Help with getting tank proper

[Red_Herbs]

Hey guys. I recently got a bp off craigslist and need some help. I have a 50 gallon tank, I have a heat pad and a light on the side with the heat pad. I can't seem to get the cold side to ever get above the low 70s. And the thermostat on the hot side will say 80-90 depending on what light I'm trying. ( have a repti-glow, sun glow, and a standard 60 watt)

The thermostat on the hot side is slightly above the ground, above the hide, so I'm not sure if that factors in the heat from the heating pad that's covered by a hide????

I also have a problem with the humidity. With the light on it sucks out the humidity. So it in the 25-30% range on the hot side during the day and 45-55% at night. I'm not sure about the cold side, since there is no hydrometer on that side.

I also have tin foil on the top of 2/3 of the cage to try to keep heat/moisture in.

The snake also has some rough looking eyes that appears to be eye caps. He hadn't eaten for 3 weeks when I got him which was a month ago. He still hasn't eaten. I tried a live rat ( which he was fed before) that I have since gotten rid of. But I think I will switch to frozen since I don't want to keep a rat around in case he doesn't eat it. Also I noticed he whistles when he breathes some times. Respiratory infection???

Anyways that's my list of issues so any help I can get would be great. Ill try to upload some pics of my tank soon and his eyes. Since I'm sure that will help you guys.

[pavlovk1025]

FUnny. there's a guy near by that has the same issues and I've been coaching him through text messages. Big tanks= big problem. For humidity, I know you already have the foil, try using plastic + foil. First layer plastic and then foil on top. Should help a lot. Also get a bigger water bowl.Tanks have heat escape real easy thru the glass so you might want to insulate that as well. Ive heard styrofoam and cardboard used. For eyes, I dont know what's going on but it could be eye caps or dehydration. For eating, it's a 50 gal tank man...that's a lot of stress. More hides, better temps, less handling until settled and you should be ok in no time.

[pavlovk1025]

Oh and sphagnum moss is good too. It's cheap and is reusable, so a bag will last a while. Just moisten it the first time and put it in, and mist it daily or as needed after that.

[Kaorte]

Please please please read the caresheet and stickys, they can answer a lot of your questions

[th3jok3r]

for respiroatory problems try increasing the temp to 95* keep the temp higher and humidity little above normal is your bp ready to shed anytime sooon? make sure u clean the water bowl daily and for a 50 gal u should have alot of trees, shrubs, caves, hides dont leave it too open your BP might stress out

[pavlovk1025]

I totally missed that part. If you think there's an RI, take him to a vet. You should take him anyway to make sure he's in good health.