Heat source

[Salab10]

Alright, I've come to the conclusion that I'm either going to have to use the tub system because they're easier to maintain heat/humidity OR if i want to keep the original tank set-up i have, purchase a lamp for heat source. My room temperature with my tank is about 75 degrees which, as you all know, is too cold. Anybody have any suggestions on which one I should do (forget about appearances, I just want the best for my snake) and if you recommend the lamp, what kind should i get? I have a ten gallon tank with a hot spot on one side

[pigfat]

Right now I'm using infrared but I'm going to be switching to a ceramic heat emitter. I have a large waterbowl where the lamp will go and I've covered half the enclosure. I didn't want to cover too much becasue I want good air circulation. The bulb I got however, does not heat the tank sufficiently and I'm only getting to 79-80 degrees. Thats why I'm switching to a CHE. I have never dropped below 55% humidity so far.

[Skittles1101]

I'm surprised with just a 10 gallon tank and a UTH that it's only getting 75. UTHs can exceed over 130 degrees. How are you reading temps? Are you reading them above or below the substrate?

[Salab10]

I'm surprised with just a 10 gallon tank and a UTH that it's only getting 75. UTHs can exceed over 130 degrees. How are you reading temps? Are you reading them above or below the substrate?

Yes thank you! that's what I've been wondering because everyone says that a UTH can heat a 10 gallon tank just fine, yet that's the ambient temperature of the tank

[Skittles1101]

Okay....75 IMO ambient temp is not that horrible....people may have thought you meant 75 hot spot. What is the temp of the hot spot???

[Salab10]

I probably should invest in a temperature gage with a probe to determine that much but to give a guestimate probably around 85

[Salab10]

I have the Repti500r and that has a probe but i don't get exact readings with that because the dial goes from yellow-red as you probably know

[Skittles1101]

That is your first problem....don't ever guess your temps. You need to know what they are otherwise you are going to have a severely burned snake. I suggest a digital thermometer, or a temp gun. This is the one I use and I live by it. Do you use a thermostat to control the UTH, because I can pretty much guarantee the hot spot is well over 85, and closer to 110. My small zoo med UTH was exceeding 130 without a thermostat....

Edit: Just read about the reptitemp...I ordered that when I first started, set it up, used it for about 1/2 a day before it almost went out the window. I promptly sent it back and got my money back. IMO a real thermostat is well worth the money. I know some people use them without issue but I personally loathed it.

[pigfat]

LGray, I'm using a UTH and have it set on 93 and my ambients are only 75. Thats why I'm using an 15 watt infrared to get mine to 80.

[Skittles1101]

LGray, I'm using a UTH and have it set on 93 and my ambients are only 75. Thats why I'm using an 15 watt infrared to get mine to 80.

UTHs don't affect ambient temps at all...I wasn't saying she didn't need another heat source, I just think she needs to know the temps before she goes out and blows more money and then might not even need it. I only use a heat lamp in the winter for any of my tanks...all other times of the years it's not needed.