to about 69-70 no matter how I heat it.

My main question is where do I measure the temperatures? I know I measure at belly height but where in the terrarium do I take the coolside and the warmside temps.

Also measuring the temperature on top of the large rock we have (In case he crawls up there) if its warmer then 95 should I be concerned?

If it helps I have a probe that takes humidity as well as temperature. It was around $45.00 so its very accurate.

Thank you

[BCS]

Pretend you cut your enclosure in three equal parts. So if you have a 3ft long enclosure each part would be 1ft. Pretend the left section is your cool spot and the right section is your hot spot. The middle portion is the "mixing" spot. Take the cool spot and measure it right in the center and do the same for the hot spot. The mixing spot will be cooler then the hot spot but warmer then the cool spot, so that section you do not have to worry about measuring. You should measure the centers of each portion (this is also a good marker for where your hides should go).

[KahleenB]

Perfect. Both of his hides are on that 1/3 mark. And the temperatures are where they should be! Should I be worried about it being lower closer to the glass? Or just I just worry about the 1/3 marks?

[KahleenB]

And should I worry about measuring the temps on the rocks and the hides (because they are gonna be a lot warmer because they are closer to the heat source)
Thank you for your reply

[BCS]

And should I worry about measuring the temps on the rocks and the hides (because they are gonna be a lot warmer because they are closer to the heat source)
Thank you for your reply

Well it depends. If you are using a heat lamp, then most likely. I honestly do not know as I use snake racks with back heat. Most of my snakes do not use hides and when they do (for shyer snakes who have eating issues) they are PVC plastic hides that do not get hot. Maybe monitor it for while and see if there is a difference but I highly doubt it will be too much of a concern.

[nightrainfalls]

And should I worry about measuring the temps on the rocks and the hides (because they are gonna be a lot warmer because they are closer to the heat source)
Thank you for your reply

We do not know the answer unless we know how you heat your tank. Remember your snake will always act as an insulator. If insulation increases temp then 95 degrees is dangerous. If insulation cools temps it is fine.


For example if you use a lamp, and the snake cannot press up against the lamp then if an object is 95 degrees and the snake gets on it, the snake will block the light and the lack of radiant heat will cool the area before the snake is burnt. If the rock is heated by a UTH then the rock will actually get hotter if the snake lays on it, since snake will act as a insulator. A 95 degree spot could become a 110 degree spot in a hurry. This would be catastrophic. I use a heat gun to check surface temps, and never let anything get above 90 degrees. If you have a UTH make sure it is on a thermostat.

David