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  1. #1
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    Where to take temperature readings

    I got a ball python recently and this is my first snake. I have him in a 40 gallon tank and he seems to be doing great. Eats no problem and is very friendly. I am worried about the temperature however.

    I am using digital thermoeters with the probe. I am not sure where I am suppose to place them to get an accurate reading of the tank.

    I have an Under Tank Heater that runs 24/7. I use a 100 Watt Basking UVA Bulb in the day and a 100 Wat Ceramic Heater at night. I have one side hot and one side cool. When I place the probes I get different readings however.

    On the hot side, during the day when I have the Basking Light on, if I put the probe into the substrate (using cypress mulch), the thermometer reads 105+. When I put the probe under the hide on the hot side however, the temperature is only 80 or so.

    So basically I want to know where in the tank should you meausre the temperature. Any help would be appreicated. Thanks
    Last edited by Alex24; 12-01-2009 at 03:56 PM.

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    BPnet Veteran 2kdime's Avatar
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    Re: Where to take temperature readings

    There should NEVER be ANY spot in the enclosure that gets over 95 degrees

    92 to 94 is recommended

  3. #3
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    Re: Where to take temperature readings

    The spot that is 100+ is the middlde of the UTH and right below the Light. Then I have a hide about 5 inches away from that spot and the temperature is only 80. So I don't want to turn off the basking light because it will make the temperature under the hide even lower.

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    BPnet Veteran 2kdime's Avatar
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    Re: Where to take temperature readings

    Do what it takes man.

    NO spot over 95 degrees.

    Sounds like you need to get yourself a thermostat or two to ensure the health and safety of your new animal.

    From what I remember from keeping Balls is that....

    hot spot is to be 92 to 94
    Cool side 82 to 84
    Last edited by 2kdime; 12-01-2009 at 04:13 PM.

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    Re: Where to take temperature readings

    Even if I get a thermostat, where would be the best place to place the probe in your opinion?

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    Re: Where to take temperature readings

    You never want any place in the enclosure to get over 95.

    So you'd place your thermostat probe right on your heating element and adjust it up and down until you got 92 to 94 on the bottom of your enclosure.

    You then add your substrate and what not.

    Sure it'll be a little cooler, but your animal will burrow down/find his way to the heat if he needs more.

    Basically, you dont want any spot higher than the 95 so that he doesn't get burned.

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    Re: Where to take temperature readings

    Temps guns are more suitable for fast and easy checks in any area within the cage. Its probably best to be aware of the temps in the unheated side of the enclosure, unheated hide, heated hide, & right under your lamps.

    Xavier

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    Re: Where to take temperature readings

    This is going to sound stupid but when I touch the area that is 100+ it doesn't burn or feel that hot to me, do snakes like feel the heat more or anything?

    I would use just the UTH but I tihnk the whole tank will drop to like 80. I guess maybe I just need a smaller watt bulb for the lamp?

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    Re: Where to take temperature readings

    They can get pretty much cooked. Long term exposure to high temperatures can cause neurological issues in them (or so I remember hearing, so I could be wrong).

    But really, never go over 95 degrees.

    A lower wattage lamp would be your best bet, I heat rodents up for my snakes using a 35 watt and back when I used a tank I only used 40 watt bulbs. The issue is you're putting too much energy into a concentrated area, not a good move for your snake's welfare.
    Ball Pythons 1.1 Lesser, Pastel
    1.0 Lesser Pastel, 0.0.7 mixed babies

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    Re: Where to take temperature readings

    Take one probe and put it right on the UTH inside the tank (right on the glass under the substrate). This temperature should always be below 95*F. Shoot for 92-94*F. You absolutely need a reptile thermoSTAT (reptitemp 500r will probably do you well) to safely use a UTH on a tank.

    Take your other probe and put it on top of the substrate by the cool side hide. This is your cool side temperature. It should be between 80-85*F. Don't let this temp drop below 75*F.

    I really doubt you need the bulb if you said the temp goes to 80* without it. 80* ambient temp is just fine.
    ~Steffe

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