Have you had this problem

[redcharger]

I am having a hard time getting consistent temp. in 2 40 gallon terrariums I have the probes on the glass now and if I set the temp. to 90 degrees on the glass and then put coconut chips substrate 1" to 1.5" inches deep the temperature on top of the of that surface is 78 to 80 degrees and that's not warm enough. I have to use the temperature calibration setting of 13 degrees calibrate to run temp. 90 degrees on top of the substrate.(that is not consistent either) I also have a infrared heat lamp at the other end of the tank to warm the air temp. up to the low to mid 80"s What does everybody think about using a heat lamps for Snakes?

[KMG]

You have the tstat set up wrong.

1. Probes go outside.

This way the snake can not pee on it or move it and make the uth run away hot. The probe should be either between the uth and the tank bottom, on the outside, or under the uth, which is under the tank, on the outside.

2. Substrate is way to thick.

The substrate should be no more than 1/4 inch thick over the uth. Making it deep can insulate the uth making it store heat and burn the snake or will make the snake borrow down to the uth which is running much to hot to make it 90 degrees on top of 1.5 inches of substrate and again born the snake.

3. The temp calibration is to adjust the read temp of the probe, if it is incorrect.

[redcharger]

I Have been told to put the probe on the surface that the snake can come in contact with , and the information I have read or videos I have watched on setting up your snakes habitat says to use 1" to 1.5" depth of the substrate. What Kind of substrate do you use that you can leave 1/4" deep?

[PitOnTheProwl]

That's because you need to monitor the hottest surface your animal can touch...... UNDER THE SUBSTRATE.



Your snake can and will burrow though you are using way too much substrate too.
At your settings IF you snake burrows now its a guaranteed burn. I already have dealt with several rescues from people that "didnt know" or for a better term......ignorant.

[KMG]

I Have been told to put the probe on the surface that the snake can come in contact with , and the information I have read or videos I have watched on setting up your snakes habitat says to use 1" to 1.5" depth of the substrate. What Kind of substrate do you use that you can leave 1/4" deep?

Either the people and videos got watched were wrong or you misunderstood.

A THERMOMETER probe goes on top of the hotspot INSIDE the cage.

A THERMOSTAT probe goes OUTSIDE the cage.


I use cypress mulch but any will work. Everyone of my cages with substrate have a thick layer...... Except over the hotspot.